Donita Jackson
Cincinnati,OH
Summary
Dedicated school counselor with over 20 years of experience in fostering student success through personalized academic advising and emotional support. Expertise in developing impactful relationships and facilitating student development programs. Recognized for effective communication, active listening, and advocacy strategies that facilitate student growth and achievement.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
School and College Counselor
Indian Hill High School
Cincinnati, Ohio
08.2012 - 07.2026
- Advocated for students during parent-teacher conferences and IEP meetings, ensuring comprehensive support.
- Conducted individual counseling sessions to address student concerns and goals.
- Developed and maintained relationships with local colleges and universities.
- Led meetings with parents, teachers, and administrators to discuss students' progress and resolve behavioral and academic problems.
- Led individual student meetings to strategize academic plans and post-secondary pathways.
- Monitored student progress towards degree completion by reviewing transcripts and other documents.
- Participated in regular professional development activities to stay up-to-date on changes in the field.
- Spearheaded and implemented a college counseling curriculum for high school students.
Middle School Counselor
Indian Hill Middle School
Cincinnati, OH
08.2005 - 06.2012
- Assisted in developing 504 Plans for qualifying students with disabilities.
- Collaborated with teachers to address student behavioral and academic concerns.
- Conducted classroom guidance lessons on topics including conflict resolution, study skills, stress management, career exploration, self-esteem building and goal setting.
- Coordinated parent meetings to discuss student progress and support strategies.
- Counseled families around issues that may be impacting their students' academic success such as divorce or substance abuse.
- Facilitated collaborative meetings to resolve academic and behavioral issues, posting positive outcomes.
- Participated in school committees focused on improving overall school climate by promoting equity among all stakeholders.
Health Teacher
Indian Hill Middle School
Cincinnati, OH
08.1993 - 06.2005
- Delivered interactive lessons on nutrition, fitness, and wellness topics.
- Fostered students' self-esteem and love of learning by maintaining welcoming and positive classroom environment.
- Lectured students on health topics such as physical development, nutrition, drug use, and STD protection.
- Maintained a safe and supportive classroom environment for all learners.
- Promoted positive behavior change by encouraging students to set realistic goals for themselves based on their individual needs.
Leadership
Indian Hill High School
Cincinnati, OH
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently facilitate school functions, from collaboration and team building to scheduling.
- Served as the department head for the School Counseling team.
- Worked successfully with a diverse group of colleagues across disciplines to accomplish building-level goals.
Education
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership
Northern Kentucky University
Newport, Kentucky05-2024
Professional Clinical Counselor - Clinical Counseling
Licensed Clinical Counselor
State of Ohio05-2002
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies - Counseling
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio08-2000
Master of Education - School Counseling
Xavier University
Cincinnati, Ohio12-1997
Bachelor of Science - School Health Education
Kent State University
Kent, Ohio05-1993
Skills
- Active listening
- College application support
- Communication skills
- Community engagement
- Emotional intelligence
- Individual counseling
- Program facilitation
- Relationship building
Accomplishments
Ohio Association for College Admission Counseling 2019
M. Jeanne Talley Human Relations Award Recipient-Enhancing the relations among all people.
M. Jeanne Talley Human Relations Award Recipient-Enhancing the relations among all people.
Affiliations
Guiding the Way to Inclusion-Co Facilitator
Ohio Association for College Admission Counseling (2016-2018)
Ohio Association for College Admission Counseling (2016-2018)
Presentations
- Courageous Conversations Student Group, Intentionally Connecting With Students Minus the Blind Spots
Ohio Association for College Admission Counseling, May 2020 (virtual)
All Ohio Counselor's Conference, March 2021
High Aims Conference, August 2021
- Application Bootcamp: Empowering High School Seniors for College Application Success
Ohio Association for College Admission Counseling, March 2025
National Association for College Admission Counseling, September 2025
Ohio School Counseling Conference, October 2025
Timeline
School and College Counselor
Indian Hill High School
08.2012 - 07.2026
Middle School Counselor
Indian Hill Middle School
08.2005 - 06.2012
Health Teacher
Indian Hill Middle School
08.1993 - 06.2005
Leadership
Indian Hill High School
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership
Northern Kentucky University
Professional Clinical Counselor - Clinical Counseling
Licensed Clinical Counselor
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies - Counseling
University of Cincinnati
Master of Education - School Counseling
Xavier University
Bachelor of Science - School Health Education
Kent State University