Donna SmithHarris
Hopewell Junction,NY
Summary
Adept School Counselor offering 31 years of experience counseling students on the elementary, middle school and high school level on mental health, academics and interpersonal conflicts. Driven to help students achieve success by providing guidance on career options, higher education choices and life planning. Attentive in identifying early warning signs of harmful behavior in students to provide preventive counseling. Consistent in meeting the established goals of the counseling program. Guided students on academic and career decisions. Skilled at counseling students on methods for forging relationships and helping students navigate school life. Driven to support long-term goal achievement by linking students to outside resources to enhance education, career prospects and social wellbeing.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Professional School Counselor
Mount Vernon City School District
09.1995 - 06.2024
- Facilitated student academic growth by identifying learning barriers and developing appropriate interventions.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using data analysis and smart goal techniques to inform improvements and adjustments based on student needs and feedback.
- Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing comprehensive counseling services and addressing various concerns.
- Assisted in college and career planning by conducting informational sessions and class lessons to provide resources to students and families.
- Maintained detailed records of all counseling interactions to ensure continuity of care for each student over time.
- Organized workshops on topics such as stress management, conflict resolution, and goal-setting for both students and staff members.
- Increased parent involvement in their child's education by hosting informative events that encouraged collaboration between home and school environments.
- Conducted classroom observations to identify areas where social-emotional supports could be integrated into lesson plans more effectively.
- Served as an advocate for at-risk youth by working closely with multidisciplinary teams focused on intervention efforts.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergency situations, ensuring immediate support was available for affected individuals.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, and parents for the development of individualized student support plans.
- Developed strong relationships with community organizations for referrals, resources, or partnerships in support of student success initiatives.
- Coordinated and implemented honor roll, career day, food pantry, parent involvement, program orientations, class schedules, graduation ceremony, talk show, college board testing, National Junior Honor Society program and many more events and programs throughout my tenure.
- Monitored student progress to drive successful academic outcomes.
- Analyzed student academic records to assess educational and career goals.
- Developed and implemented individualized academic plans for students.
- Collaborated with parents and teachers to help students reach potential.
- Oversaw career and job fairs to connect students with area schools and employers.
- Adhered to the standards of the New York State Education Department and the American School Counselor Association.
- Worked with elementary, middle, high school children and adults during my tenure at the Mount Vernon City School District.
Case Manager
Plus XII Youth And Family Services
09.1987 - 06.1995
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Managed caseloads of 250-300 students.
- Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' situations, identifying issues, goals, and necessary interventions.
- Monitored ongoing cases closely, adjusting case management strategies as needed based on evolving circumstances or new information.
- Educated clients on available programs, benefits, and services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care needs.
- Enhanced communication between clients and providers through consistent follow-ups and progress updates.
- Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
- Advocated for client rights when interacting with external agencies or institutions, ensuring fair treatment at all times.
- Contributed to team discussions and case conferences actively, sharing insights and expertise with colleagues to optimize client support strategies.
- Coordinated services with other agencies, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to provide useful benefits to clients.
- Assisted clients in navigating housing, legal services and public benefits to gain access to valuable resources.
- Facilitated individual and group sessions to promote positive behavior change for clients.
- Facilitated successful transitions between levels of care by developing detailed discharge plans and coordinating resources.
- Developed and implemented safety plans for clients at risk of harm to provide protection.
- Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
- Monitored program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services.
- Taught a comprehensive life skill's program.
- Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders.
- Conducted outreach activities to engage local stakeholders in programs.
- Managed volunteer program focused on providing work experience to underserved populations. Work sites included NBC Studios, Veteran's Hospital, Mayor's Office.
Education
Certification - Coordinator of Work Based Learning
SUNY Buffalo
Buffalo, NY05.2018
Master of Science - School Counseling
Herbert H Lehman College
Bronx, NY05.1985
Bachelor of Arts - Family And Consumer Sciences Education
Herbert H Lehman College
Bronx, NY05.1983
Skills
- Self-Esteem Building
- Substance Abuse Awareness
- Mental Health Support
- Multicultural Competence
- Group Counseling
- Individual Counseling
- Parent Collaboration
- Student Advocacy
- Bullying Prevention
- Academic Advising
- Study Skills Development
- Assertiveness Training
- Career Guidance
- Crisis Intervention
Timeline
Professional School Counselor
Mount Vernon City School District
09.1995 - 06.2024
Case Manager
Plus XII Youth And Family Services
09.1987 - 06.1995
Certification - Coordinator of Work Based Learning
SUNY Buffalo
Master of Science - School Counseling
Herbert H Lehman College
Bachelor of Arts - Family And Consumer Sciences Education
Herbert H Lehman College
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