Jennifer Oliver-Goodwin
New Orleans,LA
Summary
Dynamic school counselor dedicated to enhancing academic performance and mental wellness for students. Implemented individualized graduation plans for over 200 students each year, increasing access to advanced coursework. Coordinated comprehensive support strategies with school personnel and community agencies to foster student success.
Overview
1
1
Certification
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
High School Academic Counselor
The Willow School
New Orleans, LA
12.2023 - Current
- Counseled all rising grades 8-12 students as the sole academic advisor from January 2024 to June 2025
- Complete individual meetings with over 200 8th grade students annually to chart their academic path for grades 9-12 (individual graduation plans)
- Expanded access to accelerated math and ELA curriculum for rising 8th grade and AP courses for 9th grade by over 15% from 2024 to 2026
- Developed and monitored individualized success plans for students with academic and attendance deficits to support their improvement
- Engaged stakeholders in decision making to create and communicate a strategic counseling plan enhancing student support
- Student advocacy for equal access to advanced curriculum and arts programs
- Manage the CA (certificate of artistry) Connect program for rising 8th and 9th grades
- Grade level student/family meetings for all rising 8th-12th
- Conducted over 50 new student meetings each summer
- Academic Counselor roles expanded to act as a liaison to Willow Middle School 7th grade students in August 2025
- Act as coordinator for LDOE Student of the Year competition for 8th and 12th grades
- Trained two new staff members during the 2025-26 school year
- Supported student access to Tulane Summer Enrichment scholarships through effective liaison
High School Academic Counselor
Thomas Jefferson Academy for Advanced Studies
Gretna, LA
10.2022 - 12.2023
- Ensure students are meeting graduation requirements for TOPS University diploma
- Monitored academic success and implemented interventions for struggling students to enhance their academic performance
- Advise students and families regarding scholastic and career readiness programs and opportunities
- Managed college application and scholarship processes for Questbridge and POSSE, ensuring timely submissions and student preparedness
- Collaborate with colleges nationally for visits and arrange field trips and college information nights
- Organized dual enrollments with partner universities and updated SCA portal to maintain accurate enrollment records
- Coordinated AP and CLEP programs while serving as Acting College Board representative
- Contributed to 504, Special Education, and PBIS committees to enhance educational programs
- National Honor Society Chairperson
- Partner with mental health professional staff to provide holistic services for social emotional development and wellness
Behavior Specialist/School Counselor
Stillwater Elementary School
Stillwater, NY
10.2017 - 06.2021
- Collaborated with students, parents, community members to address attendance, behavioral needs, and mental health referrals, linking families to essential community support services
- Coordinated school wide PBIS and co-chaired PBIS committee, significantly reducing disciplinary referrals
- Serve on the district SEL team charged with developing a whole district SEL plan post pandemic
- Facilitated small group counseling sessions focused on developing social skills, enhancing peer interactions and emotional awareness
- Delivered targeted short-term individual counseling to help students cope with specific challenges.
- Consult with teaching staff on classroom environment, behavior strategies, classroom management
- Complete FBA (functional behavior assessment) through direct observation and data collection
- Create BIP (behavior intervention plan) and monitor data to assess the effectiveness of the plan
- Implement Individualized student attendance plans
- Liaison with Committee for Children to secure Second Step curriculum and implement this program as a trial across 8 K and 1 classrooms in 2020-21
- Participate in RTI/MTSS Committee, offering staff behavior interventions and supports
- Provided social emotional programming (Kelso/KC's Choices) and tailored lessons for classrooms.
Director of School Based Programs in Saratoga County
The Prevention Council of Saratoga County
Saratoga Springs, NY
12.2016 - 10.2017
- Deliver evidence-based programming to students focused on decision making, consequences, goal setting and reducing risky behaviors throughout Saratoga County
- Oversee administration of middle school summer transition camp utilizing the All Stars evidence-based curriculum
- Coordinated 'All Stars' summer camp for students transitioning from elementary to middle school, fostering confidence and community integration.
- Coordinate annual Safe Spring Youth Leadership Conference at Skidmore College for over 200 students and 12 group advisors; topics included: Gender Identity, Media Literacy and Awareness, Sources of Strength Suicide Prevention, Allyship and Anti-Bullying
- Consult with districts on DASA initiatives aimed at creating a more inclusive school and reducing bullying
- Developed annual agency-wide work plan that secured funding from the Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services.
- Conducted pre and post-tests to evaluate program effectiveness and inform future programming.
- Engaged in training sessions to enhance skills in trauma response and school violence prevention, including: Restorative Justice Workshops, Mental Health First Aid, Connect Suicide Postvention and Trauma Response Training, Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America, Sweethearts and Heroes Leadership Academy, DASA, School Violence Prevention Workshops, Mandated Reporter
Coordinator, Community Coalition for Family Wellness
The Prevention Council of Saratoga County
Saratoga Springs, NY
03.2016 - 12.2016
- Facilitated and chaired monthly Coalition meetings, streamlining collaboration among agencies and optimizing grant funding utilization
- Collaborated with South Glens Falls CSD Superintendent, administration, and local agencies to direct grant-funded activities that increased mental health and wellness while decreasing substance use among students aged 12-17 in SGF CSD
- Planned and promoted district Parent University events to enhance parental engagement in coalition initiatives
- Attend all school district open houses to engage parents in the mission of the coalition
- Develop and deliver student lessons to elementary/middle age students about healthy choices and wellness
- Use social norms and other environmental strategies to encourage behavior change based on relevant school data
High School Part Time Counselor
Ballston Spa High School
Ballston Spa, NY
07.2015 - 04.2016
- Developed ASCA-aligned comprehensive school counseling plan to enhance student support and guidance
- Implemented targeted interventions for at-risk students, including mentoring and coordination of academic resources, to promote student success
- Individual and group counseling focused on future college planning with Ballston Spa Sponsor a Scholar students
- Assisted students with career exploration and facilitated college application and scholarship processes to empower future academic pursuits
- Facilitate large and small group guidance presentations for parents and students
- Develop and present strategies focused on improving time management, study skills, personal responsibility and self-advocacy
- Use Naviance to track student goals, resume, interests and academic progress and facilitate student conferences
- Communicate with building and administrative staff during Response to Intervention meetings to ensure cohesive services for students
- Ensure optimal student course placement by adjusting schedules to meet academic goals
Outreach Director/Consultant, 9/11 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Program, Access to Care
The Mental Health Association of New York City
New York, NY
11.2002 - 01.2008
- Launch a national mental health benefit program for trauma survivors
- Co-author grant seeking proposal with MHA of NYC Associate Executive Director and Communications Director to extend mental health services for residents affected by 9/11
- Organized public presentations, round table discussions, and media campaigns to increase program awareness among 9/11 community, including survivors, bereaved families, Lower Manhattan residents, businesses, and rescue workers
- Create an annual outreach and communications plan resulting in more than 14,000 participants nationally
- Implemented Access to Care initiative to provide essential resources and information to individuals seeking mental health support. via coordinated strategic online and in person presentations
- Developed and executed communications strategy and branding, enhancing outreach through website design and educational materials
- Secured partnerships with government health officials and FEMA counselors to improve access to mental health services for hurricane-affected evacuees
- Coordinate city-wide mental health screenings at more than twenty hospitals
Education
Master of Science - Professional School Counseling
Sage Graduate School
Troy, NYBachelor of Arts - Psychology, cum laude
University of Massachusetts
Boston, MASkills
- Student assessment and behavioral assessment
- Academic intervention strategies
- Curriculum coordination
- College preparation and coping strategies
- Crisis intervention
- Conflict resolution and parent-teacher collaboration
- Student advocacy
- Multicultural competence
Certification
- New York State Certification, School Counselor K-12
- Louisiana State Certification, pending
Timeline
High School Academic Counselor
The Willow School
12.2023 - Current
High School Academic Counselor
Thomas Jefferson Academy for Advanced Studies
10.2022 - 12.2023
Behavior Specialist/School Counselor
Stillwater Elementary School
10.2017 - 06.2021
Director of School Based Programs in Saratoga County
The Prevention Council of Saratoga County
12.2016 - 10.2017
Coordinator, Community Coalition for Family Wellness
The Prevention Council of Saratoga County
03.2016 - 12.2016
High School Part Time Counselor
Ballston Spa High School
07.2015 - 04.2016
Outreach Director/Consultant, 9/11 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Program, Access to Care
The Mental Health Association of New York City
11.2002 - 01.2008
Master of Science - Professional School Counseling
Sage Graduate School
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, cum laude
University of Massachusetts