CHRISTOPHER ORTIZ
JACKSONVILLE
Summary
Dedicated counseling professional with over a decade of experience as a U.S. Navy Career Counselor, now completing a graduate degree in School Counseling. Skilled in guiding diverse individuals through career exploration, goal setting, and personal development. Proven success in mentoring, data-driven program planning, and fostering growth through individualized support and group facilitation. Passionate about promoting student achievement, equity, and resilience by leveraging strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to empower every student’s academic, career, and personal/social success.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Counselor Intern
Duval County Public School (Jean Ribault HS)
Jacksonville
02.2024 - Current
- Worked collectively with education professionals to deliver in-school counseling support for identified students.
- Participated in professional development activities related to school counseling best practices.
- Provided individual and group counseling sessions to students in accordance with school policies.
Naval Career Counselor, PO1
United States Navy
Kings Bay
06.2018 - 07.2025
- Led career guidance initiatives for 3000+ sailors, optimizing retention rates and enhancing force readiness.
- Implemented data-driven approach to talent management, boosting job satisfaction.
- Achieved record-high reenlistment rates through targeted mentorship programs.
Submarine Sonar Technician
United States Navy
Norfolk
03.2007 - 06.2018
- Enhanced sonar systems and operations: Spearheaded upgrades, pioneered navigational techniques, and proposed equipment modifications to boost detection accuracy, submarine tracking, and operational efficiency.
- Strengthened team proficiency: Implemented training programs and developed novel simulations, accelerating skill acquisition and elevating overall team performance.
- Optimized mission readiness: Collaborated on mission-critical operations, meticulously analyzed sonar data, and refined maintenance procedures to ensure success and extend equipment lifespan.
Education
M.Ed. in School Counseling - Education
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL08-2026
Bachelors of Applied Science - Military Technology and Leadership
Thomas Edison State University
Edison, NJ09.2017
Skills
- Mentorship
- Project Management
- Team Leadership
- Conflict Resolution
- Public Speaking
- Risk Management
Affiliations
- American School Counselor Association (ASCA): Member (Aug 2025- Present)
- Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP): Mentor (December 2025- Present)
Certification
- ACT 2025 College and Career Readiness Workshop
- 3000 accredited hours of counseling experience (Department of Labor)
Accomplishments
- Presentation: National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC); Paving the Way: Easing the Transition to College, September 2026.
- Presentation: National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC); Middle School Transition: College and Careers: Building Blocks for the Future, September 2026.
- Presentation: National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC); Scholarship Search Tips: Local and National, September 2025.
- Award: Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (7): August 2008 - June 2021
- Award: Naval Meritorious Unit Commendation: September 2020
- Award: Naval Expeditionary Medal: June 2008
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
School Counselor Intern
Duval County Public School (Jean Ribault HS)
02.2024 - Current
Naval Career Counselor, PO1
United States Navy
06.2018 - 07.2025
Submarine Sonar Technician
United States Navy
03.2007 - 06.2018
M.Ed. in School Counseling - Education
University of North Florida
Bachelors of Applied Science - Military Technology and Leadership
Thomas Edison State University