Gail Willden
Counselor
Sandia Park,NM
Summary
Goal is to pursue PhD in Educational Psychology in order to affect change in the larger system of education to help adolescents. With a rich background of 25 years in high school education as a high school counselor and teacher, am passionate about helping adolescents who are LGBTQ+, in low socio-economic status, immigrants, at-risk, or under-represented.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
High School Counselor
Moriarty-Edgewood School District
08.2019 - Current
- Supported students through challenging developmental milestones and crisis situations, coordinating outside service referrals for those needing extra assistance.
- Served as liaison between school administration, teachers, parents, and community resources in addressing multifaceted student needs effectively.
- Specialized in supporting students within demographics of LGBTQ+, immigrants, and low SES.
- Provided crisis intervention support in response to critical incidents affecting school community or individual student wellbeing.
- Partnered with teachers to identify at-risk students and develop targeted interventions for improved academic outcomes.
- Installed program so counselors work with same students from grades 10 through12 to build relationships with both students and parents, identify students who need extra support, track academic progress, and provide more personal college and career advice.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge by attending relevant conferences, seminars, and trainings focused on best counseling practices.
- Advocated for student needs in disciplinary matters, promoting restorative justice practices that foster accountability and personal growth.
- Developed and implemented individualized academic plans for students.
High School Teacher, Level 3A
Roswell, Raton, Farmington High Schools
08.1992 - 05.2019
- Endorsed in English, History, and Fine Arts; taught English, Drama, Mock Trial, Yearbook
- Excel in working with adolescents of all abilities, but especially with at-risk students, taking time to work individually with them and to ascertain methods that would be most effective for them.
- Implemented senior project, instilling sense of civic responsibility while enhancing teamwork and leadership skills.
- Created engaging lesson plans, fostered culture of discovery and provided well-organized classroom structure to help students succeed in program.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, connecting subjects for more cohesive learning experience.
Marketing Specialist
City of Farmington
12.2005 - 06.2008
- Artistic Director for professional summer stock theater and children's theater.
- Maximized advertising efforts by developing content for media relations, corporate communications, positive public relations.
- Designed and implemented advertising and public relations activities.
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling
Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, NM 01.2019 - 12.2021
Master of Arts - Theater-Directing
Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Extended English Education
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ 05.2001 -
Skills
Mental health awareness
Adaptability and Flexibility
Problem-solving abilities
Excellent Communication
Teamwork and Collaboration
Individual Student Counseling
At Risk Student Support
Student Advocacy
Crisis Intervention
Multicultural Competence
Mental health awareness
Certification
LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor [expires 2025]
Affiliations
American School Counselor Association
New Mexico School Counselor Association
Timeline
LMHC - Licensed Mental Health Counselor [expires 2025]
01-2022
NM School Counselor License [exp.2033]
01-2022
High School Counselor
Moriarty-Edgewood School District
08.2019 - Current
Master of Arts - Counseling
Eastern New Mexico University
01.2019 - 12.2021
Marketing Specialist
City of Farmington
12.2005 - 06.2008
Master of Arts - Theater-Directing
Roosevelt University
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Extended English Education
Northern Arizona University
05.2001 -
Level 3A Instructional Leader [exp. 2030]
06-2000
High School Teacher, Level 3A
Roswell, Raton, Farmington High Schools
08.1992 - 05.2019
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