Hi, I’m
COURTNEY CASTLE
High School Counselor
Sonora,CA
Summary
Education professional with extensive experience at Sonora Union High School District, specializing in program development and student enrollment growth. Expertise in Dual Enrollment and crisis intervention, with a strong focus on academic advising. Proven ability to empower students in achieving educational and career goals. Skilled in grant writing, data analysis, and reporting.
Overview
18
years of professional experience
4
Certifications
Work History
Sonora Union High School DistrictSonora, USA
Counselor/ Middle College Coordinator
2014.01 - Current (12 education.years_Label & 6 education.months_Label)
Job overview
- Developed and implemented the SHS Middle College program
- Increased student enrollment 200 % in all Dual Enrollment programs
- Oversaw application and selection process for qualified students, ensuring adherence to participation procedures and policies
- Wrote and coordinated MOU agreements with Columbia College and Sonora High School, facilitating collaboration between administration and counseling departments
- Instituted and presented annually at Parent Information Night for Middle College and CCAP class participation
- Assisted students in scheduling high school and college courses to meet graduation and college requirements, monitoring progress monthly
- Taught College Success course at Columbia College
- Participate in the Dual Enrollment Committee at Columbia College, including creation of Dual Enrollment Handbook
- Consult with community members and other high school programs on dual enrollment implementation strategies, policies and procedures
Curtis Creek Elementary Sonora, CA
Curtis Creek Elementary School Board Trustee
2013.01 - 2024.08 (11 education.years_Label & 7 education.months_Label)
Job overview
- Reorganized administration, hiring three Superintendent/Principals to enhance leadership structure.
- Participated in union negotiations to improve workforce relations and collaboration.
- Completed Brown Act training to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.
Sonora Union High School DistrictSonora, USA
Learning Director, 504 Coordinator
2014.01 - 2021.06 (7 education.years_Label & 5 education.months_Label)
Job overview
- Led Student Study Teams and compliance meetings to fulfill 504 Coordinator responsibilities and ensure adherence to legal standards.
- Evaluated eligibility for 504 plans, ensuring legal compliance and documentation accuracy.
- Facilitated faculty training on IEP and 504 accommodations to enhance support for diverse learners.
- Connected with approximately 330 students to develop individualized four-year and post-secondary plans.
- Monitored graduation status and supported college and financial aid application processes.
- Provided personal counseling, crisis intervention, and ongoing support for student needs.
- Coordinated referrals to community agencies, including foster care and mental health services, to support student needs.
- Provided counseling services to enhance well-being for at-risk and special needs students across two high schools.
Columbia CollegeSonora, USA
Instructor
2010.01 - 2014.01 (4 education.years_Label)
Job overview
- Guidance 100: College Success
- 3-unit, 16 week engaging College Success course
- Inspire students to set both academic and personal goals while educating them on college resources, programs and services.
- Guide students through matriculation processes, identifying higher education goals and developing a personalized educational plan with a counselor
- Guidance 107: College Orientation
- ½ unit, 9 hour Orientation to College course
- Inform students of Columbia College programs, services, understand matriculation steps, policies and practices of Columbia College and higher education at large
- Develop an educational plan tailored to students' life and career goals. consistent with life, college and career objectives
Columbia CollegeSonora, USA
Special Programs & General Counselor, Adjunct
2008.01 - 2014.01 (6 education.years_Label)
Job overview
- Delivered comprehensive counseling services across academic, career, and personal domains for DSPS, EOPS, and TRIO students.
- Guided students in developing career aspirations and educational plans tailored to individual goals, enhancing their academic and professional trajectories.
- Developed personalized counseling plans to meet the unique needs of diverse clients.
- Conducted orientations and Student Success Workshops for diverse audiences, fostering engagement and support for student success on and off campus.
- Executed outreach initiatives, including career fairs and orientation events at local high schools, increasing program visibility and student participation.
- Selected as AWE Core committee member for contributions to program development.
Education
Chapman UniversityModesto, CA
Master of Arts from Educational Counseling
01.2008
University Overview
- Pupil Personnel Service Credential
- Sum Cum Laude
- GPA: 4.0
Stanislaus State UniversityTurlock, CA
Bachelor of Arts from Liberal Studies
01.2005
University Overview
Concentration in Psychology
Modesto Junior CollegeModesto, CA
Associates in Arts from General Education
01.2002
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Google Workspace
- Data analysis and reporting
- Crisis intervention strategies
- Academic advising and counseling
- College admissions support
- Dual enrollment coordination
- Program development and outreach
- Career guidance and exploration
Technical Experience
ARIES, Eureka, Vocational Biographies, Vault, Canvas, Blackboard, Adobe, Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher, Outlook, Gmail, Docs, Forms, Power Point, Google Slides, Prezi, SARS, Datatel, Degree Audit, Matrix, Assist, CSUApply, UC Common App, CCCCO, Novell
References
References available upon request.
Accomplishments
Certified Dual Enrollment Leader 2024
Certification
Section 504 certification training
Timeline
Counselor/ Middle College Coordinator
Sonora Union High School District
2014.01 - Current (12 education.years_Label & 6 education.months_Label)
Learning Director, 504 Coordinator
Sonora Union High School District
2014.01 - 2021.06 (7 education.years_Label & 5 education.months_Label)
Curtis Creek Elementary School Board Trustee
Curtis Creek Elementary
2013.01 - 2024.08 (11 education.years_Label & 7 education.months_Label)
Instructor
Columbia College
2010.01 - 2014.01 (4 education.years_Label)
Special Programs & General Counselor, Adjunct
Columbia College
2008.01 - 2014.01 (6 education.years_Label)
Chapman University
Master of Arts from Educational Counseling
Stanislaus State University
Bachelor of Arts from Liberal Studies
Modesto Junior College
Associates in Arts from General Education