ERIKA SHORT
Shawnee,KS
Summary
Experienced and empathetic communications professional with a strong foundation in delivering clear, impactful messaging that fosters understanding, engagement, and trust. Known for leveraging active listening and emotional intelligence to craft communications that resonate with diverse audiences. Adept at developing content and strategies that support organizational goals, drive behavioral change, and build strong internal and external relationships. Proven ability to translate complex ideas into accessible, meaningful messaging across multiple channels.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Counselor
Summit Trail Middle School
06.2018 - Current
- Collaborates with parents, teachers, and administrators to ensure student success utilizing a variety of interventions
- Counsels students individually and in groups to help work through social situations, personal and academic challenges, mental health, and other immediate struggles
- Administer Panorama (BSEL) survey to all students
- Coordinates events and connects with community partners
- Assists students with the enrollment process, including creation of and IPS for all students
- Assists in planning grade level and school wide activities
- Assists in creation of school master schedule
- Coordinates and participates in team meetings regarding IEPs, truancy student classroom performance, and crisis management
- Cheerleading coach (2018-2020)
Counselor
Indian Trail Middle School
06.2016 - 05.2018
- Collaborate with core classroom teachers to assist them in appropriate accommodations for a diverse population of students.
- Co-Developed a curriculum where self-esteem, personal awareness, coping strategies and time management were taught and discussed.
- Led student intervention team meetings bi-monthly and assisted with possible solutions for teacher and student needs.
- Responsible for nearly tripling the number of applications for 8th graders interested in 21 Century Academies and doubling the number of students accepted into an academy.
- Planned and executed enrollment for current 6th grade students to outgoing 8th grade students.
Counselor
Blue Valley Northwest
07.2015 - 05.2016
- Advised students on college admission requirements, entrance exam preparation and financial aid
- Counseling students on college admissions and essay writing.
- Responsible for maintenance and lesson plans of Naviance website which is utilized by the entire student population for college search, strengths matching, applications for college, high school transcripts and recommendation letters.
- Trained for AP Coordinator
- PSAT coordinator
- Planned and hosted college information nights
Counselor
Basehor Linwood Elementary
07.2014 - 05.2015
- Created and delivered weekly classroom lessons for K-5th grade students
- Bullying prevention and awareness
- Career awareness, exploration and planning
- Monitor students' progress for the purpose of identifying issues and taking appropriate action for increasing student success
Teacher
Monticello Trails Middle School
07.2005 - 05.2014
- Taught 6th-8th grades
- Assisted in strengthening writing and research skills
- Planned and presented various current events issues
- Created monthly team newsletter
- 8th grade team leader Organize lessons in which the students explore ancient history
- Prepared students for the State Assessment by practicing cause/effect, compare/contrast, map and timeline skills in a creative and engaging manner, such that all students earned meets standard or above
- Head cheerleading coach
- Assisted in writing curriculum and curriculum guide for LinC writing class
Education
Master of Science - School Counseling
Emporia State University
Overland Park05-2011
Skills
- Student & Faculty Communications – Skilled in developing clear, empathetic messaging for students, parents, and staff through newsletters, announcements, presentations, and digital content
- Change Management & Program Rollout – Experienced in guiding school-wide initiatives and change through strategic communications and supportive materials that foster understanding and adoption
- Counseling Leadership Support – Collaborated with school leadership to create and manage communication plans for academic programs, behavioral initiatives, and mental health awareness campaigns
- Content Development & Messaging – Created engaging and inclusive materials such as guidance curriculum, mental health resources, classroom presentations, and parent communication packets
- Visibility & Outreach Strategy – Designed and implemented strategies to increase awareness of counseling services, including through bulletin boards, social media, events, and digital signage
- Presentation & Workshop Facilitation – Led engaging student and parent presentations on topics like college readiness, SEL, conflict resolution, and career exploration
- Cross-Functional Collaboration – Partnered with teachers, administrators, and external organizations to align support services with school priorities and student needs
- Internet & Resource Management – Managed school counseling pages on school website as a central hub for student support resources and updates
- Survey Development & Data Analysis – Designed and conducted needs assessments and feedback surveys to inform programming and improve counseling services
- Documentation & Reporting – Maintained accurate records and used data to develop reports for school improvement plans and student success strategies
- Project & Calendar Management – Organized events like career fairs, wellness weeks, and advisory meetings, managing timelines, content, and logistics
- Editorial & Writing Skills – Wrote and edited communications in accordance with school guidelines, ensuring clarity, cultural responsiveness, and accessibility
- Student Engagement & Relationship Building – Developed strategies and messaging that support student voice, inclusion, and a positive school climate
- Strategic Planning – Contributed to the planning and evaluation of school-wide initiatives, aligning communication and counseling efforts to support overall goals
Accomplishments
- Recipient of the building Horizon Award for outstanding service to the profession.
- Recipient of the the Adop-A-School Award where I was awarded $1,000 for dedication to the students and the school.
- Nominated and represented the building as the Master Teacher of the Year.
Timeline
Counselor
Summit Trail Middle School
06.2018 - Current
Counselor
Indian Trail Middle School
06.2016 - 05.2018
Counselor
Blue Valley Northwest
07.2015 - 05.2016
Counselor
Basehor Linwood Elementary
07.2014 - 05.2015
Teacher
Monticello Trails Middle School
07.2005 - 05.2014
Master of Science - School Counseling
Emporia State University
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