Jessica Prusina
Barnardsville,NJ
Summary
Compassionate School Counseling graduate student with hands-on experience in individual counseling, group facilitation, and social-emotional learning through a 720-hour internship. Supported elementary and middle school students in building coping skills, strengthening peer relationships, and overcoming academic challenges. Skilled in relationship-building, crisis intervention, collaboration, and cultural competency, with a strong commitment to fostering safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Counseling Intern
South Hunterdon Regional Middle School
Lambertville, New Jersey
09.2025 - Current
- Facilitate individual counseling sessions addressing students’ academic, social, and emotional needs.
- Developed and led a 10-week small group program for grades 5–8 focusing on social-emotional skills.
- Gained experience in both elementary and middle school settings, observing and participating in classroom lessons and student meetings.
- Collaborate with teachers, staff, and parents to support student success and wellbeing.
- Observe and assist with IEPs, 504 plans, and Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS).
- Assist in crisis response and provide immediate support to students in distress under supervision.
- Support the development of behavior intervention plans in collaboration with the school counseling team.
- Build positive rapport with diverse student populations to foster a safe and supportive environment.
Summer Camp Assistant Director
Somerset Hills YMCA
Bernardsville , NJ
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Supervised and supported a team of 15+ counselors, offering guidance, feedback, and encouragement to ensure smooth camp operations and positive camper experiences.
- Managed daily camp activities, keeping transitions on track and the schedule running efficiently for all campers.
- Planned and led large-group recreational and team-building activities that encouraged collaboration, leadership, and inclusion.
- Helped staff implement positive behavior strategies, promoting engagement and personal growth for campers.
- Handled behavioral incidents and parent concerns with clear communication, professionalism, and practical problem-solving.
- Maintained safety and compliance with YMCA policies, state regulations, and emergency procedures.
- Assisted with staff training and onboarding, modeling leadership, professionalism, and a camper-focused approach.
- Created a welcoming and inclusive environment that supported campers from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
- Worked closely with camp leadership to identify ways to improve programming and address challenges as they arose.
Undergraduate Internship
Long Hill Township School District
Long Hill, New Jersey
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Assisted the elementary school counselor in providing individual and small group support for students experiencing academic, social, or emotional challenges.
- Facilitated social-emotional learning activities and classroom lessons to promote cooperation, self-regulation, and positive behavior.
- Supported students in developing coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and conflict resolution techniques.
- Observed and participated in counseling sessions, gaining experience in case management, behavior interventions, and student assessments.
- Collaborated with teachers, staff, and families to support student growth and communicate progress or concerns.
- Maintained accurate documentation of student interactions, interventions, and follow-ups in compliance with school policies and confidentiality guidelines.
- Assisted in organizing school-wide events and initiatives focused on student well-being and social-emotional development.
Senior Summer Camp Counselor
Somerset Hills YMCA
Bernardsville , NJ
06.2022 - 06.2023
- Led and supervised a group of campers (ages 5–13), ensuring their safety, engagement, and positive peer interactions throughout the day.
- Planned and facilitated recreational, creative, and social-emotional learning activities that encouraged teamwork and personal growth.
- Built trusting relationships with campers to support emotional regulation, confidence, and social skills.
- Used conflict resolution strategies and restorative conversations to address peer disputes and behavioral challenges effectively.
- Adapted activities to meet the diverse needs, abilities, and learning styles of all campers.
- Communicated daily with families about camper progress, achievements, and any concerns, fostering strong parent engagement.
- Modeled leadership, professionalism, and positive behavior for junior staff and new counselors.
- Recognized signs of emotional distress in campers, provided immediate support, and referred ongoing concerns to leadership as needed.
- Maintained accurate records and ensured adherence to all safety and supervision protocols.
Education
Master of Arts - School Counseling
The College of New Jersey
Trenton, NJ05-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Kean University
Union, NJ05-2024
Skills
- Team Coordination
- Active listening
- Compassion
- Cultural Competence
- Empathy
- Ethical Decision Making
Certification
Substitute Teacher Certificate
Timeline
School Counseling Intern
South Hunterdon Regional Middle School
09.2025 - Current
Summer Camp Assistant Director
Somerset Hills YMCA
06.2024 - 08.2024
Undergraduate Internship
Long Hill Township School District
09.2023 - 12.2023
Senior Summer Camp Counselor
Somerset Hills YMCA
06.2022 - 06.2023
Master of Arts - School Counseling
The College of New Jersey
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Kean University