Dashua Hinton
Edison,NJ
Summary
Accomplished counseling and education professional with advanced expertise in Vocational, Clinical Mental Health, and School Counseling, as well as Educational Leadership. Proven ability to lead and develop student-centered programs, design curricula, and implement assessments aligned with institutional goals and compliance standards. Skilled in fostering inclusive, culturally responsive environments that promote academic, social, and emotional growth. Adept at delivering group and individual counseling, facilitating classroom instruction, and supporting student well-being through collaboration with stakeholders, families, and community partners. Extensive knowledge of youth development, behavioral interventions, and educational policy at both state and federal levels.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Dean of Student
Plainfield Public School District- Plainfield High School
Plainfield, N.J
09.2023 - Current
- Led the development and enforcement of school-wide behavioral expectations, reducing disciplinary incidents over two academic years.
- Collaborated with teachers, counselors, and administrators to implement restorative justice practices, resulting in improved student engagement and fewer suspensions.
- Oversee student attendance initiatives, improving overall attendance rates through targeted outreach and intervention programs.
- Manage conflict resolution efforts, mediating disputes among students and between students and staff to maintain a positive school climate.
- Served as the primary liaison between families and the school on disciplinary and behavioral matters, fostering transparent and respectful communication.
- Analyzed behavioral data to identify trends and inform proactive strategies for intervention and support.
- Spearheaded initiatives to support at-risk students, coordinating academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support services.
Adjunct Professor
Kean University- Counselor Education Dept.
Union, NJ
08.2022 - Current
- Designed and implemented inclusive syllabi and course curricula that foster a student-centered learning environment.
- Promoted academic success by encouraging goal setting, providing constructive feedback, and maintaining open communication with students.
- Developed and delivered course materials aligned with university standards and instructional best practices.
- Assessed student performance regularly and identified students in need of academic intervention or support services.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, grades, and student progress in compliance with institutional policies.
- Utilized interactive teaching strategies and graduate-level instructional methodologies to create engaging and supportive classroom experiences.
Clinical Supervisor
Catholic Charities
Jersey City, NJ
07.2022 - 09.2023
- Provided clinical supervision to program staff, ensuring adherence to best practices and ethical standards in service delivery.
- Guided supervisees in conducting mental health assessments and developing individualized treatment plans and appropriate referrals.
- Coordinated and integrated multidisciplinary services to ensure comprehensive, client-centered care.
- Oversaw the development, implementation, and evaluation of treatment plans and clinical documentation, including biopsychosocial assessments.
- Actively participated in weekly clinical team meetings to review cases, support staff development, and enhance service effectiveness.
Professional School Counselor
Edison Public School District- Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Edison, NJ
05.2022 - 08.2023
- Facilitated individual and group counseling sessions focused on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) to support students’ academic and personal development.
- Leveraged community partnerships and resources to provide targeted referrals and enhance counseling services for diverse student needs.
- Implemented a Comprehensive School Counseling Program aligned with district policies and national standards.
- Collaborated continuously with educators, administrators, and external stakeholders to promote student achievement and well-being.
- Engaged parents and guardians in career planning and problem-solving processes to support student success and resolve school-related concerns.
Adjunct Professor
Union County College- Division of Social Sciences
Cranford, NJ
08.2019 - 08.2022
- Development of syllabi and course curriculum to address a centered learning environment and promote inclusion of all students.
- Encouraged students to achieve their goals through open communication, positive feedback and support.
- Evaluated student performance and report any problematic behavior for academic support.
- Maintained records of student attendance, grades and daily progress.
- Initiated interactive activities through instructional methodologies of Psychology that further understand and create a positive learning environment.
Professional School Counselor
East Orange Public School District- Campus H.S
East Orange, NJ
09.2018 - 05.2022
- Delivered individual and group counseling focused on college, career, and social-emotional development to support student growth and readiness.
- Monitored graduation progress and academic standing for assigned caseload, ensuring timely completion of requirements.
- Chaired the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Team to address academic, behavioral, and emotional interventions.
- Evaluated and audited domestic and international transcripts, registered new students, and conducted orientation on school procedures.
- Utilized digital platforms to support virtual learning and provide accessible student services.
- Developed and implemented a Comprehensive School Counseling Program in alignment with district policy and student needs.
- Collaborated with parents, educators, and community partners to enhance student support systems and ensure postsecondary planning.
- Guided students through the college admissions process, including application support and scholarship recommendations.
Professional School Counselor
Queen City Academy Charter School
Plainfield, NJ
11.2016 - 08.2018
- Provided classroom lessons/ school-wide programs to address the social and emotional needs of students.
- Served as the school Anti-Bullying Specialist to investigate allegations of HIB.
- Collaborated with staff on behavioral- emotional issues affecting student participation in the learning process.
- Counseled students regarding academic, social and emotional issues that impact academic success.
- Collaborated with appropriate school personnel in referring students/ families to agencies outside the school setting.
School Clinician/ Sage In- District Program
Great Oaks Legacy Charter High School-8th Grade Academy
Newark, NJ
08.2015 - 11.2016
- Assisted in developing a Comprehensive Counseling program at the H.S.
- Assisted students in evaluating their aptitudes and abilities through the use of teacher comments, interpretation of individual standardized test scores and other pertinent data.
- Provided professional counseling services including personal planning and crisis intervention services.
- Assisted parents, teachers and administrators in their understanding of individual student need to produce an effective adjustment and transition for the student.
- Counseled students with special needs and made appropriate referrals to the Child Study Team.
Mental Health Clinician III
Rutgers- UBHC- Children Crisis Intervention Services/ APS- Middlesex County Crisis Center
04.2013 - 08.2015
- Conducted clinical assessments of children/ adolescents, ages 5-17, and adults to determine appropriateness for hospitalization in the regional inpatient program.
- Consulted with Clinical and Medical staff members to formulate appropriate discharge plans for patients and families.
- Provided screening, evaluation, crisis intervention and short-term psychotherapy services to seriously emotionally disturbed children and adolescents ages 12-21 placed in detention centers, youth shelters, and residential facilities in a four-county region (RU).
- Implemented client information tracking system for case reporting and future research purposes.
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
JFK Medical Center-Johnson Rehab Institute
Edison, NJ
09.2006 - 04.2013
- Participated as a member of a multi-disciplinary treatment team offering comprehensive Clinical and Vocational Rehabilitation services to individuals.
- Provided counseling and direct clinical services for adolescents and young adult population.
- Implemented specialized services for student population between transitional ages of 14-21.
- Treatment planning and counseling of students/adults with various types of disabilities.
- Offered consumer experiences, information, and skills in developing realistic choices about their overall rehabilitation goal.
- Increased school referrals through marketing at transition fairs.
- Consulted with child study teams for coordination of services and implementation of IEP and treatment plans.
Education
Post-Graduate Coursework - Educational Leadership
Kean University
Union, NJ05.2020
Post-Graduate Coursework - Clinical Mental Health & School Counseling
Kean University
Union, NJ05.2015
Master of Science - Rehabilitation Counseling
Rutgers University / UMDNJ
Newark, NJ05.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Kean University
Union, NJ08.2004
Skills
- Student counseling
- Conflict resolution
- Crisis Management & Support
- Educational leadership
- Communication skills
- Student and Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
- Data Analysis & Performance Tracking
- Restorative Justice Practices
Affiliations
- Professional Member, National Coalition of 100 Black Women- Central New Jersey
- Professional Member, NJ School Counselor Association- Middlesex County
- Volunteer, Union County Family Support Org. Executive Board Member/ Board Secretary
- The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated- Active Member
- National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Incorporated- Active Member
Professional References
Available upon request
Certificates Licensures
- Approved Clinical Supervisor Cert., Center for Credentialing & Education, 08/21
- Director of School Counseling Cert., State of NJ- Dept. of Education, 09/20
- Professional School Counselor Cert., State of NJ-Dept. of Education, 01/15
- Licensed Professional Counselor, NJ State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy, 08/12
- National Certified Counselor, National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc., 01/10
- Licensed Rehabilitation Counselor, NJ State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Exam, 10/09
Timeline
Dean of Student
Plainfield Public School District- Plainfield High School
09.2023 - Current
Adjunct Professor
Kean University- Counselor Education Dept.
08.2022 - Current
Clinical Supervisor
Catholic Charities
07.2022 - 09.2023
Professional School Counselor
Edison Public School District- Thomas Jefferson Middle School
05.2022 - 08.2023
Adjunct Professor
Union County College- Division of Social Sciences
08.2019 - 08.2022
Professional School Counselor
East Orange Public School District- Campus H.S
09.2018 - 05.2022
Professional School Counselor
Queen City Academy Charter School
11.2016 - 08.2018
School Clinician/ Sage In- District Program
Great Oaks Legacy Charter High School-8th Grade Academy
08.2015 - 11.2016
Mental Health Clinician III
Rutgers- UBHC- Children Crisis Intervention Services/ APS- Middlesex County Crisis Center
04.2013 - 08.2015
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
JFK Medical Center-Johnson Rehab Institute
09.2006 - 04.2013
Post-Graduate Coursework - Educational Leadership
Kean University
Post-Graduate Coursework - Clinical Mental Health & School Counseling
Kean University
Master of Science - Rehabilitation Counseling
Rutgers University / UMDNJ
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Kean University
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