CARISSA HOWARD
Riverside,CA
Summary
Dedicated and student-centered school counseling professional with a strong background in child development, educational support, and holistic care. Passionate about fostering safe, inclusive environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Experienced in supporting diverse populations through individualized interventions, classroom guidance, and collaboration with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams.
Brings a unique blend of experience in child life, school counseling, and health education, with a deep understanding of how life experiences and transitions impact student success. Skilled in developing engaging, developmentally appropriate programming that promotes resilience, coping skills, and positive decision-making. Committed to advocating for student needs while promoting equity, access, and culturally responsive practices.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
Dr. Bergin Family Counseling Services
Riverside, CA
10.2025 - Current
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
- Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
Assistant Professor
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA
06.2018 - Current
- Designed and taught graduate-level courses for Masters in Child Life program.
- Created and implemented Child Life program at Pomona Valley Hospital.
- Supervised practicum students and interns, ensuring adherence to professional standards.
- Provided academic advising and career development support to guide student success.
- Facilitated an Interprofessional Education workgroup, producing collaborative events for over 200 students.
School Counseling Fieldwork (900 Hours)
Corona Norco Unified School District
Corona, CA
01.2024 - 05.2025
- Facilitated individual and group counseling sessions for at-risk students in grades K-8.
- Developed grief and loss workshops for middle school students to foster emotional resilience.
- Created engaging LEGO-based lessons promoting coping, collaboration, and communication skills.
- Conducted suicide risk assessments, collaborating with administrative teams to connect students with mental health services.
- Delivered monthly SEL lessons to all students in grades 1-6, enhancing social-emotional learning.
Co-Director
Camp Morning Grief and Loss Camp
01.2023 - 06.2025
- Developed week-long grief and loss curriculum for campers ages 5-15, incorporating bibliotherapy and therapeutic play.
- Designed camp schedule and handbook to guide daily activities and logistics.
- Trained and supervised graduate counseling and child life students on-site.
- Collaborated with local organizations to promote and host annual camps.
Certified Child Life Specialist
Loma Linda University Children's Hospital
Loma Linda, CA
10.2007 - 06.2018
- Delivered developmentally appropriate procedural teachings and support to pediatric patients and families in Emergency Department.
- Taught coping skills and self-awareness strategies to mental health patients.
- Facilitated age-appropriate discussions and memory-making activities for end-of-life cases.
- Provided supervision and training for child life interns and practicum students.
Certified Child Life Specialist
Trinity Kid's Palliative Care
Cerritos, CA
09.2016 - 05.2018
- Developed and implemented weekly activities tailored for pediatric palliative care patients.
- Facilitated sensory exploration, legacy creation, and family engagement opportunities weekly.
- Encouraged sibling self-expression through hands-on learning, play, and independence initiatives.
- Coordinated with expressive therapies team to align patient care plans and interdisciplinary strategies.
Education
Master of Art in Education - Educational and Clinical Counseling
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA, USA05.2025
Master of Science - Child Life Specialist
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA, USA01.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA, USA01.2002
Skills
- Pediatric care
- Therapeutic interventions
- Coaching and mentoring
- Collaboration skills
- Crisis intervention
- Grief support
- Program development
Certification
- People and Personnel Services (PPS) Credential, California – Issued June 2025
- Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC), California - # 19666
- Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS), Certification # 9304, June 2010 – current
Languages
Spanish
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Publications & Presentations
- Submitted Presentation Proposal: Navigating Grief and Loss: Developmental Understandings and Practical Tools for School Counselors. California Association of School Counselors (CASC) Conference. October 2025.
- Submitted Chapter: When Caring Makes You Angry. Child Life Chronicles, Second Edition. Anticipated publication date: Fall 2025
- Presenter: Self Care & Coping, Developmental Understanding of Grief and Loss, Compassion Fatigue. Student and teacher workshops, grief and loss conference, staff development. Mission Impact, Antigua Guatemala, September 2024.
- Published Author: Recognizing and Responding to Grief and Loss in Foster Care and Adoption. Play Therapy Magazine, June 2024
- Published Author: Encouraging Parental Support After Grief and Loss to Promote Developmental Well-being and Educational Success. IGI Global Publishing, April 2024
- Presenter: “Utilizing Interprofessional Education to Promote and Enhance Multidisciplinary Collaboration”, California Association of Child Life Professionals Conference 2023
- Panelist: Azusa Pacific University School of Nursing’s 2023 Research Symposium: An Interprofessional Approach to Address Behavioral Health and Wellness in Children
- Published Author: “Lessons Learned in the Community Setting”, Child Life Bulletin Spring 2022
Timeline
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor
Dr. Bergin Family Counseling Services
10.2025 - Current
School Counseling Fieldwork (900 Hours)
Corona Norco Unified School District
01.2024 - 05.2025
Co-Director
Camp Morning Grief and Loss Camp
01.2023 - 06.2025
Assistant Professor
Azusa Pacific University
06.2018 - Current
Certified Child Life Specialist
Trinity Kid's Palliative Care
09.2016 - 05.2018
Certified Child Life Specialist
Loma Linda University Children's Hospital
10.2007 - 06.2018
Master of Art in Education - Educational and Clinical Counseling
Azusa Pacific University
Master of Science - Child Life Specialist
Loma Linda University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Azusa Pacific University