Amber Sidwell
1434 Drayton Avenue, Webster Groves,MO
Summary
Experienced educator with a passion for helping students, families, and school teams. Talented in relationship-building, collaboration, and advocacy. Sensitive to socioeconomic and cultural differences. Possesses excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
School Counselor
Tillman Elementary-Kirkwood School District
Kirkwood, MO
07.2015 - 07.2023
- Responsible for social-emotional education and support of 500 students in a fast-paced environment
- Developed successful school counseling program that met social/emotional/behavioral needs of all students
- Collaborated with parents, school faculty, and social workers on daily basis to address problems and grow student success while maintaining positive relationships
- Coordinated with outside agencies to secure resources for students and families, including safe, affordable housing to help prevent homelessness, mental health support, utility payments, groceries, etc
- Frequently reviewed and assessed data to monitor effectiveness of interventions and recommended solutions for improvement
- Developed, implemented, and monitored academic and behavior plans for highest-needs students. Provided feedback and made recommendations to all plan stakeholders
- Provided frequent crisis intervention to students and families by utilizing an empathetic, calm demeanor that built strong relationships and aided in successful growth for students
PREP Teacher/Counselor
Premier Charter School
St. Louis, MO
08.2012 - 07.2015
- In charge of implementing alternative learning program for middle school students which included high-level academic and social-emotional support
- Supported students in meeting their academic and social-emotional goals through extensive relationship building, organization, communication, and goal setting
- Developed a wrap-around system of support by working cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach their individual goals
Childcare Provider
Owner
St. Louis, MO
06.2008 - 08.2012
- Operated full-time in-home daycare for six children ranging in age from newborn to age six
- Responsible for implementing early childhood activities and daily routine while maintaining a loving, structured environment
- Maintained excellent communication and relationships with families through a child-focused, team approach
School Counselor
North Kirkwood Middle-Kirkwood School District
Kirkwood, MO
08.2005 - 06.2008
- Responsible for supporting educational goals and social/emotional needs of 300 students. Demonstrated ability to meet the needs of diverse population of students from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds
- Created and implemented individual plans for students by utilizing a student-centered team approach to intervention that involved intense problem-solving and communication
- Frequently analyzed data to monitor student's progress and recommend solutions for improvement
- Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, relying on existing trust and rapport to de-escalate stressful situations
- Collaborated with families in need of support outside of school setting by providing referrals to community resources
Social Services Worker
State Of Missouri Children's Division
St. Louis, MO
09.2003 - 08.2005
- Utilized a strength-based approach to remedy child abuse and neglect with intact families. Provided ongoing assessment and case management to assist these families in problem-solving daily life issues that continued to put children at risk
- Collaborated with community resources to provide stabilization resources to parents whose goal is reunification. Resources included mental health support, housing, medical care, and employment
- Partnered with St. Louis County Family Court to establish permanency and stabilization for abused and neglected children in alternative care
- Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients
Education
Master of Arts - School Counseling
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO12.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO05.2000
Skills
- Strength-based problem-solving
- Social/Emotional/Behavioral support
- Trauma-informed care
- Crisis intervention
- Diverse student populations
- Verbal & written communication
- 504 plans
Timeline
School Counselor
Tillman Elementary-Kirkwood School District
07.2015 - 07.2023
PREP Teacher/Counselor
Premier Charter School
08.2012 - 07.2015
Childcare Provider
Owner
06.2008 - 08.2012
School Counselor
North Kirkwood Middle-Kirkwood School District
08.2005 - 06.2008
Social Services Worker
State Of Missouri Children's Division
09.2003 - 08.2005
Master of Arts - School Counseling
Lindenwood University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Missouri-Columbia