Brenna J Toland, MA, LMFT, M.Ed.
Middletown,RI
Summary
Dynamic, ethical, and enthusiastic administrator and licensed psychotherapist with a profound commitment to fostering community participation, socio-emotional stability, and academic success in diverse educational settings. Brings a holistic and inclusive approach to supporting historically underserved populations with a strong focus on equity and individual strengths. Seeks to contribute extensive experience in program development, staff training, and student engagement to a challenging new position.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
2
2
Professional licenses
Work History
Coordinator of Student Life
Portsmouth School Department
08.2023 - Current
- Collaborate with District staff and building administrators to implement research-based interventions which maximize academic and behavioral achievement of students
- Partner with students and families to assist with planning, development, organization, management, and implementation of all aspects of child welfare, residency and attendance, discipline procedures and law, school security and safety, along with social-emotional learning (SEL) interventions and accommodations
- Diffuse unexpected student behaviors, facilitate student and/ or staff mediation, solution focused conversations, and participate in crisis management
- Facilitate referrals to other student services and/or external mental health services
- Work extended hours for campus events and emergency situations
- Establish and maintain effective professional working relationships with department co-workers, and students, parents/guardians, administration, faculty, and staff
- Serve as a building leader in fostering positive culture and climate through creation of social emotional and behavioral (SEB) team in which differences are understood, embraced, respected, and reflective in their professional behavior, including engaging in active on-going learning process
Psychotherapy, Consultation & Training
Next Chapter Wellness
08.2022 - Current
- Perform clinical evaluation and assessment, intervention and treatment planning, case management, crisis intervention, and individual clinical counseling utilizing integrative approach
- Provide evidence-based, culturally responsive clinical services to clients, including intake assessment, individual counseling, and crisis intervention
- Demonstrated experience consistently adhering to guidelines of Confidentiality and Mandated Reporting, as well as all applicable laws and regulations within discipline
- Cultivated resilience in clients by helping them develop effective problem-solving skills and adaptive coping strategies for dealing with life challenges.
- Delivered ongoing clinical consultation and training for Bristol Warren Regional School District including behavioral interventions and plans, crisis intervention, safety planning and family/ staff meetings and mentored multiple BWRSD faculty
- Effective consultative and decision-making skills related to individual client work and working through ethical dilemmas
- Develop and implement training and programming on pertinent mental health topics or concerns, and behavioral interventions, as well as provide consultation to administrators, faculty, and other staff
- Current in mental health field including maintaining licensure and engaging in professional development opportunities
Director of Student Support Services
Bristol Warren Regional School Department
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Supervised special education programs and services, ensuring all students, including those with disabilities, have access to District curriculums.
- Championed diversity and inclusion initiatives within District, resulting in increased representation of underrepresented groups among staff and enhanced cultural competency across all programs.
- Provided ongoing training opportunities for staff members to stay current with evolving trends in education support services.
- Managed crisis response protocols by collaborating with campus safety and emergency response teams, ensuring timely assistance for students in distress.
- Provided direct supervision of all special education and related services staff, case managed all out of district students and families
- Created welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, fostering sense of belonging and community
- Streamlined processes within department, improving efficiency and allowing staff to focus on direct student support tasks
- Implemented effective communication channels between student support services, faculty, and administration to better serve diverse needs of students
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for maximum impact on student outcomes
- Coordinated retrieval and distribution of student records while adhering to all guidelines of confidentiality
Vice Principal
Watson Elementary School
03.2021 - 08.2021
- Empowered faculty members by involving them in decision-making processes related to curriculum development, resource allocation, and professional development opportunities
- Led professional development initiatives for faculty members to enhance teaching skills and stay current with educational best practices
- Collaborated with teachers to develop curriculum improvements, resulting in increased student engagement and achievement
- Addressed performance gaps among student subgroups by developing targeted intervention strategies in collaboration with instructional staff
Special Education Supervisor of RISE Academy
Casimir Pulaski Elementary School
07.2019 - 03.2021
- Coordinated efforts between general education teachers and specialists in order to provide seamless support for all learners.
- Supervise daily function of 10 substantially separate classrooms, while managing 35 staff including school social workers, paraprofessionals, behaviorists, special education coordinators and teachers
- Increased teacher effectiveness by providing training and guidance on special education best practices and strategies, academic interventions, behavioral interventions and mental health topics to facilitate improved student outcomes
- Mentored new educators within RISE program, contributing to their successful integration into school community
- Ensured safe learning environment by addressing behavioral issues promptly and implementing appropriate crisis level interventions when necessary.
- Enhanced student learning by implementing individualized education plans and coordinating with teachers to meet specific needs.
- Established positive relationships with families, fostering trust and collaboration towards shared goals for their children''s success.
School Social Worker
Casimir Pulaski Elementary School
08.2016 - 06.2019
- Provided evidence-based, culturally responsive clinical services to over 100 historically underserved students, including intake assessment, individual counseling, and crisis intervention
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of student social-emotional functioning to inform interventions and service planning.
- Established supportive relationships with historically underserved youth through regular check-ins, goal-setting activities, and consistent followup.
- Facilitated referrals to other student services and/or external mental health services and provide additional case management as needed
- Developed and implement training and programming on pertinent mental health topics or concerns, as well as provide consultation to administrators, faculty, and other staff
- Practiced client confidentiality and adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and professional codes of ethics and maintain licensure/CEU requirements as required by discipline
- Maintained appropriate clinical records/documentation
- Organized events that promoted parent engagement, fostering collaborative relationship between home life and education.
- Provided crisis intervention services and collaborated with school staff to create safety plans for students at risk of self-harm or harm to others. Reduced risk of self-harm among clients by closely monitoring their behavior and implementing appropriate safety protocols.
- Monitored progress of identified students using data-driven decision making to adjust intervention plans as needed.
- Developed and implemented relevant mental health social media accessed by staff and families
Social Pragmatics Teacher
Middlebridge High School
08.2015 - 06.2016
- Collaborated with other teachers to create interdisciplinary social skills curriculum including mindfulness tools and behavioral strategies while enhancing appropriate class participation
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into curriculum.
- Supported students in developing social skills and self advocacy through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering supportive learning environment.
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into curriculum
School Social Worker (Maternity Leave)
New Bedford School Department
03.2015 - 06.2015
- Completed clinical intakes and school based treatment plans for students entering school
- Provided crisis intervention services and collaborated with school staff to create safety plans for students at risk of self-harm or violence.
- Served as liaison between school, family, and community agencies to ensure effective communication and collaboration around student needs.
- Enhanced student well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions addressing various social, emotional, and behavioral issues.
- Prepared comprehensive documentation of services provided following ethical guidelines while maintaining client confidentiality.
School Based Clinical Therapist
Community Counseling of Bristol County
08.2014 - 06.2015
- Completed diagnostic evaluation for all referrals and provided psychotherapy for clients at New Bedford schools
- Utilized evidence-based interventions in individual therapy sessions, tailoring techniques to each client's unique needs
- Provided crisis intervention services, stabilizing clients and families in acute distress and connecting them with appropriate community resources.
- Continuously updated clinical knowledge through professional development, staying current on best practices in Psychotherapy.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary school-based teams for comprehensive care, ensuring optimal client progress.
- Established safe space for diverse populations by maintaining inclusive therapeutic environment responsive to cultural differences and unique needs.
- Constructed group therapy curriculum including life skills groups and substance abuse prevention groups
- Served as advocate for patients within the mental health system, ensuring access to necessary resources and supports.
- Completed formal risk assessments for contracted school districts to assess appropriateness of current academic placement and level of risk of student to self and others
- Educated families about mental health issues, fostering understanding and support for their student's treatment process.
Intake Clinician and Engagement Specialist
Community Counseling of Bristol County
01.2013 - 09.2014
- Provide rapid diagnostic evaluation for all walk-in clients; enhanced client experiences by conducting thorough intake assessments and accurately documenting their needs and providing referrals
- Engage all clients and family members who are struggling to participate in treatment
- Provided crisis intervention services to clients experiencing acute distress, stabilizing their conditions and connecting them with appropriate resources.
- Engage in weekly Staff Meetings, Case Conference and Clinical Team Meetings and Supervision and maintain effective professional working relationships with co-workers, clients, and families
- Exceptional work ethic with ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively
- Excellent clinical documentation skills and administration of clinical records
Student Assistance Counselor
Middletown Public Schools
09.2011 - 06.2013
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate therapeutic intervention strategies for students and/ or families involved in substance abuse
- Promoted mental health awareness within school community through participation in educational events and presentations
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress, facilitating informed decision-making within student support team
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, deescalating situations and connecting clients with appropriate referral sources
- Facilitated family involvement in recovery process, providing education on addiction dynamics and supporting healthy communication skills among family members
Coordinator- NSAPTF
City Of Newport
07.2010 - 01.2012
- Served as Coordinator of the Newport Substance Abuse Prevention Task Force (NSAPTF) and perform as liaison between with school and town leaders, public safety officers, mental health organizations, health care providers, media and community members
- Expanded substance abuse prevention efforts via education, planning and program implementation
- Coordinated substance abuse prevention programs/ activities for City of Newport
- Organized, coordinate and attend monthly NSAPTF meetings, manage community needs assessment process and maintain NSAPTF budget.
Outpatient Clinical Therapist
Community Counseling of Bristol County
01.2008 - 09.2011
- Conducted up tp 10 initial intakes, determined eligibility for various clinical programs and services offered by CCBC
- Improved family dynamics through conducting in-home therapy sessions, addressing communication barriers and conflict resolution strategies.
- Developed strong rapport with clients by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and cultural sensitivity during therapy sessions.
- Utilized strength-based approach to empower clients in recognizing their own capabilities while working towards personal goals.
- Effectively managed caseload through efficient scheduling of appointments, timely follow-ups with clients, and prioritizing urgent cases as needed
- Maintained accurate documentation of therapy sessions, treatment plans, and progress notes to track client success over time.
- Led psychoeducational groups covering topics such as stress management, assertiveness training, or parenting strategies that benefited multiple families simultaneously.
School Based Clinical Therapist
Community Counseling of Bristol County
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Completed psychosocial intake including psychological assessment and provide psychotherapy for clients at Taunton, Fall River and New Bedford schools
- Developed strong therapeutic relationships with clients, promoting trust and open communication for more effective treatment outcomes.
- Monitored treatment adherence, adjusting strategies as needed to optimize engagement, ensure continuity of care and completed completed community referrals as needed
- Established safe space for diverse populations by maintaining an inclusive therapeutic environment responsive to cultural differences and unique needs.
- Upheld effective interpersonal skills and ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and connections in a clinical setting
Education
Master of Education - Education Administration
Endicott College
Beverly, MAMaster of Arts - Marriage and Family Therapy
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CTBachelor of Science - Psychology and English Writing
St. Lawrence University
Canton, NYSkills
- Crisis intervention
- Student advocacy
- Individual, couples, family and group therapy
- Evidenced based integrative approach utilizing CBT, DBT and solution focused strategies and interventions
- Strength based and culturally responsive
- Comprehensive psychoeducation
- Creation and implementation of training and programming
- Student and Family Engagement
- Inclusive teamwork and Collaboration
- Client Confidentiality and documentation
- Planning and coordination
Licensure
RI/ MA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
RI license #MFT00164/ MA license #1512
Rhode Island Special Education Director, Building Level Administrator PK- 12, RIDE license #74206
Massachusetts licensed Supervisor/ Director, School Social Worker/ School Adjustment Counselor/ Principal/ Assistant Principal PK-8, 5- 12
DESE license #482250
Certification
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor
Timeline
Coordinator of Student Life
Portsmouth School Department
08.2023 - Current
Psychotherapy, Consultation & Training
Next Chapter Wellness
08.2022 - Current
Director of Student Support Services
Bristol Warren Regional School Department
08.2021 - 08.2022
Vice Principal
Watson Elementary School
03.2021 - 08.2021
Special Education Supervisor of RISE Academy
Casimir Pulaski Elementary School
07.2019 - 03.2021
School Social Worker
Casimir Pulaski Elementary School
08.2016 - 06.2019
Social Pragmatics Teacher
Middlebridge High School
08.2015 - 06.2016
School Social Worker (Maternity Leave)
New Bedford School Department
03.2015 - 06.2015
School Based Clinical Therapist
Community Counseling of Bristol County
08.2014 - 06.2015
Intake Clinician and Engagement Specialist
Community Counseling of Bristol County
01.2013 - 09.2014
Student Assistance Counselor
Middletown Public Schools
09.2011 - 06.2013
Coordinator- NSAPTF
City Of Newport
07.2010 - 01.2012
Outpatient Clinical Therapist
Community Counseling of Bristol County
01.2008 - 09.2011
School Based Clinical Therapist
Community Counseling of Bristol County
01.2008 - 01.2011
Master of Education - Education Administration
Endicott College
Master of Arts - Marriage and Family Therapy
Fairfield University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology and English Writing
St. Lawrence University
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor
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