Karen M. Brothers
Dublin,Ohio
Summary
Dedicated Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselor with expertise in developing tailored counseling strategies for diverse individuals. Proven ability to foster relationships that promote personal growth and career advancement. Implemented innovative programs enhancing student engagement and success. Thrives in fast-paced environments, demonstrating strong adaptability and high-quality work under pressure.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
School Counselor
Dublin Coffman High School
Dublin, USA
01.2002 - 01.2021
- Coordinated Peer Collaboration Program for Dublin Coffman High School, enhancing student engagement.
- Provided individual counseling to students facing academic and personal challenges.
- Developed and implemented educational programs addressing social-emotional learning needs.
- Collaborated with teachers and staff to create supportive learning environments.
- Facilitated group counseling sessions for students on various topics.
- Conducted assessments to identify student needs and appropriate interventions.
- Coordinated with families to support student academic and personal goals.
- Advocated for student rights and well-being within the school community.
- Organized workshops on college readiness and career exploration for students.
- 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 discuss strategies necessary for improved student social and academic performance.
- Counseled students regarding variety of social, educational and interpersonal issues.
- Developed individualized learning plans for students with special educational needs.
- Provided individual and group counseling sessions to students in order to discuss academic, social and emotional issues.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop strategies for improving student performance in the classroom.
- Performed outreach activities within the school community to increase awareness about available counseling services.
- Coordinated crisis interventions for students facing difficult life situations.
- Promoted parent and teacher partnerships and communications to support students educational goals.
- Conducted assessments of students' cognitive abilities, interests, personality traits and career aspirations.
- 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.
- Organized workshops and seminars for parents on topics such as bullying, anxiety, stress management and college readiness.
- Supported teachers and students during Individual Education Plan (IEP) development.
- Assisted families in understanding resources available within the community to address their needs.
- Followed-up with outside mental health service providers to coordinate in-school support.
- Facilitated weekly meetings with faculty members to discuss student progress and identify areas of improvement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of student interactions including assessments, referrals, progress notes and treatment plans.
- Participated in school-wide initiatives focused on promoting a safe and welcoming environment for all learners.
- Evaluated students' academic and career plans to assist in setting realistic goals.
- Monitored attendance records and identified patterns of absenteeism that may indicate underlying issues requiring attention.
- Created referral networks with outside mental health professionals for additional support services when needed.
- Facilitated transition planning for students moving from elementary to middle school, middle to high school, and beyond.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of counseling programs and interventions.
- Designed and delivered classroom guidance lessons focused on topics such as bullying prevention, study skills, and college readiness.
- Developed bullying prevention programs and strategies to foster a safe and inclusive school climate.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to stay informed about best practices and emerging issues in school counseling.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive counseling programs that address students' academic, career, and personal and social development needs.
- Maintained confidential records of counseling sessions, assessments, and communications with students and parents.
- Coordinated college and career fairs to expose students to postsecondary options and workforce opportunities.
- Assessed students' abilities, interests, and personality characteristics using a variety of assessment tools for career and educational planning.
- Monitored students' academic performance and progress, identifying those at risk of failing or dropping out.
- Conferred with parents, teachers and administrators to discuss children's progress and resolve behavioral and academic problems.
- Identified cases of abuse, encouraging students or parents to seek assistance from mental health professionals.
- 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.
- Established contacts with employers to create internship and employment opportunities for students.
- Managed counseling services for 380 students in grades 9-12, focusing on social, emotional, and academic needs.
- Facilitated group counseling sessions to guide students through college preparation processes.
- Developed and delivered parent education programs regarding college application processes.
- Served as liaison for Tolles Technical Center and military organizations.
- Scheduled all students and organized Senior Awards Program to recognize achievements.
- Led student tutoring initiatives, promoting academic support and peer collaboration.
- Participated in district guidance and writing teams to enhance educational strategies.
School Counselor
John Sells Middle, Dublin Schools
Dublin, USA
01.1998 - 01.2002
- Served as liaison for special education, supporting 375 students effectively.
- Collaborated with teachers and staff to foster inclusive learning environments.
- Organized individualized scheduling for each student to optimize educational outcomes.
- Coordinated with high school counselors to address academic and career planning needs.
- Provided social-emotional counseling to enhance student well-being and resilience.
Teacher and Academic Team Leader
Grizzell Middle, Dublin Schools
Dublin, USA
01.1993 - 01.2002
- Acted as IEP/Special Education Liaison, ensuring compliance with educational standards.
- Coordinated Summer Buddy Program to boost student engagement during breaks.
- Facilitated meetings with academic leaders to align educational strategies effectively.
- Instructed Social Studies and English, promoting critical thinking skills among students.
- Organized parent conferences to review student progress and address concerns.
- Collaborated with parents and students to meet individual educational needs.
- Managed grading processes, ensuring accurate assessment records.
- Oversaw standardized testing administration as testing coordinator.
Teacher Team Leader
John Sells Middle School, Dublin Schools
Dublin, USA
01.1988 - 01.1993
- Instructed seventh grade students in English and reading, enhancing comprehension skills and fostering a love for literature.
- Managed grading and lesson planning for 140 students, streamlining processes to support timely feedback and effective learning.
- Facilitated curriculum development meetings with teaching staff to align instructional strategies.
- Collaborated with administration on academic achievement objectives, driving initiatives that contributed to improved student outcomes.
- Organized middle school schedule to maximize instructional time across all classes.
- Worked with students on individualized education plans (IEPs) to support diverse learning needs.
Teacher
Groveport Madison Middle School North, Groveport School
Groveport, USA
01.1984 - 01.1987
- Taught English and Reading to seventh grade students, fostering critical thinking and literacy skills.
- Organized grades and testing for 140 students to ensure accurate assessments.
- Developed lesson plans aligned with educational goals to enhance learning outcomes.
- Coached basketball, volleyball, softball, and cheerleading after school to promote teamwork and physical fitness.
Education
M.S. - Education and Allied Professions
University of Dayton
Dayton, OH01.2001
M.A. - Curriculum and Instruction
The Ohio State University
01.1993
B.S. - Education
The Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio01.1984
Skills
College and career counseling
Awards Recognitions
- Golden Shamrock Award, 01/01/09
- Dublin Community Champions Award, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015
- Coffman High School Staff Hall Of Fame recipient, 01/01/16
- Nominee Nationwide Jefferson Awards, 01/01/12
- Ashland University Adjunct Instructor
- Author, Peer Collaboration Manual, Library of Congress, 2013
- Paul Harris Fellow Award, Rotary International, 01/01/16
- Hall Of Fame Recipient, Dublin Coffman High School, 01/01/16
Workshops Training Seminars
- Autism Conference, Cincinnati, Ohio, 05/01/01
- Guidance Council, Dublin City Schools, 01/01/02
- Pathwise Trained, 01/01/00
- Autism Conference, Cleveland, Ohio, 01/01/02
- Street Smart Training, 01/01/03
- Graduate Workshop, Ashland University, Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities
- NACAC National Conference, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 01/01/06
- TCI Certification Training
- College Articulation Planning Meeting
- Peer Collaboration District Planning Team, 01/01/06
- Autism Task Force District Committee, 01/01/07
- NSSNRS Motivating Children With Autism to Speak
- Presenter, Augusta Levy Learning Center, Wheeling, WV, Peer Collaboration
- COSERRC Comprehensive Planning for Teams Working with ASD/Asperger Syndrome
- Ruggs College Admissions Seminar
- Workshop Introduction to the Vantage Communication Device
- Autism Conference, Columbus, Ohio, 11/01/08
- Presenter, Peer Collaboration
- Presenter, It's A Parent
- Presenter, ADHD: Strategies for Parenting Children, School and Study Strategies
- Presenter, Peer Buddy Programs Dublin City Schools Para-professional Training
- Presenter, Peer Programs Dublin City Schools staff and Administration
- Summer Peer Buddy Program Peer trainer/coordinator
- Co-presenter, Sensory Integration for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Canine Companions for Independence Trained Companion Facilitator, 06/01/07
- Presenter, Dublin Summer Conference, Hyatt Regency, 01/01/04
- Parent Education Series, Preparing for high stakes tests ACT/SAT/SAT II
- Adjunct Instructor, Ashland University
- Peer Collaboration Trainer, Dublin City Schools, Southwest Licking Schools, Hudson High School, Olentangy Orange High School, London High School, Alexander Schools, Marysville High School, Groveport Madison High School, Warren High School, Good Food For Thought, Westerville, Celina, Indian ROD, Euclid Schools, Elmbrooke Schools (Wisconsin), Perrysburg Schools, Upper Arlington High School, Wickliffe Elementary, Gahanna High School and Middle Schools, Bexley Elementary schools, Portsmouth High School
- ECHO Project, Parent representative: Focus: family-centered care
- Human Rights Committee, parent representative, Franklin County 2025 Conference Presenter
- Ohio Special Education Leadership Conference, 09/01/10
- Nationwide Children's Hospital Autism Conference, 09/01/10
- OCALI Conference, Poster Presentation, 11/01/09
- OCALI Conference, 11/01/10
- OCALI Conference, 11/01/11
- OCALI Conference, 11/01/12
- OCALI Conference, 11/01/13
- OCALI Conference, 11/01/14
- OCALI Conference, 11/01/15
- OCALI Conference, 11/01/16
- OCALI Conference, 11/01/17
- OCALI Conference, 11/01/18
- OCALI Conference, 11/01/22
- Nationwide Children's Hospital Autism Conference, 11/01/10
- Augusta Levy Learning Center Conference, Wheeling, West Virginia, 01/01/08
- University of Dayton Counselor Leadership Conference, 01/01/10
- Faith, Autism and Action, 03/01/11
- Ashland University Guest Speaker, 01/01/08, 01/01/09, 01/01/10, 01/01/11
- All Ohio Counselor Conference, 01/01/12, 01/01/13, 01/01/14
- OASSA Conference, 01/01/13
- Ohio Innovative Learning Conference, 01/01/13
- Dublin Leadership Academy Conference, 08/01/14
- R-O-D Special Education Cooperative, Indiana, 10/01/14
- Ohio School Social Work Conference, 02/01/15
- Off To A Great Start Conference, COESC, 01/01/16
Affiliations - Non Profit Affiliations
- WEROC- We r One Community, Vice president, A nonprofit organization that aims to support and train people to promote disability-inclusive education, employment, and recreational opportunities.
- All In - All Inclusive Living Columbus, Board Member, Creating communities where people of all ages and abilities can thrive.
Timeline
School Counselor
Dublin Coffman High School
01.2002 - 01.2021
School Counselor
John Sells Middle, Dublin Schools
01.1998 - 01.2002
Teacher and Academic Team Leader
Grizzell Middle, Dublin Schools
01.1993 - 01.2002
Teacher Team Leader
John Sells Middle School, Dublin Schools
01.1988 - 01.1993
Teacher
Groveport Madison Middle School North, Groveport School
01.1984 - 01.1987
M.S. - Education and Allied Professions
University of Dayton
M.A. - Curriculum and Instruction
The Ohio State University
B.S. - Education
The Ohio State University