Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
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Debra Martinez

Miami

Summary

Dynamic and results-oriented school counselor with a proven track record at Christopher Columbus High School, specializing in academic advising, college search, and personal counseling. Skilled in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and tailored counseling services to support students' emotional and academic well-being. Demonstrates a strong commitment to student development by implementing effective programs that enhance growth and resolve challenges. Proficient in counseling techniques and known for using empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills to guide students through personal and academic decisions. Builds strong, collaborative relationships with students, parents, and educational staff to foster a thriving school environment. Adaptable and responsive to individual needs, ensuring personalized support for every student. Focused on helping students explore and achieve postsecondary goals through strategic college and career guidance. Dedicated to creating a supportive, productive, and inclusive learning atmosphere that empowers student success.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

School Counselor

Christopher Columbus High School
08.2011 - Current
  • Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions.
  • Collaborated with teachers and administrators to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.
  • Developed a safe and supportive school environment by promoting positive behavior and addressing issues such as bullying and harassment.
  • Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.

School Counselor

Archbishop Coleman Carrol High School
08.2008 - 06.2011
  • Academic Support: Monitor student grades and provide help to struggling students through study skills development, time management strategies, and test-taking techniques to improve academic performance.
  • College and Career Counseling: Guide students in exploring career options aligned with their interests and skills, and assist in researching colleges and universities using various college search platforms.
  • Personal Counseling: Support students facing personal or emotional challenges, offering a safe space to talk and referring them to outside resources when necessary.
  • Course Selection Guidance: Help students choose appropriate courses that align with their academic strengths, graduation requirements, and post-secondary goals.
  • Collaboration and Advocacy: Work closely with parents, teachers, and school administration to support student success and ensure their academic, social, and emotional needs are met.

School Counselor

St. Brendan High School
08.1995 - 06.2006
Academic Support & Planning
  • Monitored academic progress of Sophomore and Junior students
  • Implemented academic study plans
  • Assisted in the course selection process
  • Worked with teachers and parents to support students’ academic journey
2. Personal & Social Counseling
  • Conducted one-on-one counseling to address personal issues
  • Facilitated small group counseling sessions focused on:
    Children of divorced parents
    Grief and loss
    Addiction (drug and alcohol)
  • Worked with teachers and parents to support students’ personal development
3. Instructional Responsibilities
  • Taught:
    English (11th grade)
    Health and Wellness (9th grade)
4. Leadership & Event Coordination
  • Sophomore Class Moderator
  • Organized school events, including:
    Honors Convocation Ceremonies
    Honor Society Ceremony
    Class trips

Education

Master of Science - School Counseling K-12

St. Thomas University
Miami Gardens, FL
05-1997

Bachelor of Science - Psychobiology

Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
06-1992

Associate of Arts - Psychology

Miami Dade College
Miami, FL
05-1990

High School Diploma -

St. Brendan High School
Miami
05-1988

Skills

  • Solutions-focused
  • Group counseling
  • Parent-teacher collaboration
  • Conflict mediation
  • Career guidance
  • Individual and family support
  • Conflict resolution
  • Crisis intervention strategies
  • Academic advising
  • College exploration
  • The college application process
  • Individualized education programs

Accomplishments

Co-Moderator of the LINK Club, the founding chapter of a student-led initiative now active in three additional Miami-area high schools. The club is dedicated to fostering inclusion by teaching students how to engage respectfully, empathetically, and meaningfully with peers in the special needs community.


Certified in grief counseling through the Children’s Bereavement Center (CBC), providing compassionate support to students coping with the loss of a family member or friend. Trained to help students navigate the grieving process and foster emotional healing in a safe, understanding environment.



Languages

Spanish
Professional Working
English
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

School Counselor

Christopher Columbus High School
08.2011 - Current

School Counselor

Archbishop Coleman Carrol High School
08.2008 - 06.2011

School Counselor

St. Brendan High School
08.1995 - 06.2006

Master of Science - School Counseling K-12

St. Thomas University

Bachelor of Science - Psychobiology

Florida State University

Associate of Arts - Psychology

Miami Dade College

High School Diploma -

St. Brendan High School
Debra Martinez