FELIX LOHITAI
Erie,PA
Summary
- A dynamic, team-spirited and results oriented individual seeking to utilize analytical skills and experience to contribute to your institution's objectives and growth.
- Seventeen years’ progressive experience in social services including mental health, drug & alcohol, juvenile behavioral specialist, high school & family counseling.
- Fifteen years’ experience working with people of diverse backgrounds.
- Four years’ experience in classroom management for diverse adult refugee and immigrant population.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient computer skills (Word Processing, Excel, Internet Research and Power point, Zoom)
- Multilingual: English, Arabic & Swahili.
Student-focused counselor and advisor with strong background in student support and crisis intervention. Drives student success by partnering closely with administrators, teachers and guardians on diverse initiatives. Background in one-on-one assistance and group instruction. Talented in facilitating college, vocational and military applications.
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. Compassionate Mentor willing to take on any challenge and offering 10 years of related work experience. Outgoing and kind team player excited to work with people living with mental health or substance abuse issues. Skilled in promoting the development of life skill abilities and helping each person develop to maximum potential.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Mentor
New American Youth
Erie, PA
04.2014 - Current
- Identified and addressed behavioral issues affecting child's adaptation to new environment
- Coordinated youth/parent assemblies, enhancing relationships with families and fostering community involvement in the life of our youth
- Held consistent individual meetings with each mentee to review challenges, achievements, and objectives.
- Offered expert advice on implementing conflict resolution techniques to foster productive work settings.
- Talked with individuals, sharing positive life experiences to encourage improved self-esteem and boost socialization.
- Provided intentional and structured organizational support to assigned students in individual or small group settings.
- Shared school or college experiences and gave advice on campus life, classes and professors and teachers.
- Assisted with planning for programs providing personal, educational and social development.
- Assisted in connecting students and families to community-based support resources and other services.
- Met with students and teachers regarding in-class issues and learning interruptions to discuss solutions.
- Counseled individuals to help overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
- Prepared students for later educational experiences by encouraging to explore learning opportunities and persevere with challenging tasks.
- Evaluated students' performance, behavior, and social development during classroom activities.
- Provided crisis intervention to students dealing with difficult situations at school.
- Identified cases of abuse, encouraging students or parents to seek assistance from mental health professionals.
- Provided guidance to students in selecting appropriate degree programs or joining the US military based on their preferences, abilities, and academic evaluations.
Guidance Counselor
Erie High School
Erie, PA
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Assisted with college applications, scholarships & jobs applications
- Provided guidance to students on appropriate subjects according to their grade level, optimizing academic focus.
- Effectively collaborated with a diverse team to develop and deliver lessons on vital life skills for refugee and immigrant students
- Participated in IEP team meetings for special education students.
- Organized college visits and career planning activities for high school students.
- Engaged in continuing education through attending workshops focused on counseling techniques and strategies.
- Maintained organized records of student interactions, including attendance information, assessment outcomes, and meeting summaries with parents and guardians.
- Participated in administrative duties such as scheduling appointments or managing intake paperwork.
- Worked as an advocate, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities for underrepresented student populations.
- Fostered a trusting relationship with students and parents to enhance confidence in the school counseling process.
- Identified at-risk students to provide support for successful academic experience and personal growth.
- Promoted parent and teacher partnerships and communications to support students educational goals.
- Provided counseling services to a total of 490 students.
Child Care Counselor & Behavioral Specialist
Harborcreek Youth Services
Harborcreek, PA
07.2015 - 06.2019
- Conducted self-esteem and character-building support groups with incentives to enhance behavior
- Established structured schedules and routines to promote balanced physical activity, rest, and playtime for children.
- Provided emotional support and guidance to children in a safe and nurturing environment.
- Assisted with daily activities such as meal times, playtime, arts and crafts, reading stories, outdoor activities.
- Observed children's behavior to identify any problems or potential issues that may arise.
- Ensured that all safety regulations were followed at all times while providing an atmosphere conducive to learning.
- Provided comfort and reassurance during difficult times when needed.
- Responded quickly in emergency situations according to established protocols.
- Implemented disciplinary measures when necessary while maintaining respect for each child's rights.
- Adhered to local laws, regulations, policies, procedures regarding childcare services provided.
- Promoted self-esteem by praising good behaviors or achievements of the children under care.
- Supported children's emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
- Enhanced and maintained nurturing and appropriate environments for children aged 12-17.
- Kept records of daily observations and information about activities, meals served and medications administered.
- Implemented de-escalation techniques during times of emotional distress or conflict.
- Attended professional development workshops related to behavioral health topics.
Workforce & Career Development Coordinator
Urban Erie Community Development Corporation
Erie, PA
12.2012 - 03.2014
- Guided unemployed individuals in their efforts to secure employment.
- Provided individual counseling sessions to assist clients with their job search process.
- Maintained strong connections with employers for increased access to potential job openings.
- Delivered presentations on topics related to career exploration, resume writing, interviewing techniques.
- Cooperated with GED & ESL instructors to prepare students for job readiness
- Prepared monthly reports for the Housing Authority of the City of Erie within establish time parameters to summarize program performance & to satisfy contract requirements
- Conducted job readiness training such as interviewing techniques, job search skills, resume preparation and career planning
- Organized annual Job Fairs at the MLK Center, attracting over a hundred employers and four-hundred job seekers through collaborative teamwork
- Collaborated with multiple staffing agencies to support the job placement of 166 individuals across diverse industries including manufacturing, retail, and human services in a period of fourteen months.
- Maintained current calendar of job fairs and employment opportunities in the city.
Adult Education & English as a Second Language Instructor
Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit 5
Edinboro, PA
03.2009 - 12.2012
- Assisted adult refugees and immigrants throughout their journey from intake to graduation. Conducted assessment tests, delivered financial literacy instruction, supported instructors, and provided interpretation services in Arabic and Swahili.
- In partnership with the Urban Erie Community Development Corporation, we provided assistance to college-ready youth in their college search and application process.
- Assist students with Arabic & Swahili background to identify resources helpful for their success in the American school system.
- Conducted student assessments to determine language proficiency levels.
- Encouraged students to practice speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills in English.
- Organized additional activities such as field trips and guest speakers to supplement class material.
- Integrated technology into the curriculum such as rosetta stone & by using online resources such as websites, videos.
- Attended professional development workshops related to ESL instruction.
- Promoted a safe classroom environment that respects diversity among learners.
- Utilized various teaching aids such as flashcards, games, audio-visual materials, in order to engage students with the material more effectively.
- Created opportunities for adult students to actively engage with one another in small and large group interactive learning sessions.
- Prepared lesson plans according to approved syllabi.
- Built relationships with students of diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds.
Education
Master of Public Administration - Public Administration & Policy
Gannon University
Erie, PA08.2011
Bachelor of Science in Peace Studies - International & Global Studies
Manchester University
North Manchester, IN05.2008
Skills
- Behavioral Management
- Academic Advisement
- Relationship Building
- Goal Setting
- Substance Abuse
- Stress Management
- Life Skills Development
- Crisis Intervention Techniques
- Effective Leadership
- Family Interaction
Professional References
- Benedict Killang, Immigrants and Internationals Specialist at Allegheny County Department of Human Services, As a professional reference, I know Felix to be detailed oriented, excellent interpersonal, leadership, organizational and problem-solving skills. Result oriented and quick learner.
- Veronica Rexford, Program Director at Urban Erie Community Development Corp, Felix is a former staff person at the center, and he has assisted me on numerous occasions over the last few years with information I needed to do my job better. Felix has also volunteered with programs and events, including serving as a chaperone on an annual five-day bus trip for youth exploring significant civil rights history sites for several years. Felix would be a great addition to the staff of any organization.
- Gary Horton, CEO at Urban Erie Community Development Corporation, Felix is a multi-lingual.... multi-cultural and very talented individual. A person of integrity and trust!
Professional Development
- Pennsylvania Partners Annual Employment, Training & Education Conference, 2011 & 2012
- Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit 5, Case Management, 2010, 2011, 2012
- United Way of Erie, Financial Management, 2009
- American University: Practical Approaches to Peace Building and Development, 2007
- American University: Youth, Conflict and Development, 2007
Activities
- Speaker/Teacher at Jefferson Educational Society on conflict in Sudan/South Sudan
- Team member: Planned & organized a Conference on the Way forward in Darfur & South Sudan, Pittsburgh, March 2010
- Planned, organized and founded Erie Sudanese Community.
- Planned, organized and led a workshop for Sudanese Professionals, Bluffton University, Ohio
- Planned, organized and participated as panel member with John Prendergast (author & activist), "Stopping Genocide in Sudan & Beyond", Manchester University
- Panel member with Angela "Bay" Buchanan, Current Issues in US Domestic Politics
- Participated as panel member "Conflicts in East & Central Africa", Plowshares Conference, Goshen College
- Regular speaker at the Indianapolis Peace Institute on Refugees/Immigrants Issues
References
- James Cherpak, (814) 860-4421
- Jamie Bowersox, (814) 572-8697
- Dr. Ferki Ferati, (814) 459-8000
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Guidance Counselor
Erie High School
08.2019 - 08.2020
Child Care Counselor & Behavioral Specialist
Harborcreek Youth Services
07.2015 - 06.2019
Mentor
New American Youth
04.2014 - Current
Workforce & Career Development Coordinator
Urban Erie Community Development Corporation
12.2012 - 03.2014
Adult Education & English as a Second Language Instructor
Northwest Tri-County Intermediate Unit 5
03.2009 - 12.2012
Master of Public Administration - Public Administration & Policy
Gannon University
Bachelor of Science in Peace Studies - International & Global Studies
Manchester University
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