Alexandra Rucinski
Glen Ellyn,IL
Summary
Compassionate and student-centered professional with 10 years of experience supporting children in diverse educational and community environments. Skilled in advocacy, social-emotional support, and fostering inclusive spaces that promote student well-being and success. Eager to leverage counseling training and hands-on experience to make a meaningful impact in any school setting.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
School Counseling Intern
Naperville School District 203
Naperville, IL
08.2025 - Current
- Provided support to high school and middle school students by facilitating individual and group counseling sessions to address academic and personal challenges
- Assisted in the creation of individualized education plans (IEPs), intervention plans, and behavior strategies for students with needs
- Analyzed data trends to inform and optimize program planning processes during internship period
- Conducted classroom guidance lessons on topics such as conflict resolution, study skills, and emotional regulation
- Supported crisis intervention and referral processes for students in need of additional services
- Executed tasks efficiently in dynamic settings to support team objectives
- Collaborated with teachers, other stakeholders to identify student needs and provide appropriate resources
Paraprofessional
Kennedy Junior High School
Lisle, IL
01.2024 - 06.2025
- Supported Special Education classes grade 6th-8th graders.
- Created the ability to interact with verbal and nonverbal communication with students.
- Skilled at being flexible with any new adjustments in the workplace.
- Maintained a positive attitude with students' assignments and different learning developments.
- Managed my own emotions with patience and gentleness for each child I am supporting.
- Communicated with students and teachers about what I have identified in a specific situation.
- Collaborated with educators to develop and maintain effective classroom management strategies.
Case Manager CWS
Camelot Care Centers
Itasca, IL
12.2022 - 12.2023
- Engaged with families and children who are within DCFS care.
- Established meetings with families, DCFS workers, hospitals; clinical team at Camelot.
- Attended court hearings, Administration Case Reviews (ACR), IEP meetings, evaluations, and hospitalizations.
- Developed case notes, visitation plans, court reports, DCFS forms and referrals.
- Managed parent/child visits, sibling visits, visits to foster homes, visits in hospitals.
- Facilitated communication between clients, families, and service providers to enhance support networks.
DCFS Intern
Department of Children & Family Services
Aurora, Elgin, Geneva, IL
04.2022 - 06.2022
- Observed three divisions within DCFS workers such as Investigators, Intact, and Placement workers.
- Viewed assessments and documents in various cases.
- Communicated with families and individuals that are involved with DCFS, sometimes other organizations.
- Adapted fast decision making within situations that have occurred.
- Witnessed Forensic Interviewing; spoke with detectives and investigators to figure out solutions.
- Prepared case studies for workers.
Program Leader
Boys & Girls Club
Streamwood, Elgin, IL
05.2021 - 12.2021
- Coordinated preparation of class activities and supplies to ensure readiness for the upcoming summer school year.
- Motivated students aged 14–17 to prioritize class completion and college readiness before graduation.
- Collaborated with 5th and 6th graders and high school students to enhance their educational experience.
- Assessed individual needs of children from difficult backgrounds and implemented supportive measures to promote their well-being.
Intern
The National Alliance of Mental Illness
Wheaton, IL
10.2020 - 11.2021
- Assisted in any support for the organization’s events for two years.
- Supported social workers in conducting assessments and developing service plans for families.
- Offered to find resources to residents around the facility.
- Learned how to collaborate with other interns to oversee ideas between social and recreational activities.
Camp & Sports Counselor
YMCA Campanelli
Roselle, IL
06.2017 - 10.2019
- Organized activities for every age group that was assigned to me.
- Interacted with ages between 5 years old to 12-year-old, each day was a different scenario.
- Created an atmosphere where every student becomes comfortable in opening to me with whatever is on their mind.
- Assisted students with their homework and then helped them shift to a physical activity right after they all finished.
Education
Master of Science - Counseling/School Counseling
National Louis University
Lisle, IL06-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services
National Louis University
Chicago, IL06-2022
Associate of Applied Science - Human Services Generalist
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL05-2021
Associate of Arts - General Education
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL05-2019
Skills
- DCFS VTC: Working with Specialized children within the foster system
- January 2023- January 2024
- Career exploration
- Student advocacy
- Special education support
- Social-emotional learning
- Multicultural competence
- Academic support
Timeline
School Counseling Intern
Naperville School District 203
08.2025 - Current
Paraprofessional
Kennedy Junior High School
01.2024 - 06.2025
Case Manager CWS
Camelot Care Centers
12.2022 - 12.2023
DCFS Intern
Department of Children & Family Services
04.2022 - 06.2022
Program Leader
Boys & Girls Club
05.2021 - 12.2021
Intern
The National Alliance of Mental Illness
10.2020 - 11.2021
Camp & Sports Counselor
YMCA Campanelli
06.2017 - 10.2019
Master of Science - Counseling/School Counseling
National Louis University
Bachelor of Arts - Human Services
National Louis University
Associate of Applied Science - Human Services Generalist
College of DuPage
Associate of Arts - General Education
College of DuPage