Dawn Thornton, LMSW, ASDCS
Brooktondale
Summary
Compassionate professional with extensive experience in school social work, mental health counseling, and early childhood care. A strong commitment to serving families, children, and the special-needs populations. Skilled at implementing my certified therapy dog into a school setting. Skilled in individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and managing a caseload of 83 clients. Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, develop IEP/504 goals, and connect families to vital community resources for holistic support. Skilled at building community support and strategic partnerships to transform under-served populations. Skilled at empowering families and children through targeted interventions. Possess specialized skills in case management, crisis intervention, and behavioral counseling. Excel in empathy, communication, and problem-solving, crucial for navigating complex family dynamics and school environments to foster positive outcomes.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
School Social Worker
Newfield Middle School
Newfield
02.2025 - Current
- Assessed student mental health needs and identified tailored interventions to support individual growth.
- Conducted assessments to identify student mental health needs and interventions.
- Provided counseling services to students facing emotional and social challenges.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to improve peer relationships among students.
- Developed workshops on social skills and conflict resolution for student growth.
- Organized seminars on bullying prevention, substance abuse awareness, and anger management to educate and empower students.
- Promoted student rights and welfare through advocacy efforts in school settings.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to implement effective interventions for struggling students.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop supportive classroom environments.
- Coordinated family and community resources to effectively address and support student needs.
- Coordinated with families and community resources for student support.
- Implemented individualized education plans for students with special needs.
Licensed Clinician, C-SPOA Coordinator
Schuyler County Mental Health
Watkins Glen
04.2023 - 01.2025
- Conducted patient assessments to determine mental health needs.
- Provided individual therapy sessions for diverse client populations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop treatment plans.
- Educated clients on coping strategies and mental wellness techniques to enhance their self-management skills.
- Documented patient progress and treatment outcomes in electronic records.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to enhance peer support and interaction.
- Participated in community outreach programs to increase mental health awareness and reduce stigma in the community.
- Advised individuals regarding medication compliance, lifestyle changes, stress reduction techniques.
- Educated patients on symptoms, root issues, and appropriate treatment expectations.
- Monitored client progress through regular follow-up meetings or phone calls.
- Coordinated referrals with external providers for additional services.
- Utilized evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
- Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans to meet the needs of clients.
- Participated in weekly case conferences with other clinicians to discuss progress of clients' treatment plans.
- Determined most appropriate treatment plan and implemented course of action.
- Assessed patient symptoms, histories, current concerns, and responses to develop clear picture of current health.
- Engaged in ethical decision making processes when determining best course of action for clients.
- Performed risk assessment evaluations for suicidal or homicidal ideation among clients.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions on coping skills, anger management, and grief counseling to foster peer support and collective healing.
- Provided crisis intervention services in a timely manner to ensure safety of clients.
- Provided psycho-educational support to families by educating them about their loved one's diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Conducted initial assessments, including mental status exams, to determine appropriate level of care for clients.
- Attended professional development workshops and seminars related to clinical practice areas such as trauma informed care or evidence based practices.
- Educated community members about mental health issues through outreach programs at schools and local organizations.
- Actively participated in supervision sessions with Program Director or Clinical Supervisor on a regular basis.
- Assisted in developing and implementing policies and procedures related to clinical operations.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate patient care.
- Maintained strict patient privacy and confidential patient information, taking care to meet HIPAA guidelines and statutes for data security.
- Referred patients with serious medical conditions and emergencies to hospital for immediate care.
- Established and maintained relationships with specialists to provide patient referrals and holistic care.
Childcare Specialist/Registrar
Child Development Council
Ithaca
10.2019 - 03.2023
- Oversaw all registered family childcare and school age programs in Tompkins County, ensuring compliance with regulations and quality standards
- Registered new programs and inspected current programs to uphold high standards of care and safety
- Responded to complaints and conducted investigations, resolving issues efficiently to protect children’s welfare
- Delivered training for programs to improve staff competency and overall program effectiveness
- Conducted background checks, child abuse registry reviews, and fingerprinting on potential employees to ensure child safety
Pre-K Family Liaison
ICSD
Ithaca
01.2016 - 09.2019
- Supported Head Start children and families in setting and achieving goals by developing individualized plans and connecting them to community resources, increasing family engagement
- Provided ongoing assistance and advocacy, ensuring families received necessary support and encouraging self-advocacy for their children, improving outcomes
- Collaborated with school teams to engage families, strengthening school-family partnerships and increasing family involvement
- Facilitated communication between families and educators, enhancing student support and collaboration.
- Coordinated resources and services for families navigating school systems, streamlining access to essential support.
- Developed workshops to educate parents on school policies and programs.
- Assisted in resolving conflicts between families and school staff effectively.
- Organized community events to foster engagement among families and schools.
- Collaborated with local agencies to connect families with external support services.
- Advocated for student needs in meetings with school administration and staff, ensuring alignment on support strategies.
- Worked closely with teachers, administrators, counselors, psychologists, and other specialists in order to ensure effective implementation of IEPs.
School Social Work Intern
Ithaca City School District
Ithaca
12.2016 - 05.2018
- Facilitated student counseling sessions to address social and emotional needs.
- Facilitated small group counseling sessions addressing anger management, peer relationships, and self-esteem to promote emotional well-being.
- Provided guidance counseling services designed to help students make informed decisions about their future goals and career paths.
- Advocated for marginalized populations within the school, ensuring equitable access to resources for low-income students and those with disabilities.
- Conducted assessments to identify student strengths and areas for support.
- Assessed student trauma histories to inform referral recommendations for outside treatment providers.
- Developed and implemented individualized intervention plans to support students facing academic and social challenges.
- Assisted in creating individualized education plans for students with challenges.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop supportive classroom environments.
- Promoted a safe learning environment by responding proactively to bullying incidents or other disruptive behaviors.
- Coordinated with community resources to provide additional student services.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings related to IEPs or other special education services.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss student progress.
- Conducted field work at Enfield Elementary for K-5 students.
Pre-K Program Intern
ICSD
08.2014 - 12.2014
- Conducted field assessments in human services to evaluate program effectiveness and inform service delivery
- Assisted in developing program materials for community outreach initiatives.
- Conducted research to support project planning and implementation efforts.
- Collaborated with team members to organize events and workshops effectively.
Registered Daycare Provider
Self-Employed
Tompkins County
03.1995 - 08.2012
- Delivered quality daycare services to children ages 6 weeks to 12 years, fostering a safe and nurturing environment.
- Supervised daily activities and interactions for children in a safe environment.
- Planned engaging educational activities to promote child development and learning.
- Maintained a clean and organized play area for optimal child safety and engagement.
Foster/Adoptive Parent
Tompkins County
Tompkins County
01.1994 - 01.2012
- Established stable, supportive, therapeutic environment for 63 children, fostering emotional and developmental growth.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Fordham University
Manhattan, NY05-2018
B.A. - Social Work
Keuka College
Penn Yan, NY05-2017
A.A.S. - Human Services
TC3
Dryden, NY12-2014
High School Diploma - Medical Asst.
Ithaca High School
Ithaca, NY01-1988
Skills
- Mental health assessment
- Crisis intervention
- Behavioral assessments
- Risk assessments
- Treatment planning
- IEP development
- Group therapy facilitation
- Social skills training
- Behavior management plans
- Student assessments
- IEP teamwork
- Family engagement
- Family teamwork
- Community resource coordination
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Case documentation
- Documentation
- Advocacy skills
- Student advocacy
- Solution interventions
- Suicide prevention
- Effective communication
- Communication skills
- Problem solving
- Mediation techniques
- Special needs
- Special education
Affiliations
- NASW-National Association of Social Workers
- Xi Gamma - Graduate Chapter of Phi Alpha, National Social Work Honor Society - Fordham University
- Phi Kappa Phi - Honor Society - Fordham University
- Phi Alpha - National Social Work Honor Society, Keuka College
- Phi Theta Kappa - National Honor Society, TC3
- Alpha Sigma Lambda - Adult Student National Honor Society
- NAEYC - National Association for the Education of Young Children
Phone Numbers
607-339-6313
Personal Information
ASDCS - Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist
NYAEYC - New York State Training and Technical Assistance Professional Credential - Content Specialist Trainer in Family and Social Services
New York State ECLC Certified A.C.E.s Trainer
New York State Certified Trainer/Facilitator for the R.A.C.E. Cards - Racial Awareness Conversations for Everyone.
Volunteer Experience
- PAWS for Friendship, Visits with my Therapy Dog, Piper, made to Oak Hill Manor and Cayuga Medical Center adult and pediatric mental health units, FLEX, Lobby, and the pediatric unit.
- President, Pre-K Parent Action Committee, 2012, 2013, 2014
- Parent Rep, Caroline Pre-K Parent Committee, 2006-2012, 2013-2015
- CPSE Parent Rep, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
- Camp Director, Barton Cub Scout Day Camp, 2010-2012, 2019
Not For Profit Experience
Created the opening of the Varna After School Program (VASP), which is designed as an after-school enrichment program for students in K-5th in the Ithaca City School District.
Awards Received Honors
- Fordham University School of Social Work, Student Commencement Speaker, 2018
- TC3 Graduate of Note
- TC3 President's Citation
- TC3 Dean's List, Spring 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2013, Fall 2014
- Keuka College Dean's List, Fall 2015, Spring 2016
- BSA (Boy Scouts of America) 2019 District Award of Merit for outstanding service to youth
- BSA (Boy Scouts of America) Unit Leader Award of Merit
Timeline
School Social Worker
Newfield Middle School
02.2025 - Current
Licensed Clinician, C-SPOA Coordinator
Schuyler County Mental Health
04.2023 - 01.2025
Childcare Specialist/Registrar
Child Development Council
10.2019 - 03.2023
School Social Work Intern
Ithaca City School District
12.2016 - 05.2018
Pre-K Family Liaison
ICSD
01.2016 - 09.2019
Pre-K Program Intern
ICSD
08.2014 - 12.2014
Registered Daycare Provider
Self-Employed
03.1995 - 08.2012
Foster/Adoptive Parent
Tompkins County
01.1994 - 01.2012
Master of Social Work -
Fordham University
B.A. - Social Work
Keuka College
A.A.S. - Human Services
TC3
High School Diploma - Medical Asst.
Ithaca High School