Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
RESULTS
Timeline
Generic
Jamie Sisko Hirsch

Jamie Sisko Hirsch

LMHC
Sherborn,MA

Summary

A creative leader in Social Emotional Learning with 25 years of experience. Crafted and implemented a variety of programs around climate building, sexual harassment awareness, suicide prevention, anti bullying initiatives and has driven a school based Social Emotional Learning program grounded in restorative justice. A passionate leader in the mental health field who has spent an entire career dedicated to supporting the mental health needs of Boston families. A strong advocate who believes that to promote successful and impactful social emotional health, interventions must be fully integrated into every facet of an organization’s structure. Social emotional support can not be an isolated entity to be plugged in but must permeate the whole community. A connected community working towards developing healthy relationships is the fuel for positive outcomes and building resiliency.

Experienced with fostering student development through tailored counseling services. Utilizes effective communication and problem-solving skills to address student needs. Track record of building strong relationships with students, parents, and educational staff to create supportive and positive school environment.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Dean of School Climate - Joyce Kilmer School

Boston Public Schools
06.2016 - 06.2019
  • Led all aspects of social, emotional, and mental programs and support to a 450+ student body at two K-8 elementary schools
  • Experience with all administrative roles and responsibilities of maintaining a safe, welcoming and inclusive school environment for students, staff and visitors.
  • Kilmer School Team Leader for The Wallace Foundation Grant National Social Emotional Learning Initiative.
  • Worked to build and implement an SEL school wide plan that supported teaching the whole child, incorporating a common language K-5 through Open Circle and engage grades 6 through 8 in restorative justice circles.
  • Taught classroom guidance lessons on topics such as self-control, self-esteem, social skills, and study skills using art and psychological principles.
  • Counseled students on an individual basis to address social, emotional, and academic issues to help ensure their academic and personal success, including bullying, sexual misconduct and rule infractions
  • Communicated effectively with parents and families in an attempt to connect them with helpful community resources
  • Responsible for all crisis management in cooperation with the building principal and school nurse to include Youth and Families reporting
  • Developed and facilitated student directed projects with a focus on empathy, respect and responsibility
  • Served as BPS trained Bullying Investigator, Middle School Sexual Education and Sexuality Teacher, Home and Hospital Liaison, and Student Support Team Facilitator
  • Presented Signs of Suicide program to all staff, students and families
  • Led Kilmer community members to enhance school defined core values, including participating in Diversity Matters, Individual Learning Team and Climate Committees
  • Developed and implemented a monthly community meeting structure to support core values, and educated students and teachers to put into action the core values of responsibility, respect and empathy

School Mental Health Counselor – Joyce Kilmer School

Boston Public Schools
08.2007 - 06.2019
  • Responsible for addressing social, emotional, and mental support to students in K-8 elementary school
  • Led weekly educational counseling groups using SSIS curriculum for issues such as grief and loss, changing families, social skills, and anger management.
  • Taught classroom guidance lessons on topics such as self-control, self-esteem, social skills, and study skills.
  • Counseled students on an individual basis to address social, emotional, and academic issues to help ensure their academic and personal success, including bullying, sexual misconduct and rule infractions
  • Communicated effectively with parents and families in an attempt to connect them with helpful community resources
  • Responsible for all crisis management in cooperation with the building principal and school nurse to include Youth and Families reporting
  • Developed and facilitated student directed projects with a focus on empathy, respect and responsibility
  • Served as BPS trained Bullying Investigator, Middle School Sexual Education and Sexuality Teacher, Home and Hospital Liaison, and Student Support Team Facilitator
  • Presented Signs of Suicide program to all staff, students and families
  • Led Kilmer community members to enhance school defined core values, including participating in Diversity Matters, Individual Learning Team and Climate Committees
  • Developed and implemented a monthly community meeting structure to support core values, and educated students and teachers to put into action the core values of responsibility, respect and empathy

School Counselor

Solomon Schechter Day School of Boston
08.2021 - Current
  • Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions.
  • Collaborated with teachers and administrators to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.
  • Developed a safe and supportive school environment by promoting positive behavior and addressing issues such as bullying and harassment.
  • Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
  • Maintained positive relationships with students, faculty, alumni, and administration.
  • Implemented data-driven strategies to identify areas of need within the school population, leading to targeted interventions and support services.
  • Partnered with parents and guardians to promote student success in school environment.
  • Coordinated efforts with community organizations to provide additional resources for students facing various challenges.
  • Coordinated with outside agencies to determine students receive appropriate services and resources.
  • Developed and implemented individualized behavior plans to assist students with achieving academic and behavioral goals.
  • Maintained a high level of professional development through continuous education, conference attendance, and participation in professional organizations related to school counseling.
  • Facilitated classroom discussions to emphasize bullying prevention and college readiness.
  • Developed and conducted workshops and seminars to educate students, faculty and parents on relevant topics in field.
  • Empowered parents/guardians involvement in their children''s education via organizing educational workshops and providing resources on academic, career, and personal/social development.
  • Promoted mental health awareness among staff members through training programs on topics such as stress management, self-care, and recognizing warning signs in students.
  • Contributed to development of effective school policies that addressed issues such as attendance, discipline, and substance abuse prevention.
  • Supported students transitioning between grade levels by working with teachers to develop effective transition plans aimed at minimizing potential challenges during adjustment periods.
  • Identified and addressed concerns of incoming students and parents.
  • Facilitated parent engagement through regular communication, informational sessions, and collaborative meetings to address student concerns.
  • Collaborated with teachers and other school personnel to create individualized education plans for students with special needs.
  • Assisted students in developing academic plans by conducting a comprehensive review of their strengths, weaknesses, and goals.
  • Enhanced faculty collaboration through regular consultation on classroom management strategies, behavioral interventions, or other support measures needed for student success.
  • Created an inclusive learning environment by advocating for accommodations for students with special needs or disabilities.
  • Enhanced parent engagement by organizing informational sessions on adolescent development and academic support strategies.
  • Fostered supportive and inclusive school environment by implementing comprehensive counseling programs.
  • Enhanced student academic performance with personalized counseling sessions.
  • Improved student resilience by designing and facilitating group counseling sessions focused on stress management.
  • Collaborated with teachers to integrate social-emotional learning into curriculum, promoting holistic educational experience.
  • Developed and led workshops on college readiness, significantly increasing college application rates.
  • Supported students through crisis intervention services, providing immediate assistance and long-term recovery plans.
  • Increased awareness of diversity and inclusion issues among student body by implementing targeted educational programs.
  • Helped students develop organizational, time management and study skills.
  • Delivered supportive and knowledgeable counseling to students with academic or personal concerns.
  • Empowered students through counseling and skill-building exercises.
  • Collaborated with parents, school faculty and social workers to address problems and grow student success.
  • Collaborated with parents and teachers to help students reach potential.
  • Developed and implemented individualized academic plans for students.

School Based Mental Health/Outpatient Clinician

Home for Little Wanderers
08.2001 - 08.2013
  • Responsible for providing evidence-based outpatient behavioral health therapy and the oversight of clinical services in a school-based setting within a school calendar year. Managed caseload of 35 clients as outpatient clinician.

Readiness Coordinator – Joyce Kilmer School

Boston Public Schools
09.2009 - 06.2011
  • Supported middle school students and families to successfully transition to high school and facilitated 21st century skill-building opportunities through workshops, mentoring and advising
  • Designed and implemented a school choice program for families of 8th grade students consisting of multiple schools
  • Supported and monitored development of high school readiness skills linked to high success rates.
  • Reviewed grades to determine that were met students profile was a good fit for perspective schools.
  • Engaged and provided information to parents in planning for high school experience
  • Planned and facilitated field trips to local high schools
  • Created and maintained relationships with high schools as needed to facilitate the admissions process as well as external partners who provide tutoring, SAT/ACT prep, high school success, and social-emotional support services.

Mental Health Specialist

McLean Adolescent Program, Franciscan Children’s Hospital
08.1999 - 05.2001
  • Responsible for primary care and development of a therapeutic environment for severely traumatized children on an 8 bed residential unit, ages 5-13 as weekend unit supervisor

Education

Masters of Arts - Counseling Psychology

Boston College, Lynch School of Education
Boston, MA
06.2001

Certificate - Expressive Therapies

Lesley University
Cambridge, MA
01.2022

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Education minor

Stonehill College
Easton, MA
05.1998

Skills

  • Program design expertise
  • Expertise in therapeutic counseling sessions
  • Creative problem solving
  • Internship development
  • Fostering team engagement
  • Skilled in resolving conflicts
  • Assessment of significant psychological conditions
  • Crisis response coordination
  • Art and psychology integration strategies
  • Promoting inclusive education
  • Implementation of restorative justice

Accomplishments

  • Achieved [Result] by completing [Task] with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Achieved [Result] through effectively helping with [Task].
  • Documented and resolved [Issue] which led to [Results].
  • Collaborated with team of [Number] in the development of [Project name].
  • Supervised team of [Number] staff members.

Certification

  • LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR no. 5677. June 2004 - current
  • CPR Certified
  • CPI Trained
  • Trained in Open Circle
  • 40+ Hour of Health Ed & Sexuality Training through Planned Parenthood & Boston Public Schools

RESULTS

  • BPS-wide bullying investigator who has successfully diffused over 100 incidents.
  • Skilled in diagnosing mental illness, successful suicide prevention and decreased incidences of middle school aggression and the suspensions through restorative practices.
  • Implemented The Open Circle SEL school wide, integrating the curriculum into every aspect of the school day.
  • Introduced restorative justice and helped the middle school teaching staff use the concept in the classroom to promote prosocial behaviors, increased communication, resilience and problem solving abilities.
  • Created the core values of empathy, responsibility, and respect and tied them to a school wide social justice initiative that included monthly community meetings and a multitude of student initiated service projects.

Timeline

School Counselor

Solomon Schechter Day School of Boston
08.2021 - Current

Dean of School Climate - Joyce Kilmer School

Boston Public Schools
06.2016 - 06.2019

Readiness Coordinator – Joyce Kilmer School

Boston Public Schools
09.2009 - 06.2011

School Mental Health Counselor – Joyce Kilmer School

Boston Public Schools
08.2007 - 06.2019

School Based Mental Health/Outpatient Clinician

Home for Little Wanderers
08.2001 - 08.2013

Mental Health Specialist

McLean Adolescent Program, Franciscan Children’s Hospital
08.1999 - 05.2001

Certificate - Expressive Therapies

Lesley University

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Education minor

Stonehill College

Masters of Arts - Counseling Psychology

Boston College, Lynch School of Education

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