Angela M. Dillon
Dubuque,Iowa
Summary
Compassionate student advocate with extensive experience in IEP/504 management and post-secondary advising. Seeking to utilize my background in academic counseling and mental health, including specialized Brainspotting and therapy dog coordination, to support students working with disabilities at the Lynch Learning Center, Loras College.
A dedicated advocate for student success with 20 years of experience in counseling, academic advising, and disability support. I specialize in bridging the gap between a student’s potential and their academic reality by creating customized support systems. Whether it’s managing 504 plans, designing "bite-sized" career portfolios, or establishing the first Brain Health Retreat Room at my current school, my goal is always to make the academic environment more accessible, human, and manageable. I am eager to bring this passion for individualized student growth to the Lynch Learning Center at Loras College.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
High School Counselor, Therapy Dog Handler, Brain Health Liaison
Southwestern Wisconsin High School
Hazel Green, Wisconsin
08.2017 - Current
- School Counselor students, in a building with students in grades 6-12
- Developed curriculum for students with academic and career planning
- 504 Coordinator developed and implemented with staff to promote needed supports for students
- Developed and deliver classroom lessons related to career, academic, and Brain Hhealth
- Communicated with parents and students to promote academic and social growth
- Organized college visits and workplace tours
- Worked to support at-risk students to meet graduation requirements
- Organized financial aid information for students and parents
- Coordinate scholarship opportunities for students
- Coordinate and administered state testing (ACT, Aspire, and Workkeys)
- Delivered and Designed Social Emotional Learning Lessons
- Developed a school Therapy Dog program at Southwestern Sool District
- Worked to support mental health needs by establishing the Brain Health Retreat Room through Brain Health Now
Middle School Counselor
Monticello Middle School
Monticello, Iowa
08.2006 - 08.2017
- Professional School Counselor for approximately 370 students
- Implemented and developed classroom guidance lessons
- Conduct small group/individual counseling
- Consult with AEA staff and coordinate IEP services
- Attended IEP meetings as the LEA for the School District
- Primary Coordinator to develop and support staff to implement 504 plans for students with disabilities
- Provide staff training for professional development related to 504 and IEP implementation
- Consult with parents, school staff, and AEA staff regarding the social, emotional, and academic needs of students
- Assist in developing intervention plans for at-risk students
- Facilitate Child Study Team meetings at all grade levels
- Coordinate and facilitate state testing.
Case Manager
Gannon Center for Community Mental Health
Dubuque, Iowa
11.2004 - 11.2005
School-Based Counselor
Substance Abuse Service Center
Dubuque, Iowa
08.2000 - 11.2004
Education
M.S. - Education School Counseling
University of Wisconsin, Platteville
Wisconsin05-2006
B.A. - Psychology
University of Dubuque
Dubuque, Iowa05-2000
Skills
- Brainspotting Trained (2025): Skilled in specialized techniques to help students process anxiety and performance hurdles
- Disability Documentation: Proficient in reviewing psychological and diagnostic testing to determine appropriate academic accommodations
- Technology & Data: Expert in PowerSchool, Xello, and data management to track student retention and success milestones
- Mission-Driven: Deeply rooted in the Dubuque community with a personal commitment to the values of service and community found in the Loras mission
Accomplishments
Youth Apprenicship
Affiliations
- Member, Wisconsin School Counselor Association
- Positive Behavior Intervention Support Team Internal Coach
- Student Services Team for District
- Building Leadership Team Member
- Check & Connect Coordinator
Timeline
High School Counselor, Therapy Dog Handler, Brain Health Liaison
Southwestern Wisconsin High School
08.2017 - Current
Middle School Counselor
Monticello Middle School
08.2006 - 08.2017
Case Manager
Gannon Center for Community Mental Health
11.2004 - 11.2005
School-Based Counselor
Substance Abuse Service Center
08.2000 - 11.2004
B.A. - Psychology
University of Dubuque
M.S. - Education School Counseling
University of Wisconsin, Platteville
PRIOR EXPERIENCE & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Case Manager, Gannon Center for Community Mental Health (Dubuque, IA)
- School-Based Counselor, Substance Abuse Service Center (Dubuque, IA)
- Member, Wisconsin School Counselor Association
- Internal Coach, Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) Team