Dynamic and dedicated High School Counselor at Insight PA Cyber Charter School, skilled in crisis intervention and curriculum development. Proven track record in fostering strong relationships with students and parents, enhancing college readiness programs, and implementing individualized education plans to support diverse learning needs. Passionate about empowering students to achieve their fullest potential.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
High School Counselor 9-12th Grade
Insight PA Cyber Charter School
Exton
09.2018 - 01.2026
Conduct Live Connect Sessions on 7 Mindsets Curriculum bimonthly for 9th-11th grades in the cyber school setting.
Developing curriculum for social skills, study skills, and survivors of bullying groups.
Develop strong working relationships with local high schools, colleges, and universities.
Consult with students, parents, teachers and other school and community personnel to assist in meeting the needs of all students.
Work to stay current in the subject, content area, and instructional techniques through professional development.
Assist teachers/case managers with educational placement of students using appropriate educational assessment strategies such as Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Engaging in shared decision making and collaborative efforts with faculty, staff, and administrators.
Work closely with school psychologist, teachers and other resources necessary to meet the demands of an at-risk population.
Received AI AIC Certificate for assisting individuals in crisis.
Coordinated college readiness workshops for high school students and families.
Provided individual counseling to students on academic and personal issues.
Collaborated with teachers to create tailored educational plans for students.
Facilitated crisis intervention and conflict resolution among students.
Managed student records and maintained compliance with state regulations.
Coordinated college admissions testing preparation programs such as SAT prep classes.
Provided crisis management services during times of emergency or distress.
Special Education Teacher for Early Intervention & Autism Support
Colonial Intermediate Unit 20
Easton
12.2017 - 09.2020
Configuring lessons to meet the individual needs of students needing intervention strategies.
Developing and implementing an Individualized Educational Program of each child, complementary to his/her educational strengths and needs.
Establishing, maintaining, and implementing standards of classroom management that supports instruction.
Communicating and consulting with parents regarding all aspects of the students' education including educational, social, and emotional well-being.
Directly supervising the work of paraprofessionals when appropriate.
Working to stay current in the subject, content area, and instructional techniques.
Responding positively to supervision and suggestions from supervisors.
Planning a program of study that employs a variety of instructional techniques to meet district curriculum goals and objectives, and individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students.
Special Education Itinerant Support Teacher 12th Grade
Insight PA Cyber Charter School
Exton
09.2018 - 08.2020
Conduct Live Connect Sessions on Transition Services weekly for 9th-11th grades in the cyber school setting.
Developing curriculum for social skills group and transition groups.
Providing one-on-one support for students in the core curriculum.
Configuring lessons to meet the individual needs of students needing intervention strategies.
Developing and implementing an Individualized Educational Program of each student complimentary to his/her educational strengths and needs.
Communicating and consulting with parents and/or students regarding all aspects of the students' education including educational, social, and emotional well-being every two weeks.
Working to stay current in the subject, content area, and instructional techniques through professional development.
Conducting a weekly social skills group for 9th-12th graders.
Special Education Teacher 4th & 5th Grade Learning Support
Commonwealth Charter Academy
Andreas
01.2016 - 09.2017
Conduct Live Lesson in the cyber school setting.
Providing one-on-one support for students in the core curriculum.
Configuring lessons to meet the individual needs of students needing intervention strategies.
Developing and implementing an Individualized Educational Program of each child, complementary to his/her educational strengths and needs.
Establishing, maintaining, and implementing standards of classroom management that support instruction.
Conducting a weekly social skills group for 4th and 5th graders.
Communicating and consulting with parents regarding all aspects of the students' education including educational, social, and emotional well-being on a bi-monthly basis.
Working to stay current in the subject, content area, and instructional techniques through professional development.
Planning a program of study that employs a variety of instructional techniques to meet district curriculum goals and objectives, and individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students.
Director of Figure Skating, Figure Skating Department Grades 9-12
Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts
Bethlehem
08.2014 - 08.2015
Maintaining an oversight of the figure skating budget.
Collaborating with key stakeholders on public relations and active recruitment of new students.
Managing and delivery of all instruction for both on-ice and off-ice curriculum classes for grades 9-12.
Managing a professional and collegial relationship with Steel Ice Center.
Assisting in the collaboration and planning of the annual figure skating show.
Communicating and consulting with parents regarding all aspects of the students' education including academic, social, and emotional well-being.
Planning and preparing lesson plans to deliver a rigorous learning experience that articulates high standards.
Collaborating with school administration, guidance department, disciplinarian, faculty, and staff to serve the best interest of the students.
Collaborating with and supervising ice instructors of the figure skating program.
Attending required school events (e.g., in-service, back to school night, and open house).
Maintaining a system of monitoring, assessment, record-keeping, and reporting of student progress.
Creating curriculum for all figure skating program courses.
Overseeing the figure skating club and fundraising efforts. Organizing and planning class field trips.
Learning Support Specialist, Disabilities Services Office
Centenary College
Hackettstown
08.2011 - 08.2014
Providing academic counseling, resources, learning strategies instruction, case management, and advocacy for students with learning, mental health, and physical disabilities.
Collaborating with professors, parents, and paraprofessionals.
Assisting in planning and implementation of disability programs on campus (Project ABLE and Step Ahead).
Preparing and attending open house events.
Reviewing student documentation.
Uphold federal and state regulations.
Ethically handling Delta Alpha Pi funds, including fundraising and budget.
Developing and conducting trainings and workshops for students, parents, faculty, and staff members.
Coordinate accommodations and assistive technology.
Compile student data and statistic data including retention rates.
Assisting in student recruitment, presentations, and events.
Behavior Specialist Consultant
Youth Advocate Programs
Kresgeville
06.2009 - 11.2012
Developing treatment plans and individualized behavior management programs which focus on the needs, goals, and strengths of the individual and family.
Giving direct support to children by providing one-on-one intervention in their environment.
Providing consultation to all family, school, and community members involved.
Collaborating with other team members.
Training and supervising Therapeutic Staff Support (TSS).
Facilitating interagency meetings.
Attending monthly clinical supervision and staff meetings.
Obtaining 20 training hours per year which included: Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), MANDT, HIPPA, Mandated reporting, CPR/First aide, Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA), Play Therapy, DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
Long- Term Substitute Emotional Support Grades 4-5
DeFranco Elementary School
Bangor
09.2010 - 06.2011
Instructing students in academic subjects of reading, writing, science, social studies, and mathematics according to the school curriculum.
Utilizing various teaching techniques that meet the student's needs following Specially Designed Instructions for each student with the guidance of the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
Writing IEP's, schedule and facilitate IEP meetings.
Collaborating with regular education teachers to promote inclusive practices for all students.
Assuring that objectives for all lessons, units, and projects are demonstrated on lesson plans and providing a balanced program of instruction.
Developing a positive behavioral support plan that incorporated a token economy to motivate students to do well.
Designing a Crisis Plan format for the school district that can be adapted to meet the individualized student's needs.
Planning and scheduling lessons to demonstrate the state and national content standards and approved curriculum.
Therapeutic Staff Support
Youth Advocate Programs
Kresgeville
07.2001 - 06.2009
Providing therapeutic support to children and adolescents in specified areas of developmental, social, behavioral, and emotional concerns that are identified by the treatment team.
Working in collaboration with schools and families.
Assisting in implementing behavioral interventions that focus on the strengths of the individual and family.
Obtaining 20 hours of training per year and receiving weekly supervision.
Gathering all data requested by the Behavioral Specialist Consultant (BSC).
Education
Master of Arts - School Counseling
Centenary College
Hackettstown, NJ
05.2020
Master of Arts - Special Ed. N-12
East Stroudsburg University
East Stroudsburg, PA
05.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology/Concentration in Social Work
East Stroudsburg University
East Stroudsburg, PA
05.2005
Skills
Medical Documentation Review
Accommodation Development
Behavior Modification
Training & Instruction
Communications & Presentations
Assessing & Advising
Customer Service Compliance
Relationship Management
Education law & Regulatory
Process Improvement
Recording & Reporting
Follow-Up & Problem Solving
Curriculum development
Crisis intervention
Individualized education plans
College readiness programs
Parent-teacher collaboration
Career guidance
References
Heather Knickerbocker, Director, Disability Services Office (Former Learning Support Specialist), Centenary College of New Jersey, 400 Jefferson St., Hackettstown, NJ, 07840, 570-460-5284, heatherknickerbocker@gmail.com
Paula Staples, School Counselor-Bethlehem Catholic High School, Colonial Intermediate Unit 20, PO Box 1030, East Stroudsburg, PA, 18301, 570-977-2801
Amber Clark, Insight PA High School Counselor 9-12th grade, Insight PA Cyber Charter School, 350 Eagleview Blvd Suite 350, Exton, PA, 19341, 610-551-7921
Kelsey Tate, Insight PA High School Counselor 9-12th grade, Insight PA Cyber Charter School, 350 Eagleview Blvd Suite 350, Exton, PA, 19341, 724-433-4043
Related Experience
Figure Skating Instructor, Revolution Ice Center, Pittston, PA, 01/21, Present, Providing group and private lessons., Accessing and testing each skater's individual skill level and assigning students to the appropriate group based on their ability., Assisting in preparing children and adults for competition., Creating a positive and enjoyable environment.
Figure Skating Instructor, Aspen Ice Arena, Randolph, NJ, 06/10, 06/18, Providing group and private lessons., Accessing and testing each skater's individual skill level and assigning students to the appropriate group based on their ability., Assisting in preparing children and adults for competition., Creating a positive and enjoyable environment.
Figure Skating Instructor, Bethlehem Steel Ice Center, Bethlehem, PA, 09/14, 06/17, Providing group and private lessons., Accessing and testing each skater's individual skill level and assigning students to the appropriate group based on their ability., Assisting in preparing children and adults for competition., Creating a positive and enjoyable environment.
Figure Skating Instructor, Chill Out Sports Arena, Hackettstown, NJ, 04/04, 04/10, Providing group and private lessons., Accessing and testing each skater's individual skill level and assigning students to the appropriate group based on their ability., Assisting in preparing children and adults for competition., Creating a positive and enjoyable environment.
Figure Skating Instructor, Pocono Ice Arena, Pocono, PA, 06/98, 04/04, Providing group and private lessons., Accessing and testing each skater's individual skill level and assigning students to the appropriate group based on their ability., Assisting in preparing children and adults for competition., Creating a positive and enjoyable environment.
12th Grade High School English and Practical Writing Teacher at Westfield High School12th Grade High School English and Practical Writing Teacher at Westfield High School