Elijah Christopher Richardson
Philadelphia,USA
Summary
.Ambitious School Counselor focused on supporting students in accomplishing personal and academic success. Gifted in counseling, student advocacy and preventive education to meet the goals and objectives of the counseling program. Delicate in handling issues involving cultural and socioeconomic differences
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
School Counselor K-8
C.W. Henry School
Philadelphia, PA
08.2024 - 06.2026
- Implemented the evidence-based CharacterStrong curriculum across primary and middle school grades to deliver comprehensive instruction on social-emotional learning, academic resilience, and career readiness.
- Facilitated small-group counseling using custom "Calm Cat" curriculum for emotional regulation and CHOP's "Friend to Friend" program to empower 4th and 5th-grade girls with skills for healthy relationships and bullying prevention.
- Facilitated Attendance Improvement Conferences and developed Student Attendance Improvement Plans (SAIP) alongside families to address root causes of chronic absenteeism and implement immediate Tier 2 interventions.
- Collaborated with the MTSS team to analyze daily attendance and behavioral data, proactively identifying students approaching the state's 10% chronic absenteeism threshold.
- Guided 8th-grade students and families through School District of Philadelphia high school selection portal, providing targeted advice on criteria-based and neighborhood pathways to ensure informed decision-making.
- Coordinated with Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) to refer students and ensure those with behavioral challenges received active health technician support during the school day.
- Hosted informational town halls to educate the school community on academic transitions, climate expectations, and HIB prevention strategies.
- Coordinated with PTA to organize community engagement fundraisers, including Opus Pickleball event, and collaborated on monthly SEL "Counselor's Corner" segment for school morning broadcast to enhance community involvement.
- Designed custom Google Form trackers to monitor student progress, analyze office discipline referrals (ODRs), and measure counseling efficacy.
- Engaged in professional development centered on 504 accommodations, IEP compliance, and social transitions.
Learning Support Long Term Sub
C.W. Henry School
Philadelphia, PA
12.2023 - 06.2024
- Delivered targeted small-group and individual instruction for students with learning disabilities, improving engagement in core subjects and study skills.
- Developed and implemented Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with diverse learning needs in an inclusive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with general education teachers, specialists, and parents to tailor support for individual student needs, enhancing overall educational experience.
- Employed differentiated instruction and innovative teaching strategies to effectively meet varied learning styles and adapt to developmental goals.
K-8 School Counseling Intern
C.W. Henry School
Philadelphia, PA
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Guided 8th-grade students and guardians through Philadelphia high school selection process, ensuring informed choices.
- Taught "Calm Cat" small-group lessons to 3rd and 4th graders to build emotional regulation and anxiety coping skills.
- Collaborated in IEP screenings, 504 meetings, and DHS reporting with teachers, administration, and parents to secure critical accommodations for students.
- Delivered presentations at school town halls on bullying prevention and academic transitions, strengthening staff-student relationships through involvement with the golf team.
- Provided comprehensive primary and secondary counseling services, including peer mediations, classroom observations, and Tier 1 SEL lessons.
- Created a custom Google Form data tracker to monitor counseling efficacy and student outcomes.
Substitute Teacher
Frederick County Public Schools
Frederick , MD
01.2023 - 06.2023
- Executed K-12 lesson plans across diverse subject areas, ensuring instructional continuity and minimizing learning disruption during teacher absences.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive classroom climate while actively managing student behavior and escalating issues to administration for timely resolution.
- Connected students facing social-emotional or academic distress with school counseling department, facilitating targeted support and promoting student well-being.
Graduate Administrative Assistant
Bowie State University
08.2021 - 01.2023
- Coordinated departmental communications, authored semesterly newsletter, managed scheduling and program updates to ensure timely information dissemination.
- Prepared syllabi and course evaluations, modernized internal filing system to enhance organization and accessibility for daily departmental operations.
- Advised students on course progressions and scholarship opportunities, designed automated Bookings calendar to streamline student-advisor meetings.
Residential Assistant
Towson University
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Fostered inclusive residence hall environment by organizing monthly events and conducting weekly check-ins, enhancing student engagement and community support.
- Developed educational bulletin boards on student mental health, substance safety, and career development resources, promoting awareness and support among residents.
- Tutored students and referred at-risk individuals to academic and counseling support services, contributing to improved student retention and success.
Education
Educational Specialist 1 - Elementary & Secondary School Counselor PK-12
PA03-2024
Master of Education - School Counselor
Bowie State University
12-2023
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Towson University
05-2020
Skills
- Emotional regulation
- IEP development
- Social-emotional learning
- Attendance strategies
- Crisis intervention
- Community engagement
- Behavioral data analysis
- Effective communication
- Student advocacy
- Referral coordination
- Cultural history
- Compassionate
- Crisis strategies
- Career guidance
- Career advising
- Professional demeanor
References
Available upon request
Honors Awards Memberships
- Member of Bowie State University's Graduate Student Association
- Dean's list all semesters at Bowie State University
- Graduate Assistant at Bowie State University
- Maryland Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development Dr. Aaron B. Stills Graduate School Scholarship 2023
- ASCA Membership
- C.W Henry School Staff Member of Month
Timeline
School Counselor K-8
C.W. Henry School
08.2024 - 06.2026
Learning Support Long Term Sub
C.W. Henry School
12.2023 - 06.2024
K-8 School Counseling Intern
C.W. Henry School
08.2023 - 12.2023
Substitute Teacher
Frederick County Public Schools
01.2023 - 06.2023
Graduate Administrative Assistant
Bowie State University
08.2021 - 01.2023
Residential Assistant
Towson University
09.2019 - 05.2020
Educational Specialist 1 - Elementary & Secondary School Counselor PK-12
Master of Education - School Counselor
Bowie State University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Towson University