CHERI MATTHEWS
DALTON,GEORGIA
Summary
Crisis response team member with expertise in de-escalating critical situations. Proficient in active listening, interpersonal communication, and collaborative problem-solving.
Adaptable and flexible team member, ready to take on any required task and adapt to changing conditions with a resourceful and hardworking mindset. Holds quality and teamwork in high esteem.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Exceptional Student Education Teacher
Dalton Junior High School
Dalton, GA
07.2021 - 06.2023
- Implemented various teaching strategies to address diverse learning needs.
- Maintained a safe and orderly learning environment for all students.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.
- Scheduled and held parent-teacher conferences to keep parents up-to-date on children's academic performance.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to foster positive classroom environments.
- Adapted instructional materials for students with varying abilities and learning styles.
- Facilitated communication among teachers, specialists, and support staff for student success.
- Organized inclusive activities that promoted social skills and peer interactions.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Participated in professional development activities related to teaching strategies for special education students.
- Assisted in the development of IEP goals based on data analysis.
- documentation.
Exceptional Student Education Teacher
Morris Innovative High School
Dalton, GA
07.2017 - 06.2021
- Developed engaging lesson plans covering diverse world history topics.
- Facilitated group projects encouraging collaboration and critical thinking among students.
- Assessed student performance through tests, essays, and presentations to gauge understanding.
- Collaborated with colleagues to align curriculum with educational standards and goals.
- Facilitated student-led research projects focusing on particular aspects of world history, such as religion or culture.
- Maintained accurate records of student grades and attendance information according to school policies.
- Assessed student progress through tests, essays, projects and presentations.
- Initiated activities designed to recognize cultural diversity within the classroom setting.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans to teach world history topics, emphasizing the development of critical thinking skills.
- Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
- Participated in professional development activities related to Exceptional Student Education strategies, curriculum design, and assessment procedures.
- Provided specialized instruction to students with disabilities in accordance with their individualized education plans.
- Coordinated transition planning efforts for high school aged ESE students entering postsecondary settings.
- Attended IEP meetings and provided input regarding goals and objectives associated with each student's individual plan.
- Developed individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
World History Teacher
Morris Innovative High School
Dalton, GA
08.2016 - 06.2017
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse historical topics and themes.
- Integrated technology into lessons to enhance student learning experiences.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary projects and activities.
- Created an engaging learning environment by utilizing various teaching strategies such as role-play activities, group work and multimedia resources.
- Attended faculty meetings regularly and contributed ideas for improving curriculum design.
- Incorporated cooperative learning methods into lessons so that students could learn from each other's experiences.
- Monitored student behavior during class time and addressed any disciplinary issues promptly.
Licensed Professional Counselor / Mobile Crisis Clinician
Behavioral Health Link and Benchmark Human Resources
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Conducted risk assessments to identify safety concerns for clients.
- Educated clients on available mental health services and resources.
- Provided immediate crisis intervention to individuals in distress.
- Collaborated with community resources for effective referrals and follow-ups.
- Documented case notes and maintained accurate records of interactions.
- Responded to crisis situations when severe mental health and behavioral issues arose.
- Coordinated with community organizations, schools, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders involved in providing crisis services.
- Responded quickly and effectively to emergency calls involving potential suicidal behavior or self-harm risks.
- Educated clients about the importance of maintaining healthy coping skills during times of stress.
- Handled crisis situations with exceptional tact, enacting best possible interventions for service and support.
- Conducted in-person assessments of clients' psychological functioning.
- Developed safety plans to minimize crisis risk and intervene with specific procedures.
- Facilitated de-escalation techniques to reduce the intensity of clients' emotional distress.
- Maintained detailed and confidential client records, documenting all interactions and interventions.
- Provided immediate emotional support and stabilization to individuals experiencing acute mental health crises.
- Implemented suicide prevention strategies and conducted risk assessments to prevent self-harm.
School Counselor
Murray County High School
01.2001 - 01.2010
- Provided academic and personal counseling to students in a supportive environment.
- Managed crisis intervention strategies to ensure student safety and well-being.
- Maintained accurate student records and confidential information in compliance with regulations.
- Guided students concerning academic goals, occupation preferences and college requirements.
- Analyzed student assessment data to determine areas of improvement needed for higher test scores.
- Evaluated transcripts from previous schools attended by transfer students transitioning into the district's system.
- Counseled students on educational options such as college selection and majors, based on their interests and abilities.
- Met with students to address attendance, grades, and credits.
- Offered crisis intervention services when necessary including referrals for mental health services if appropriate.
- Assisted in the implementation of college preparation programs such as PSAT and SAT prep courses, financial aid assistance.
School Counselor
Cleveland High School
01.1997 - 01.2001
- Provided individual counseling to students dealing with personal and academic challenges.
- Developed and implemented programs for college and career readiness initiatives.
- Assisted families in navigating educational resources and support services available.
- Maintained accurate student records and confidential information in compliance with regulations.
- Coordinated college admissions testing preparation programs such as SAT prep classes.
- Guided students concerning academic goals, occupation preferences and college requirements.
- Provided crisis management services during times of emergency or distress.
- Evaluated transcripts to make certain students were on track toward high school graduation and college admission.
- Met with students to address attendance, grades, and credits.
- Advised students on course selection, graduation requirements and post-secondary opportunities.
- Organized workshops for parents regarding college application processes.
- Created a comprehensive guidance curriculum for high school students.
- Counseled students on academic, career and college planning options.
- Increased college application rate by assisting students with scholarship applications,
School Counselor
Charleston School
01.1996 - 01.1997
- Assisted in the development of a comprehensive school counseling program.
- Developed resources for staff on identifying mental health issues among students.
- Participated in regular team meetings with other school counselors to discuss case studies or current initiatives within the district.
- Kept accurate student records in accordance with legal requirements, district policies and administrative regulations.
- Counseled students individually or in small groups regarding personal problems they may be facing at home or at school.
- Observed students during classroom activities to evaluate students' performance, behavior and social development.
Graduate Assistant
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
01.1994 - 01.1996
- Assisted faculty in preparing course materials and resources for student use.
- Collaborated with faculty on curriculum development to align with university standards.
- Supported department faculty with administrative assistance, as well as curriculum and research support.
- Collaborated with faculty on special projects related to curriculum development and program assessment.
- Prepared instructional materials such as slideshows, handouts or online resources.
- Evaluated student performance through grading tests, papers or other assessments.
- Supported faculty clerical needs by preparing class materials, collecting assignments, and completing other tasks.
Special Education Teacher / Adults
Bradley/Cleveland Devmnt Service (Lifebridges)
Cleveland, TN
01.1991 - 01.1994
- Coordinated, comprehensive care plans for adults with diverse physical and intellectual needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery to adults with physical and intellectual needs.
- Adapted instructional materials for adults with varying abilities, and learning styles.
- Organized inclusive activities that promoted social skills and peer interactions.
- Organized field trips, or community experiences, to enhance learning opportunities for adult special education learners.
- Participated in adapted physical education activities with adult learners to encourage overall health and instill positive routines.
- Maintained student records in accordance with district standards.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop adult learner self-esteem and life skills.
Middle School /High School Social Studies Teacher
Fairview Christian Academy
Athens, TN
08.1985 - 07.1987
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse historical topics.
- Assessed student performance through tests and projects.
- Utilized a variety of instructional strategies such as lectures, group work, multimedia presentations and simulations.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades and course progress.
- Assessed student performance through quizzes, tests, projects and presentations.
- Participated in extracurricular activities such as coaching debate teams or organizing academic competitions.
Education
Doctor of Education - Counseling Psychology
Argosy University
Sarasota, FL06-2007
Master of Science - Secondary School Guidance And Counseling
University of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN05-1996
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education / History
Tennessee Temple University
Chattanooga, TN05-1985
High School Diploma -
McMinn County High School
Athens, TN05-1980
Skills
- Crisis intervention and risk management
- Psychosocial assessment and evaluation
- Individual and group counseling
- Verbal and written communication
- Dependability and reliability
- Teamwork and collaboration
Professional Credentials Affiliations
- National Board for Certified Counselors and National Board for Certified School Counselors (NBCC / NBCSC)
- Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia (LPCAGa)
Certification
Teaching Licensure 7-12 - GA, TN
Certified School Counselor K-12 - GA, TN
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - GA
National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Affiliations
- camping
- hiking
- horseback riding
- playing baritone ukulele
- reading
- traveling
Timeline
Exceptional Student Education Teacher
Dalton Junior High School
07.2021 - 06.2023
Exceptional Student Education Teacher
Morris Innovative High School
07.2017 - 06.2021
World History Teacher
Morris Innovative High School
08.2016 - 06.2017
Licensed Professional Counselor / Mobile Crisis Clinician
Behavioral Health Link and Benchmark Human Resources
01.2011 - 01.2016
School Counselor
Murray County High School
01.2001 - 01.2010
School Counselor
Cleveland High School
01.1997 - 01.2001
School Counselor
Charleston School
01.1996 - 01.1997
Graduate Assistant
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
01.1994 - 01.1996
Special Education Teacher / Adults
Bradley/Cleveland Devmnt Service (Lifebridges)
01.1991 - 01.1994
Middle School /High School Social Studies Teacher
Fairview Christian Academy
08.1985 - 07.1987
Doctor of Education - Counseling Psychology
Argosy University
Master of Science - Secondary School Guidance And Counseling
University of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Bachelor of Science - Secondary Education / History
Tennessee Temple University
High School Diploma -
McMinn County High School
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