Jocelyn Thomas
Franklinville,NJ
Summary
Counseling professional dedicated to fostering adolescent growth in academic and social-emotional domains. Proven success in implementing social-emotional learning programs and coordinating college readiness initiatives, enhancing student outcomes and emotional well-being.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Guidance
The King's Christian School
Cherry Hill, NJ
09.2018 - Current
- Provide academic and social-emotional counseling to students in grades 6–12
- Support students in goal setting, academic progress, and post-secondary planning
- Deliver individualized interventions for students experiencing academic or personal challenges
- Monitor student progress toward graduation requirements and assist with credit recovery planning
- Maintain accurate student records and transcripts in compliance with state and school policies
- Collaborate with administration to develop and manage student schedules
- Conduct individual and group sessions focused on college and career exploration
- Guide students through application processes, resume building, and interview preparation
- Coordinate college-related events including fairs, workshops, and admissions visits
- Coordinate and administer standardized testing programs across multiple grade levels
- Train staff on testing procedures and ensure compliance with testing protocols
- Manage communication, logistics, and reporting related to assessments
- Provide immediate support for students experiencing emotional distress, including crisis situations
- Collaborate with school staff, families, and external providers to ensure appropriate interventions
- Refer students to outside counseling services when needed and follow up on care
- Facilitate student mediation sessions to resolve interpersonal conflicts
- Implement restorative approaches that promote accountability, communication, and relationship repair
- Support the development of positive peer interactions and school climate
- Plan and coordinate schoolwide events such as graduation, career day, and student development programs
- Develop and implement programming focused on social-emotional growth, leadership, and decision-making
- Contribute to school improvement initiatives and student support teams
- Deliver classroom-based lessons on topics such as academic planning, personal development, and career readiness
- Facilitate group discussions that promote self-awareness, communication skills, and responsible decision-making
- Delivered individualized counseling sessions to students to address and overcome academic challenges.
- Collaborated with teachers to create supportive learning environments for students.
- Designed and executed programs for career exploration and college readiness, empowering students to make informed post-secondary decisions.
- Communicated with parents to discuss student progress and concerns effectively.
- Maintained accurate records of student interactions and counseling sessions confidentially.
- Aided students in college and career readiness process, helping with course selection and career assessments.
- Identified at-risk students to provide support for successful academic experience and personal growth.
- Consulted with families and staff to develop strategies that enhance student social and academic performance.
- Counseled students regarding variety of social, educational and interpersonal issues.
- Provided individual and group counseling sessions to students in order to discuss academic, social and emotional issues.
- Coordinated crisis interventions for students facing difficult life situations.
- Promoted parent and teacher partnerships and communications to support students educational goals.
- Established trusting relationship with students and parents to nurture confidence in school counseling process.
- Organized extracurricular activities designed to promote self-esteem, team building skills and healthy relationships between peers.
- Served as a liaison between schools, families, agencies and other stakeholders involved in providing appropriate supports for students.
- Followed-up with outside mental health service providers to coordinate in-school support.
- Evaluated students' academic and career plans to assist in setting realistic goals.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques aimed at increasing positive behaviors among students.
- Consulted with administrators to create policies addressing student behavior concerns or disciplinary actions.
- Placed students into academically appropriate classes after reviewing data and records.
- Incorporated feedback and coaching from administrative staff to standardize academic and social protocols.
- Created referral networks with outside mental health professionals for additional support services when needed.
- Maintained confidential records of counseling sessions, assessments, and communications with students and parents.
- Coordinated with external agencies to refer students for additional support services, such as mental health counseling or tutoring.
- Facilitated conflict resolution and peer mediation sessions to promote a positive school environment.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to stay informed about best practices and emerging issues in school counseling.
- Designed and delivered classroom guidance lessons focused on topics such as bullying prevention, study skills, and college readiness.
- Facilitated transition planning for students moving from elementary to middle school, middle to high school, and beyond.
- Developed bullying prevention programs and strategies to foster a safe and inclusive school climate.
- Monitored students' academic performance and progress, identifying those at risk of failing or dropping out.
- Coordinated college and career fairs to expose students to postsecondary options and workforce opportunities.
- Conferred with parents, teachers and administrators to discuss children's progress and resolve behavioral and academic problems.
- Referred to tests, records and interviews to evaluate students' or individuals' abilities and interests.
- Observed students during classroom activities to evaluate students' performance, behavior and social development.
- Prepared students for later educational experiences by encouraging to explore learning opportunities and persevere with challenging tasks.
- Established and supervised peer-counseling and peer-tutoring programs.
- Directed and participated in recruitment and enrollment activities.
- Guided students through academic planning and assisted them with course selection processes.
- Planned and conducted orientation programs and group conferences to promote adjustment of individuals to new life experiences.
- Provided individual counseling sessions to address students' personal and social issues.
- Developed and implemented student workshops on career readiness.
- Collaborated with teachers to address student behavioral concerns.
- Provided consultation services to teachers, administrators and other stakeholders regarding best practices for working with diverse populations.
- Provided crisis intervention services during times of emergency or distress.
- Conducted assessments, interviews, and observations of student behavior.
- Organized college visits and career planning activities for high school students.
- Monitored academic progress of assigned caseload of students.
- Provided individual and group counseling services to students.
- Promoted positive behaviors among all members of the school community through modeling appropriate responses to challenging situations.
- Participated in administrative duties such as scheduling appointments or managing intake paperwork.
- Assisted in the coordination of crisis response procedures in the event of a traumatic incident at the school site.
- Attended professional development workshops related to counseling techniques and strategies.
- Referred students to outside mental health professionals for additional support.
- Facilitated classroom guidance lessons on topics such as self-esteem, peer pressure, bullying prevention, decision making, stress management, study skills.
- Developed and implemented intervention plans for students with social-emotional needs.
- Counseled individuals to help overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
- Advised students on course selection and academic pathways.
High School Bible Teacher
The King's Christian School
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
08.2014 - 06.2022
- Planned, prepared and presented lessons from the Bible to high school students.
- Developed engaging Bible lesson plans for diverse student groups.
- Facilitated meaningful discussions on faith and morality among students.
- Led class discussions to explore various Biblical topics, encouraging student participation.
- Implemented innovative teaching methods that facilitated effective content delivery and promoted critical thinking skills.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to foster a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with faculty to integrate curriculum with school mission and values, enhancing student engagement.
- Organized extracurricular activities that fostered community service and spiritual growth among students.
- Encouraged students to participate in community service activities related to biblical studies.
- Researched various interpretations of scripture while maintaining an unbiased approach when discussing controversial topics with students.
Assisstant Guidance Counsleor
The King's Christian School
Cherry Hill, NJ
09.2017 - 08.2018
- Coordinated college visits and career planning activities to enhance students' post-secondary options.
- Maintained accurate records of student interactions and counseling sessions to support ongoing student development.
- Handled administrative duties, including scheduling appointments and managing intake paperwork, to streamline counseling processes.
Education
M.D. - Counseling / Clinical Counseling
Cairn University
Langhorne, PA03-2026
Bachelor’s Degree - Biblical Studies
Cairn University
Langhorne, PA08-2017
Associate of Arts - History
Camden County College
Blackwood, NJ05-2010
Skills
- School Counseling (Grades 6–12)
- College & Career Readiness
- Crisis intervention
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation
- Academic planning
- Program coordination
- Data analysis
- Group facilitation
- Stakeholder communication
Certification
• Crisis Intervention Training
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Frameworks
• Group Facilitation & Intervention Strategies
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Frameworks
• Group Facilitation & Intervention Strategies
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Director of Guidance
The King's Christian School
09.2018 - Current
Assisstant Guidance Counsleor
The King's Christian School
09.2017 - 08.2018
High School Bible Teacher
The King's Christian School
08.2014 - 06.2022
M.D. - Counseling / Clinical Counseling
Cairn University
Bachelor’s Degree - Biblical Studies
Cairn University
Associate of Arts - History
Camden County College