Karen Bach
Sterling,Virginia
Summary
Adept School Counselor offering 20 years of experience counseling students, academic advising and program planning. Driven to help students achieve success by providing guidance on career options, higher education choices and life planning while assisting students to identify and eliminate obstacles that might hinder their success. Armed with outstanding work ethic and unsurpassed dedication to consistently produce remarkable results within the school setting. Commended as an intuitive, proactive counselor, with well-defined organizational, presentation, communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Middle School Counselor
Langston Hughes Middle School
08.2018 - Current
- Providing individual, group and crisis counseling to 7th and 8th grade students
- Acted as team lead for all counselors (2 years)
- Serving as school representative for Vertical Leadership Team for FCPS
- Utilizing data to plan, execute and analyze effectiveness of counseling interventions throughout the year
- Creating and implementing various parent and student information nights, open houses and course selection visits.
- Providing academic advising, course selections and successful transition planning for all grade levels
- Directing student weekend food program for students experiencing food insecurities
- Developing and implementing small group counseling sessions (attendance, anxiety, academic improvement and self-esteem)
- Serving as 504 Case Manager for all students on my caseload who have a 504 Plan
- Co-leading Restorative Justice group for students at risk for attendance issues
- Consulting with parents, teachers, administrators and community mental health providers to determine successful educational and/or social emotional support plans for students
- Creating and implementing various SEL lessons for teachers and classrooms.
Middle School Counselor
Benton Middle School
01.2016 - 06.2018
- Provided individual, group and crisis counseling to all grade levels for various issues
- Performed case management services for students in grades 6-8 to include: scheduling, mediations, new student orientations and parent information nights
- Taught classroom lessons for a variety of topics (Pause Before You Post, Hurting or Flirting, academic career planning, Healthy Relationships, high school specialty programs and high school scheduling)
- Co-facilitated the Signs of Suicide (SOS) program for all 7th grade students
- Provided study skills and academic improvement groups for all grade levels
- Designed and implemented college week for grades 6-8.
High School Counselor
Unity Reed High School
08.2008 - 06.2010
- Served as a grade level counselor grades 9-12
- Provided individual, group and crisis counseling
- Assisted students in course selection; consistent to their interests and needs
- Supported students in identifying, planning, and attaining individual goals; consistent to their aptitudes, needs abilities and interests
- Worked collaboratively to achieve RAMP status
- Facilitated students and parents with the college selection, application and financial aid process
- Utilized the Naviance program to prepare secondary school reports for colleges and universities
- Designed and implemented various classroom lessons (career and college development, study skills, bullying awareness and prevention)
- Co-sponsored Super Saturday for VASFA
- Assisted the testing coordinator in the implementation and proctoring of various standardized tests (SOL, PSAT and SAT).
Special Education School Counselor
Mount Vernon High School
08.2001 - 06.2003
- Served as a special education school counselor for students attending a special education facility of Mount Vernon High School
- Provided individual, group and crisis counseling
- Served as an integral member of the IEP team, for each student, in regards to counseling needs, educational placement and transition plans
- Worked with parents, students and special education professionals to develop successful transition plans to college military, trade school or employment
- Served as the center’s testing coordinator by supervising and organizing standardized testing (SOL, PSAT and Stanford 9).
Middle School Counselor
George Washington Middle School
08.1999 - 06.2001
- Grade level counselor for students in grades 7-8
- Served as the Child Study Chairperson
- Provided individual, group and crisis counseling
- Guided students through course selection; consistent to their interests and needs
- Assisted in master schedule development
- Designed and executed various classroom guidance lessons and activities (bullying and harassment, career awareness, study skills and social skills).
Needs Assessment Counselor
Charter Behavioral Health System
11.1998 - 05.1999
- Provided crisis counseling in-person and over the phone
- Performed clinical evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults seeking mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Program Manager, Adolescent Substance Abuse
Region Ten Community Service Board
02.1998 - 01.1999
- Managed an intensive outpatient treatment program for court-involved youth experiencing substance abuse problems
- Provided individual, group and family counseling
- Performed substance abuse evaluations.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Shalom Et Benedictus
07.1995 - 04.1996
- Provided individual and group counseling in a residential setting
- Provided family counseling
- Maintained accurate clinical records.
Education
Master of Education - Counselor Education
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA01.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA01.1995
Skills
- Individual Counseling
- Individual Goal Motivation and Coaching
- Mental Health Support
- Crisis Intervention Strategies
- College and Career Planning
- Student Records Maintenance
Affiliations
- AMERICAN SCHOOL COUNSELING ASSOCIATION
- VIRGINIA SCHOOL COUNSELING ASSOCIATION
Clinical Counseling Experience
- NEEDS ASSESMENT COUNSELOR, Charter Behavioral Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, 11/1998, 05/1999, Provided crisis counseling in-person and over the phone. Performed clinical evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults seeking mental health and substance abuse treatment.
- PROGRAM MANAGER, Region Ten Community Service Board, Charlottesville, Virginia, 02/1998, 01/1999, Managed an intensive treatment program for court-involved youth experiencing substance abuse problems. Provided individual, group and family counseling. Performed substance abuse evaluations.
- SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR, Shalom et Benedictus, Stephenson, Virginia, 07/1995, 04/1996, Provided individual and group counseling in a residential setting. Provided family counseling. Maintained accurate clinical records.
Qualifications Summary
Enthusiastic, hardworking and self-motivated professional, offering vast experience in counseling and guidance. Armed with outstanding work ethic and unsurpassed dedication to consistently produce remarkable results within the school setting. Commended as an intuitive, proactive counselor, with well-defined organizational, presentation, communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Displayed solid track record of producing extraordinary results in leading academic, social and career development.
References
- Jamila Stone, Director of Guidance, Benton Middle School, PWCS, StoneJM@pwcs.edu, 703-732-5726
- Joseph Graczyk, Principal, Benton Middle School, PWCS, GraczyJR@pwcs.edu, 703-791-0727
Timeline
Middle School Counselor
Langston Hughes Middle School
08.2018 - Current
Middle School Counselor
Benton Middle School
01.2016 - 06.2018
High School Counselor
Unity Reed High School
08.2008 - 06.2010
Special Education School Counselor
Mount Vernon High School
08.2001 - 06.2003
Middle School Counselor
George Washington Middle School
08.1999 - 06.2001
Needs Assessment Counselor
Charter Behavioral Health System
11.1998 - 05.1999
Program Manager, Adolescent Substance Abuse
Region Ten Community Service Board
02.1998 - 01.1999
Substance Abuse Counselor
Shalom Et Benedictus
07.1995 - 04.1996
Master of Education - Counselor Education
University of Virginia
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
George Mason University
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