Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languagesanditskills
Hiking, painting, writing, community involvement, animal care, gardening, and leading creative works
Languages
Work Availability
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Agata Phillips

Social Worker, Coach, Art-therapist
Ependes FR
Agata Phillips

Summary

Personal Development and Coaching Professional

Dedicated leader with extensive experience in psychosocial support, project management, and training, transitioning into professional coaching and counseling. Passionate about inspiring personal growth and fostering resilience through innovative strategies and empathetic guidance.

Throughout my successful career in the psychosocial field, I have designed and led impactful projects that empower individuals and promote autonomy. My Ph.D. Research at the University of Tampere, conducted in English, and my current work supporting refugees from diverse backgrounds have equipped me with multicultural sensitivity and strong communication skills. I am driven by agile, compassionate leadership and committed to helping individuals reach their full potential through strategic coaching and personal development.

I am an experienced team leader with strong organizational skills and interpersonal abilities, eager to secure a Personal Development and Coaching position to contribute to individual and team success. Known for adaptability, creativity, and a proactive, results-oriented approach to challenges, I have a proven history of directing workgroups, developing strategies, providing training, setting goals, and integrating team feedback. I am recognized for articulating and achieving objectives, demonstrating a commitment to advancing organizational success.

Overview

20
years of professional experience
12
years of post-secondary education
6
Certifications
5
Languages

Work History

Caritas Switzerland
Fribourg

Co-Head of Welfare Service
6 2022 - Current

Job overview

  • Led welfare service operations with a focus on cooperation and collaboration
  • Guided team management of 20 social workers, ensuring professional development and alignment with best practices
  • Applied migration and social policy expertise to improve service delivery for over 2000 refugees

IPT
Fribourg

Art Therapist, Trainer, and Coach
01.2017 - Current

Job overview

  • Facilitated workshops and coaching sessions, guiding personal and professional development for over 100 persons
  • Conducted creative expression sessions for trauma recovery and personal transformation
  • Utilized art therapy techniques to inspire reinvention and resilience

Caritas Switzerland
Fribourg

Preschool Integration Project Coordinator
01.2017 - Current

Job overview

  • Led projects focused on early childhood integration and development for over 200 children
  • Designed and implemented creative, supportive strategies for children’s growth

Caritas Switzerland
Fribourg

Team Leader
06.2017 - 06.2022

Job overview

  • Managed and mentored teams of over 20 social workers, facilitating career development and individual support
  • Implemented conflict prevention strategies to maintain harmonious work environment
  • Coordinated tasks and provided strategic leadership for project execution

Caritas Switzerland
Fribourg

Social Worker
06.2010 - 05.2017

Job overview

  • Provided psychosocial support and follow-up for diverse populations
  • Delivered tailored assistance to vulnerable individuals, supporting their reintegration and growth
  • Managed over 70 family cases concurrently, providing comprehensive support to families from diverse cultural and national backgrounds.

Education

HETSL
Lausanne, Switzerland

DAS from Art Therapy
01.2018 - 09.2021

University of Fribourg
Fribourg, Switzerland

Master’s from Social Work and Social Policy
09.2007 - 09.2010

University of Lodz
Poland

Master of Arts from Philosophy
09.1991 - 06.1996

University of Tampere
Tampere, Finland

Ph.D. from Gender Studies, Intercultural Communication
09.1999 - 06.2000

Skills

Leadership and team development

Certification

Advanced Managerial Skills, 2023

Languagesanditskills

Fluent in English, Fluent in French, Fluent in Polish (mother tongue), Fluent in Russian, Basic understanding of German, Proficient in Microsoft Office, Power BI, SharePoint, Jira, l'IA, and other relevant tools

Hiking, painting, writing, community involvement, animal care, gardening, and leading creative works

I am an enthusiastic and multifaceted individual with diverse interests that enrich my personal and professional life. An avid hiker, I frequently explore nature trails and mountain paths, appreciating both the physical challenge and the mental clarity that comes from connecting with the outdoors. As a highly creative person, I enjoy using oil painting techniques to express emotion, and I love writing everything from short stories and poetry to articles and essays. I am actively involved in community projects and events related to the cultural and artistic events.  Caring for animals has been a longstanding passion. I have three dogs who are supported by canine trainings and fours cats. I love nature and maintain a personal garden. Gardening has taught me patience, perseverance, and the importance of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

I have led various creative projects that allowed me to develop strong project management skills, inspire others, and bring diverse ideas together to create cohesive and impactful works.

Each of these activities has not only enriched my personal life but has also equipped me with transferable skills such as leadership, creativity, resilience, and effective communication.

Languages

English
Advanced (C1)
Polish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Russian
Intermediate (B1)
German
Elementary (A2)
Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline

HETSL

DAS from Art Therapy
01.2018 - 09.2021

Team Leader

Caritas Switzerland
06.2017 - 06.2022

Art Therapist, Trainer, and Coach

IPT
01.2017 - Current

Preschool Integration Project Coordinator

Caritas Switzerland
01.2017 - Current

Social Worker

Caritas Switzerland
06.2010 - 05.2017

University of Fribourg

Master’s from Social Work and Social Policy
09.2007 - 09.2010

University of Tampere

Ph.D. from Gender Studies, Intercultural Communication
09.1999 - 06.2000

University of Lodz

Master of Arts from Philosophy
09.1991 - 06.1996

Co-Head of Welfare Service

Caritas Switzerland
6 2022 - Current
Agata PhillipsSocial Worker, Coach, Art-therapist