Lisa DiBernardo
Lakewood
Summary
Student-focused counselor with strong background in student support and crisis intervention. Drives student success by partnering closely with administrators, teachers and guardians on diverse initiatives. Background in one-on-one assistance and group instruction. Additional experience in staff development.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
School Counselor
Ridgeway Elementary School
Manchester, NJ
09.2023 - Current
- Organized workshops on mental health awareness and coping strategies for 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.
- Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions.
- Conducted counseling sessions addressing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
Therapist/Owner
Bright Beginnings Counseling Services
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
07.2023 - Current
- Developed tailored treatment plans in collaboration with clients to address specific needs and goals.
- Utilized evidence-based therapeutic techniques to facilitate client progress and foster resilience.
- Built strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication for effective therapy sessions.
Licensed Professional Counselor
Haven Behavioral Health
Forked River, NJ
04.2022 - Current
- Document meetings, interventions and contacts with clients to optimize care.
- Assist clients with identifying feelings and behaviors by asking open-ended questions.
- Confer with clients to discuss treatment options and therapy goals.
- Help clients find solutions by teaching appropriate intervention techniques.
Director of Education
TEAMology LLC
Chambersburg, PA
07.2016 - 05.2023
- Strengthened technical and operational expertise of staff through lesson planning and training seminars.
- Devised and implemented learning knowledge management strategies to bolster employee expertise.
- Facilitated both in-person and virtual training courses to provide valuable training for new and current staff.
- Collaborated with managers to identify team weaknesses and created attack plans to resolve training gaps.
- Developed and conducted Professional Development for schools/districts
- Created content and curriculum for school based programming
- Conducted coaching and consultation for educators
- Created content and curriculum for school based programming
- Trained and evaluated staff and recommended personnel actions for programs and services.
- Headed the PD department
School Counselor
Ocean Acres Elementary School
Manahawkin, NJ
09.2006 - 09.2016
- Worked collectively with education professionals to deliver in-school counseling support for identified students.
- Followed-up with outside mental health service providers to coordinate in-school support.
- Consulted with families and staff to discuss strategies necessary for improved student social and academic performance.
- Established trusting relationship with students and parents to nurture confidence in school counseling process.
- Counseled students regarding variety of social, educational and interpersonal issues.
- Identified at-risk students to provide support for successful academic experience and personal growth.
- Maintained student records and developed individual education and behavior plans to promote student success.
Education
Masters of Education - Counselor Education
The Pennsylvania State University, State College
PA05-2006
Bachelor of Arts degree - Psychology
Stockton University
Absecon, NJ05-2004
Skills
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Mediation and crisis intervention
- Suicide prevention
- School Programs Development
Timeline
School Counselor
Ridgeway Elementary School
09.2023 - Current
Therapist/Owner
Bright Beginnings Counseling Services
07.2023 - Current
Licensed Professional Counselor
Haven Behavioral Health
04.2022 - Current
Director of Education
TEAMology LLC
07.2016 - 05.2023
School Counselor
Ocean Acres Elementary School
09.2006 - 09.2016
Bachelor of Arts degree - Psychology
Stockton University
Masters of Education - Counselor Education
The Pennsylvania State University, State College