Cara Colabelli
Summary
Enthusiastic educator with superb leadership and communication skills. Skilled in building strong relationships with diverse student populations and helping students overcome academic and personal challenges. Strong organization and leadership abilities with a commitment to student growth and educational equity. Experienced in mentoring and collaborating with faculty and families. Skilled in utilizing school resources to help meet the individual needs of students.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Freshman Seminar Teacher
Matawan Regional High School
07.2025 - Current
- Created unit and lesson plans to support ninth grade students transitioning from middle to high school
- Designed lessons incorporating social emotional learning activities, effective study habits, learning styles, credible sources, proper use of AI, and writing skills improvement
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse student needs.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to encourage critical thinking and participation.
- Implemented effective assessment strategies to gauge student understanding.
Head Girls Tennis and Assistant Girls Track Coach
Matawan Regional High School
07.2025 - Current
- Collaborated with assistant coaches to develop practice plans and establish performance goals, enhancing athlete readiness for the season
- Engaged with parents and athletes to share skill development strategies and performance-enhancing activities
- Developed training programs to improve athletes' performance and skills.
- Coordinated practice schedules to maximize athlete participation and facility use.
- Mentored student-athletes in sportsmanship, teamwork, and personal development.
FC COPA Academy /Game Day Operations and Videographer
St. Joseph's School
Metuchen
09.2024 - 12.2024
- Coordinated setup and breakdown of game-day equipment at event locations
- Set up camera equipment and filmed games to capture critical moments for analysis
- Downloaded post-game film and distributed footage to coaches for review and strategy development
Sports Group Instructor
Soccer Shots
South Brunswick
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Developed engaging lesson plans for training sessions targeting children ages 2-8 to enhance learning outcomes.
- Ensured participant safety during training sessions to maintain a secure and supportive environment.
- Fostered a positive learning environment through enthusiastic coaching techniques.
Wellness Coordinator
North Plainfield High School
06.2022 - 06.2024
- Developed and executed events that enhanced colleagues' mental and physical wellness
- Coordinated staff fitness classes, encouraged participation in student-run events, and organized staff gatherings
- Organized workshops on stress management and mental health awareness
Youth Mental Health First Aid
North Plainfield High School
06.2021 - 06.2024
- Earned certification to strengthen qualifications for supporting youth mental health in May 2021
- Completed six-hour course and two hours of computer modules, followed by a certification test
- Learned to identify potential mental health crises, approach students in distress, and connect them with appropriate resources
Intervention and Referral Services/NJTSS Data Team Member/School Based Planning Committee
North Plainfield High School
06.2018 - 06.2024
- Analyzed data from Link It testing per New Jersey Tiered System of Supports, identifying at-risk students for targeted interventions
- Developed tiered system of supports for classroom teachers, enhancing scaffolding in unit and lesson plans
- Created individualized action plans with modifications and accommodations to meet students' academic and behavioral needs
Athletic Event Staff
North Plainfield High School
07.2016 - 06.2024
- Supervised site operations to maintain safety for officials, athletes, and coaches
- Coordinated special events, ensuring successful execution of senior night and seasonal sports awards
- Set up event spaces for athletic competitions and practices
- Managed equipment inventory and ensured proper storage and maintenance
- Assisted in coordinating logistics for sporting events and activities
English/Special Education Teacher
North Plainfield High School
07.2014 - 06.2024
- Developed and implemented diverse curriculum tailored to meet needs of at-risk students, enhancing engagement and learning outcomes
- Analyzed data from common assessments and district testing systems to refine unit and lesson plans, ensuring alignment with student needs
- Created rubrics to assess skill mastery, providing clear criteria for student evaluation and feedback.
Head Girls Soccer and Boys Track Coach
North Plainfield High School
07.2016 - 06.2023
- Coached and mentored athletes, leading to multiple placements in NJSIAA state championships
- Developed schedule to optimize shared field usage for practices and events
- Organized free youth camps, promoting community engagement in recreational sports
Supervisor of Aberdeen Recreation Day Camp
Aberdeen Recreation
Aberdeen Township
06.2016 - 08.2021
- Supervised counselors, ensuring adherence to camp protocols for safety and engagement
- Communicated with parents about important camp information to maintain transparency and trust
- Coordinated safe transportation for off-site day trips, prioritizing camper safety
- Made sure that any necessary discipline was carried out according to camp policy
Supervisor of Hazlet Aberdeen Matawan Day Camp for Special Needs Children and Adults
Aberdeen Recreation
Aberdeen Township
06.2009 - 08.2015
- Developed and led engaging, developmentally appropriate activities to promote camper participation and enjoyment
- Facilitated emotional regulation and problem-solving skills in campers facing challenges, enhancing their coping strategies
- Monitored safety and accountability of children and adults during day trips, fostering a secure environment
Education
Masters in Science - Global Sports Business
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ08-2025
Masters in Education -
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ05-2014
Bachelor of Arts - English and Psychology
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ05-2013
Skills
- Lesson planning and Curriculum development
- Technology integration
- Student engagement strategies
- Team collaboration
- Youth mentorship
- Clear public speaking skills
- Student-athlete welfare
- Coaching techniques
- Flexible and adaptive
- Serving diverse communities
Timeline
Freshman Seminar Teacher
Matawan Regional High School
07.2025 - Current
Head Girls Tennis and Assistant Girls Track Coach
Matawan Regional High School
07.2025 - Current
FC COPA Academy /Game Day Operations and Videographer
St. Joseph's School
09.2024 - 12.2024
Sports Group Instructor
Soccer Shots
05.2024 - 08.2024
Wellness Coordinator
North Plainfield High School
06.2022 - 06.2024
Youth Mental Health First Aid
North Plainfield High School
06.2021 - 06.2024
Intervention and Referral Services/NJTSS Data Team Member/School Based Planning Committee
North Plainfield High School
06.2018 - 06.2024
Athletic Event Staff
North Plainfield High School
07.2016 - 06.2024
Head Girls Soccer and Boys Track Coach
North Plainfield High School
07.2016 - 06.2023
Supervisor of Aberdeen Recreation Day Camp
Aberdeen Recreation
06.2016 - 08.2021
English/Special Education Teacher
North Plainfield High School
07.2014 - 06.2024
Supervisor of Hazlet Aberdeen Matawan Day Camp for Special Needs Children and Adults
Aberdeen Recreation
06.2009 - 08.2015
Masters in Science - Global Sports Business
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Masters in Education -
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Bachelor of Arts - English and Psychology
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey