Brandon Alfred
Baldwin
Summary
Experienced educator and licensed mental health therapist with over 20 years of dedicated service to the broader Department of Education community. Proven track record in counseling, behavioral support, and crisis intervention, with a particular passion for guiding students through meaningful post-secondary pathways. Skilled in delivering individualized college and career planning, aligning student strengths, interests, and goals with appropriate educational and vocational opportunities. Adept at building strong, collaborative relationships with schools, families, and community partners to ensure a supportive network for student success beyond high school. Trained in the strategic use of data to enhance Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), with targeted efforts to improve student attendance, academic achievement, behavioral outcomes, and post-secondary readiness. Committed to equity and access, and deeply invested in helping every student develop a clear, achievable plan for their future.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Guidance Counselor
NYC Department of Education
09.2024 - Current
- Facilitated individual counseling sessions to support students' academic and emotional development.
- Implemented school-wide programs promoting social-emotional learning and conflict resolution skills.
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to develop individualized education plans for at-risk students.
- Conducted assessments to identify student needs, ensuring appropriate resources and interventions were provided.
- Organized workshops focused on college readiness, career exploration, and personal development for upper-grade students.
- Analyzed student data to identify trends, informing program adjustments and improving overall student outcomes.
- Advisor for My Brother's Keeper. Mentoring over 20 boys centered around peer accountability
- Managed caseloads efficiently while maintaining accurate records of all counseling sessions and interventions provided.
- Provided support to families by connecting them with relevant resources and guiding them through the college application process.
- Provided individualized college and career counseling to over 50 students annually, supporting them in identifying and pursuing post-secondary goals aligned with their interests, strengths, and academic performance.
- Supported first-generation and underrepresented students with tailored advising and mentorship to ensure equitable access to post-secondary options.
- Facilitated college application and financial aid workshops for students and families, including FAFSA completion, scholarship searches, and understanding award letters.
- PSAL boys basketball coach
- Offered crisis intervention support for students experiencing emotional distress or other personal challenges.
- Facilitated college and career classroom workshops
Certified Mental Health Counselor
Free Your Minds Services, Baldwin, NY
06.2017 - Current
- - Assessed and treated patients needing individual, couple, or family therapy.
- - Implemented treatment plans and monitored behavior to ensure consistency with individual treatment plans.
- - Formulated diagnostic assessments using DSM V format and provided direct clinical services including individual, couples, and group psychotherapy.
Behavior Specialist
New York City Department of Education
09.2022 - 06.2024
- - Collaborated with administration to develop plans for Tier 1 interventions and social-emotional learning practices.
- - Conducted Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training for districts in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
- - Facilitated professional learning opportunities for educators during their professional development time.
- - Led community building circles training.
Guidance Counselor
PS 327 Elementary School, New York City Department of Education
09.2018 - 06.2022
- - Provided mandated counseling for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- - Offered crisis counseling for students experiencing personal or family trauma.
- - Facilitated PBIS meetings and chaired the attendance team meetings.
- - Created student-led mindful meditation groups and facilitated restorative groups for students and staff.
- - Assisted families with middle school selection and implemented an online behavioral referral system for staff.
Guidance Counselor
Queens Academy (Transfer High School), New York City Department of Education
09.2015 - 05.2018
- - Assisted administration with designing and implementing the school’s master schedule and formulated individual student programs.
- - Provided mandated counseling for special education students and conducted weekly case conferences with teachers, students, and parents.
- - Tracked and monitored student attendance and conducted planning interviews.
- - Collaborated with "College Access" to provide college-ready students with customized information and assistance throughout the college application process.
Education
Master of Science in Education - School Counseling
Alfred University
Alfred, New York05.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
College of New Rochelle
05.2012
Skills
- Multicultural competence
- Learning strategies
- Individual counseling
- Behavioral analysis
Accomplishments
- Authored a highly successful peer-mentorship program to partner international and American students which fostered cultural awareness, competency, and greater appreciation of diversity.
- Redesigned the school counseling crisis team protocols standards while aligning school objectives and initiatives.
- Counseled 51 high school students in college exploration and career planning to successfully matriculate 90% in higher-education enrollment.
Certification
- - New York State Guidance Certification - 2015-06
- - Dignity For All Students Act - 2014-12
- - Therapeutic Crisis Intervention for Schools Trainer – 2023-11
- - Certified CTLE workshop developer/facilitator
- - Mental Health First Aid Certification - 2017-05
- - AED/CPR and First Aid Certified
Affiliations
- American School Counseling Association (ASCA)
Timeline
Guidance Counselor
NYC Department of Education
09.2024 - Current
Behavior Specialist
New York City Department of Education
09.2022 - 06.2024
Guidance Counselor
PS 327 Elementary School, New York City Department of Education
09.2018 - 06.2022
Certified Mental Health Counselor
Free Your Minds Services, Baldwin, NY
06.2017 - Current
Guidance Counselor
Queens Academy (Transfer High School), New York City Department of Education
09.2015 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
College of New Rochelle
Master of Science in Education - School Counseling
Alfred University
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