Donya Varnado
Slidell
Summary
Experienced School Counselor with over 7 years in educational environments, transitioning from teaching to leadership in counseling. Cultivates supportive learning environments through effective communication and collaborative planning. Enhances student engagement via tailored interventions and innovative educational strategies, grounded in a solid background in mental health and academic counseling.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
School Counselor/Accountability & Testing
Sophie B. Wright High School
New Orleans, La
06.2023 - 06.2026
- Guided students through transitions and graduation readiness, fostering confidence and engagement.
- Analyze performance data
- Managed recruitment and retention strategies to strengthen school community engagement.
- Organized graduation ceremonies, ensuring seamless execution and memorable student experiences.
- Evaluated student performance data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
- Guided students through transitions, fostering confidence and readiness for graduation.
- Student scheduling of courses
Counselor
Joseph A. Cullier Career Center
Marrero, La
07.2022 - 05.2023
- Guided students in academic and mental health support, resulting in improved overall well-being.
- Led group and individual counseling sessions, facilitating personal growth and self-awareness.
- Utilized counseling skills to address student needs, leading to enhanced positive outcomes.
4th/5th grade Teacher
Lafayette Academy Charter School
New Orleans, La
04.2018 - 05.2022
- Created engaging lesson plans for 4th and 5th grade English and Social Studies, fostering student engagement.
- Assessed student outcomes using analytical skills, identifying areas for improvement.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, resulting in significant improvements in student performance.
- Utilized analytical skills to assess and improve student outcomes.
3rd grade Teacher
Celerity Woodmere Elementary School
Harvey, Louisiana
07.2017 - 05.2018
- Guided 3rd graders in core subjects, boosting academic performance measurably.
- Maintained discipline, fostering respect and enhancing learning environment.
- Adapted teaching methods to diverse learning styles, enhancing understanding.
- Collaborated with peers to develop engaging lesson plans, elevating lesson quality.
- Boosted student participation through interactive and stimulating activities.
Paraprofessional Educator/Reading Interventionist
Martin Behrman Charter School
Gretna, La
08.2015 - 05.2017
- Guided reading sessions to enhance literacy skills and improve student performance through tailored strategies.
- Fostered nurturing classroom environment that increased student engagement and cultivated a love for reading among diverse learners.
- Coordinated with teachers to develop individualized learning plans, ensuring tailored support that addressed each student's unique needs.
- Coordinated with teachers to develop individualized learning plans, providing tailored support to meet each student's unique needs.
Event Coordinator
Southern Oaks Plantation Wedding Venue
New Orleans
06.2010 - 04.2015
- Managed event timelines, aligning details for memorable experiences for couples and their guests.
- Collaborated with couples to tailor events, resulting in personalized experiences that resonated with guests and strengthened brand loyalty.
- Collaborated with couples to tailor events, creating personalized experiences that resonated with guests.
Education
Bachelors of Science - Criminal Justice, Minor: Psychology
Southern University at New Orleans
New Orleans, La07.2015
Masters of Arts - Counseling
Northwestern University
Evanston, Ill12.2021
Skills
- Verbal communication
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Excel
- Crime scene investigation
- Student assessment
- Coaching
- Event coordination
- Data management
- Education
- Mental health counseling
Timeline
School Counselor/Accountability & Testing
Sophie B. Wright High School
06.2023 - 06.2026
Counselor
Joseph A. Cullier Career Center
07.2022 - 05.2023
4th/5th grade Teacher
Lafayette Academy Charter School
04.2018 - 05.2022
3rd grade Teacher
Celerity Woodmere Elementary School
07.2017 - 05.2018
Paraprofessional Educator/Reading Interventionist
Martin Behrman Charter School
08.2015 - 05.2017
Event Coordinator
Southern Oaks Plantation Wedding Venue
06.2010 - 04.2015
Masters of Arts - Counseling
Northwestern University
Bachelors of Science - Criminal Justice, Minor: Psychology
Southern University at New Orleans
INTERNSHIPS
- Intern
- Salt & Light Collaborative Counseling, Slidell, La — Jan 2020 - Aug 2022
- Facilitated group and individual counseling sessions with clients
- Met with Counseling Supervisor for every client to brainstorm ideas
- Submitted notes for every session
- Used different counseling practices for successful counseling session with clients