Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
AWARDS/AFFILIATIONS
Timeline
Generic

Erin Copland

Chicago,Illinois

Summary

Licensed School Counselor and Program Director with 27 years of experience in education, counseling, and training. Currently leading inclusive community programming at Yachad-Chicago, where I design and oversee accessible programs for individuals with diverse abilities. Skilled in building partnerships, coaching staff, and guiding participants/students, families, and care takers through academic, social, and wellness challenges. Experienced in developing training initiatives for staff and volunteers, implementing accessible practices, and managing programs that foster belonging, resilience, and growth.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Program Director

Yachad
11.2024 - Current
  • Develop, manage inclusive programs for adults and children with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs.
  • Manage programming logistics, staffing, and budgets for weekly series and special events.
  • Train and supervise staff and volunteers on inclusion and participant care.
  • Build partnerships with various orthodox congregations and community organizations.

School Counselor

Chicago Public Schools
08.2004 - 11.2024
  • Teach strategies for students to increase kindness, confidence, independence, self-worth, and resilience
  • Analyze student data to develop a comprehensive school counseling program
  • Co-teach developmentally appropriate counseling lessons in classrooms
  • Develop, implement, and maintain academic, treatment, and safety plans
  • Lead/Participant on the Behavioral Health Team (BHT), MTSS team, and Culture and Climate Committee
  • Manage the GoCPS High School application and matriculation process for middle school students, their families, and staff
  • Facilitate group and individualized counseling support
  • Work collaboratively with school-based staff and other stakeholders to determine and provide responsive counseling services to students and others in the school community
  • Collaborate with educators, school administrators, and external professionals in the development of Individualized Education Plans/Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans as needed
  • Partner with school administrators, teachers, and parents/guardians to provide students with appropriate counseling support in school
  • Provide referrals for community resources and mental health professionals for students, families, and faculty in need
  • Display sensitivity to diverse cultural/sexual/gender identities and linguistic needs of students and families served
  • Teach sexual health lessons to students
  • Organize academic/social/emotional interventions for students in need
  • Mediate conflicts to clarify and resolve underlying issues
  • Provide emergency response in crises to diffuse tension and support student(s) and the school community as a whole
  • School-wide coordinator to support students experiencing homelessness and other barriers to basic daily living needs
  • Assist in managing school-based records for the school community

Case Manager

Chicago Public Schools
08.2004 - 06.2019
  • Collaborated with educators, school administrators, and external professionals in the development and maintenance of Individualized Education Plans/Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans
  • Managed schoolwide specialized services according to federal laws and in compliance with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
  • Managed an elaborate calendar of meetings to discuss student services with all stakeholders at the meeting
  • Proofread IEP and 504 documents before finalization to ensure accuracy
  • Lead meetings to review student data in determining progress toward goals
  • Attended various professional development courses to enhance best practices in teaching for all students
  • Advocated for specialized services in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
  • Lead professional development to review the functionality of IEP and 504 documents and procedural safe safeguards
  • Protected the integrity of student services according to FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) in the least restrictive environment
  • Coached and collaborated with staff regarding various co-teaching models
  • Managed Special Education, Cumulative, and Health Records
  • School-wide administrator for all Standardized Testing (PARCC, NWEA, NAEP, ISA)
  • Coordinated Homebound Services for students in need

Education

M.A. - School/Community Counseling

National Louis University
Skokie, Illinois
01.2005

B.S. - Elementary Education/Psychology

Bradley University
Peoria, Illinois
01.1996

Skills

  • Inclusive Program Leadership & Accessibility
  • School Counseling (PreK–22, Non-Clinical)
  • Staff Training & Professional Development
  • Student & Family Support Services
  • Health & Wellness Program Coordination
  • Case Management & Advocacy
  • Crisis Response & Conflict Resolution
  • Community & Stakeholder Engagement

Certification

  • Illinois State Board Of Education
  • Professional Education License (PEL) IEN# 471341
  • Endorsements:
  • School Counselor (PreK - 22 years)
  • Elementary Education (K - 9th Grade)
  • Language Arts (5th - 8th Grade)
  • Social Science (5th - 8th Grade)

AWARDS/AFFILIATIONS

Apple Certified Teacher, Sexual Health Instructor (CPS Only), Chicago Equity and Access Advising Credential (CEAAC), Naviance Instructional Platform/Curriculum, Illinois School Counseling Association (ISCA), American School Counseling Association (ASCA)

Timeline

Program Director

Yachad
11.2024 - Current

School Counselor

Chicago Public Schools
08.2004 - 11.2024

Case Manager

Chicago Public Schools
08.2004 - 06.2019

B.S. - Elementary Education/Psychology

Bradley University

M.A. - School/Community Counseling

National Louis University

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