Brenda Lyons
Washington Township,NJ
Summary
Accessible and compassionate High School Counselor with 32+ years of experience providing guidance to students regarding academic achievement, social behavior and mental and physical health. Skilled in natural leadership to motivate and inspire students to work hard and reach their fullest potential along with thorough knowledge of the educational procedures and techniques required for assessing academic and sociological needs of students.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Maternity Leave Replacement School Counselor
Pascack Valley Regional School District
Hillsdale, New Jersey
11.2024 - 04.2025
- Provided academic and emotional support to students in a high school setting.
- Facilitated individual counseling sessions to address student concerns and goals.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop student intervention strategies and support plans.
- Scheduled and completed Junior Colleges Planning meetings for all 11th grade students on counselor’s case load.
- Met with students (grades 9-11) to discuss course selections for the 2025-26 school year.
Jr./Sr. High School Counselor
Westwood Regional Board of Education
Washington Township, NJ
09.2000 - 07.2023
- Counseled students on academic, career and college planning options.
- Assisted in developing and implementing student intervention plans.
- Provided individual and group counseling to support student success.
- Organized workshops for parents regarding college application processes.
- Collaborated with teachers to identify at-risk students who require additional support.
- Developed relationships with colleges, universities and employers to provide resources for students.
- Advised students on course selection, graduation requirements and post-secondary opportunities.
- Facilitated small group meetings to discuss social and emotional issues affecting the student body.
- Monitored student progress through review of transcripts, test scores and attendance records.
Seventh and Eighth Grade Special Education Teacher
Westwood Regional Board of Education
Washington Township, NJ
09.1991 - 06.2000
- Provided instruction in academic, communication, and social skills to special education students.
- Conducted assessments of student performance and provided feedback to parents.
- Collaborated with other educators and professionals to design instructional plans.
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.
- Assisted in the development of IEP goals based on data analysis.
- Established positive relationships with students and their families.
Education
Master of Science - School Counseling
William Paterson University
Wayne, NJ06-2000
Bachelor of Science - Elementary And Special Education
Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJ05-1991
Skills
- Special Education Support
- Academic advising
- Records Maintenance
- Stress management techniques
- Individual Counseling
- Career advising
- Class Schedule Preparation
- Academic Support
- Student Support
- Transcript Review
Timeline
Maternity Leave Replacement School Counselor
Pascack Valley Regional School District
11.2024 - 04.2025
Jr./Sr. High School Counselor
Westwood Regional Board of Education
09.2000 - 07.2023
Seventh and Eighth Grade Special Education Teacher
Westwood Regional Board of Education
09.1991 - 06.2000
Master of Science - School Counseling
William Paterson University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary And Special Education
Monmouth University