Amanda Matthews
Benton,AR
Summary
Impact-driven elementary school counselor supporting over 450+ students through ASCA-aligned whole-group lessons and initiatives like Mental Health Awareness, Anti-Bullying, and Mindful Monday. Directly served 25% of students via small groups, individual sessions, CICO, and crisis support. Lead AVID College & Career events, chair the Green Team, and collaborate on RTI, PBIS, and family engagement. I help scholars grow in regulation and resilience—one skill, one high-five, and one encouraging word at a time.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary School Counselor
Pulaski County School District
North Little Rock, Maumelle, And Sherwood, AR
08.2022 - Current
- Design, implement, and assess a comprehensive school counseling program for over 450 K-5 students, aligned to national ASCA standards that is data-driven and student-centered
- Create materials to promote the school counseling program, and to help students with executive functioning skills
- Facilitate small groups per data collected from PBIS referrals, observations, interviews, and needs assessments
- Assist with 504 plan and other meetings to advocate for students as part of the interdisciplinary team
- Collaborate with parents, administration, staff, students, and other professionals to create plans for student growth
- Sponsor the recycling program, meeting with students weekly for collection duties, periodic morning announcements, and school-wide activities for Earth Day
- Consult with teachers to apply strategies addressing students' academic, social, and emotional challenges in the classroom
- Coordinate services between teachers, administrators, families, outside agencies, and community resources
- Lead the AVID College and Career Committee, planning three live events for students, as well as presentations and curating resources for the classroom
Career Coach-owner
Spark Career Services
Arkadelphia and Hot Springs, AR
07.2021 - 07.2022
- Established positive relationships with student clients
- Guided the discovery process for the four domains of personality, career needs, work requirements, and personal culture
- Focused on exploration and decision-making to build confidence and reduce stress associated with major decisions
- Followed up with clients afterward to check status of their progress
- Assisted clients in creating professional materials such as resumes, cover letters, and portfolio pieces
- Promoted the program in the community and through word-of-mouth marketing
Freelance Professional
Revive Services
Arkadelphia, AR
11.2018 - 03.2022
- Created and revised websites and managed social media posts
- Photographed events
- Designed newsletters and implemented email campaigns
- Created slogans and logos
Qualified Behavioral Health Professional
Life Strategies Counseling
Hot Springs, AR
07.2020 - 07.2021
- Established good rapport with clients
- Provided interventions to reinforce and practice the goals per the counselor
- Observed and reported on clients' behavior
- Promptly submitted accurate documentation
- Communicated clearly with clients, counselor, community, and staff
- Obtained essential information
- Collaborated with other service providers to ensure continuity of care for clients
- Informed clients on community resources to help meet their needs
- Provided direct service and client support following the therapist's treatment plan
- Researched and implemented strategies to support the treatment plan
- Maintain accurate records and documentation
Entry Level Tax Professional
Berry Law and Accounting
Arkadelphia, AR
05.2014 - 05.2015
- Prepared federal and state tax returns per information from client interviews
- Researched tax code and obtain professional development
- Provided effective customer service and general office support
Field Compliance Tax Investigator
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
Little Rock, AR
09.2005 - 08.2013
- Supported more than 600 Arkansas businesses with excise and withholding tax compliance
- Delivered and explained legal documents to business owners or their agents
- Controlled confidential tax and personal information
- Provided business owners with technical assistance for tax reporting and registration
- Communicated and collaborated with additional state agencies and the public to complete investigations
- Monitored new employees in the field and provided performance feedback
Education
MSE - School Counseling
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR12.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Business Admin.- Accunting Minor Psychology
Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, AR12.2014
Skills
- Counseling techniques
- Crisis intervention
- Collaboration skills
- Communication
- Conflict resolution
- Content and resource creation
- Data analysis
- Event coordination
- Family engagement
- Group facilitation
- In-Service Training
- Parent Workshops
- Program and project development
- Public speaking
- Student advocacy
Affiliations
2022-Present First United Methodist Church-Benton
- Backup teacher for small group for elementary school children
- Assist with Vacation Bible School
2014-2021-Kiwanis of Clark County, Member-former President-Elect
- Supported planning and promoting fundraising events
- Reading initiative at elementary school
2010-2020 First Presbyterian Church Arkadelphia
- Christian Education and Outreach Committee member-former secretary, and former president
- Coordinated events-Christmas program, Easter Hunt, and Vacation Bible School
- Established and lead Youth Service Program
Timeline
Elementary School Counselor
Pulaski County School District
08.2022 - Current
Career Coach-owner
Spark Career Services
07.2021 - 07.2022
Qualified Behavioral Health Professional
Life Strategies Counseling
07.2020 - 07.2021
Freelance Professional
Revive Services
11.2018 - 03.2022
Entry Level Tax Professional
Berry Law and Accounting
05.2014 - 05.2015
Field Compliance Tax Investigator
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
09.2005 - 08.2013
MSE - School Counseling
Henderson State University
Bachelor of Arts - Business Admin.- Accunting Minor Psychology
Henderson State University
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