Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Locations
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

Jennifer Kerr Garza

Benbrook,TX

Summary

Compassionate and dedicated professional counselor with a strong track record in fostering empathy, effective communication, and innovative problem-solving strategies to achieve positive outcomes in challenging educational environments. Accomplished professional committed to addressing clients' unique needs, and focused on helping them manage and overcome personal, social, and behavioral challenges that adversely affect their well-being and academic/vocational success. Consistently goes above and beyond to enhance client experiences, and empower each client to reach their full potential.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Special Education Counselor

Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD
Eagle Mountain Saginaw, TX
08.2005 - Current
  • Prepare and submit reports as required (Annual Review Dismissal meetings; Evaluations/Re-Evaluations; Staffings)
  • Complete formal and informal assessments and re-evaluations to determine eligibility for Counseling as a Related Service
  • Develop and implement effective Individualized Education Plans for students receiving special education services to aid in meeting academic and social needs
  • Provide direct or consultation counseling services for students with disabilities (remote and face-to-face) ages 5 to 19 years old
  • Provide crisis counseling and consultation as needed
  • Maintain confidentiality of counseling sessions and information except when the student’s condition requires intervention
  • Collaborate with other Counselors and Staff regarding student planning or crises
  • Gather data/information and complete documentation regarding progress to be included in Reporting Period Progress Reporting
  • Participate in district staff development training programs
  • Attend workshops and participates in local, state, and national professional organizations
  • Utilize and shares information in professional development programs

Therapist and Co-owner

Roots To Wings Counseling
Fort Worth, TX
11.2023 - Current
  • Completed detailed documentation of sessions, patient notes and recommendations.
  • Utilized a variety of techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices during sessions.
  • Incorporated different treatment methodologies and evidence-based practices to meet clients' specific needs.
  • Evaluated clients' interests, abilities and needs alongside clinical presentations to develop targeted treatment plans.
  • Conducted initial assessments of clients to determine presenting issues and develop treatment plans.
  • Tracked incoming patient information, intervention plans and patient responses to treatment.
  • Maintained accurate records of clinical activity in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
  • Provided occupational, educational and other informational services to individuals to aid in making educational or vocational plans. (I am a licensed vendor for the Texas Workforce Commission.)
  • Adhered to ethical standards outlined by professional organizations such as APA or ACA.

Speech Therapy Assistant

White Settlement ISD
01.1999 - 01.2005
  • Provided Speech Therapy interventions to students ages 3-22 years old
  • Assisted in the completion of formal and informal assessments and re-evaluations to determine eligibility for Speech Therapy
  • Assisted in the completion of the development and implementation effective Individualized Education Plans for students with Speech Impairments (including, but not limited to articulation, receptive and expressive delays, intellectual disabilities, communication delays due to being on the Autism Spectrum, and fluency disorders)
  • Prepare and submit reports as required (Annual Review Dismissal meetings; Evaluations/Re-Evaluations; Staffings)
  • Consultation with teachers, staff, and administration to assist in the generalization of skills across various school settings
  • Gather data/information and complete documentation regarding progress to be included in Reporting Period Progress Reporting
  • Consultation with teachers, staff, parents, and administration to assist in the generalization of skills across various school settings

Education

Master of Arts - Professional Counseling

Amberton University
Garland, TX
05-2004

Bachelor of Science - Communication Sciences and Disorders

Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX
12-1998

Skills

  • Building rapport
  • Facilitating counseling sessions (individual and group)
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Self-harm prevention
  • Suicide prevention
  • Safety and risk assessments
  • Emotional regulation
  • Anxiety management
  • Depression treatment
  • Anger Management
  • Boundary setting
  • Teaching strategies
  • Social skills training
  • Multicultural competence
  • Special needs advocacy
  • Autism spectrum
  • Disability awareness
  • LGBTQ affirmative therapy
  • IEP goal development
  • Clinical documentation
  • Treatment Planning
  • Tracking client progress
  • Progress reporting
  • Confidential records

Locations

Not Provided, Not Provided, Not Provided, Not Provided

Affiliations

  • I am very active in my church, on a local and national level.
  • I serve as a deacon and on the nominating committee at Ridglea Christian Church.
  • I serve on the executive board for Be The Neighbor, which is a justice-based service-learning trip ministry that equips youth and adults to live lives of love, service, and justice.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Therapist and Co-owner

Roots To Wings Counseling
11.2023 - Current

Special Education Counselor

Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD
08.2005 - Current

Speech Therapy Assistant

White Settlement ISD
01.1999 - 01.2005

Master of Arts - Professional Counseling

Amberton University

Bachelor of Science - Communication Sciences and Disorders

Texas Christian University

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Jennifer Kerr Garza