Karen Schutter
Douglassville,Pennsylvania
Summary
Dedicated School Counselor committed to providing comprehensive guidance, mentorship, and support to students, fostering academic and personal growth. Expertise in collaborating with families, staff, and student leaders to cultivate a positive, inclusive, and empowering school environment. Proven track record of implementing effective counseling programs that enhance student well-being and promote a supportive atmosphere. Skilled in building strong relationships with students and staff while adeptly managing crises and conflicts to ensure a safe learning space.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Counselor
Fleetwood Area Middle School
Fleetwood, Pennsylvania
01.2019 - Current
- Collaborated with building and district-level leadership teams to enhance educational outcomes and operational efficiency.
- Facilitated counseling sessions focused on resolving academic and emotional difficulties, including crisis management for bullying and behavioral challenges.
- Facilitated collaboration among students, parents, and staff to optimize course scheduling and academic planning.
- Coordinated the creation and revision of master schedules, managing updates to student schedules to improve educational outcomes.
- Worked with the multi-tiered support team (MTSS) to develop and implement strategies for behavioral and academic challenges.
- Coordinated connections between students and community agencies to enhance support services.
- Ensured accuracy and integrity of student permanent records to support academic administration.
- Facilitated scheduling and administration of state-mandated testing (PSSA & Keystone).
- Collaborated with occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, parents, and staff to manage 504 caseloads.
- Assisted in special education meetings and supported the referral process.
- Conducted data analysis to inform updates to the comprehensive counseling plan (Act 339).
- Facilitated student leadership development as co-advisor for student council.
Counselor
Berks Therapeutic Alliance
Wyomissing, Pennsylvania
05.2015 - 03.2019
- Facilitated individual and group counseling sessions to support clients' mental health and skill development.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments and coordinated with healthcare professionals to develop customized, evidence-based treatment plans.
- Applied therapeutic techniques to help clients build coping skills, resilience, and achieve personal goals.
- Advocated for clients within healthcare systems to secure necessary resources and additional services.
- Conducted detailed intakes and maintained organized treatment files and reports for effective case management.
- Monitored and updated credentialing requirements to ensure eligibility for state referrals.
- Ensured compliance with HIPAA guidelines and maintained strict confidentiality standards.
Interim School Counselor
Upper Perkiomen Middle School
East Greenville, Pennsylvania
09.2018 - 11.2018
- Facilitated short-term counseling sessions to support students with academic, social, and emotional issues, including crisis interventions for bullying, interpersonal conflicts, and behavioral challenges.
- Provided strategic advice to students, focusing on educational goals and career aspirations.
- Engaged with students, parents, and staff to enhance course scheduling and academic planning.
- Developed and implemented grade-level guidance lessons aimed at fostering academic and personal growth.
- Collaborated with Student Support Team (SST) to devise and execute strategies addressing behavioral and academic challenges.
- Coordinated efforts with SAP teams to enhance referral systems for community agency partnerships.
- Contributed to the district's Comprehensive Counseling Program (ACT 339).
Interim Director School Counselor
Pope John Paul High School II
Royersford, Pennsylvania
11.2015 - 03.2017
- Conducted personalized counseling to support students in achieving academic and career goals.
- Developed personalized letters of recommendation to enhance candidates' opportunities for scholarships and college admissions.
- Facilitated collaboration among students, parents, and staff regarding course selection and college preparation.
- Facilitated organization and presentation of classroom guidance lessons.
- Facilitated the organization and supervision of college entrance exams, maintaining integrity and security throughout the testing process.
- Contributed insights during cares team meetings focused on enhancing student support.
- Partnered with SAP teams and community agencies to enhance student referral systems, ensuring efficient service delivery.
- Supported professional growth and provided strategic direction during archdiocese guidance conferences.
Counselor/Intern
Pope John Paul High School II
Royersford, Pennsylvania
11.2015 - 06.2016
- Facilitated individual and small group counseling sessions to address academic, social, and behavioral needs.
- Facilitated successful college and scholarships applications by providing tailored letters of recommendation. Empowered students to present their strengths effectively.
- Coordinated discussions with students, parents, and staff to assess course selection options and developmental objectives.
- Facilitated the organization and supervision of college entrance exams, maintaining integrity and security throughout the testing process.
- Facilitated classroom guidance lessons aimed at fostering personal and academic growth among students.
- Assessed student needs within CARES program and provided referrals to appropriate community resources.
Education
Certification - Education Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Total Experience Learning (TExpL) Certification
Alvernia University
Reading07-2025
Certifications - American School Counselor Association Course Series
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO05-2025
Masters of Arts - School Counseling
Seton Hall University
South Orange, New Jersey01-2016
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
The Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania03-2012
Skills
- Counseling & Student Support: Individual and group counseling, social-emotional learning, crisis intervention, behavioral assessment, at-risk student support, mental health support, stress management, peer counseling
- Academic & Career Guidance: Academic advising, college and career planning, student testing, special education support
- Communication & Relationship Building: Parent-teacher collaboration, active listening, conflict resolution, emotional support, teamwork and collaboration, relationship development
- Technology & Systems: Infinite Campus, Xello, Naviance, EnInsight, eSchool/eSchoolPlus, I-Ready, College Board systems, Wayfinders, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office
- Organizational & Professional: Time management, task prioritization, multitasking, attention to detail, critical thinking, adaptability and flexibility, professionalism, leadership and staff collaboration
Certification
- National Certified School Counselor
- Student Assistance Certification
- Student Assistance Certified
- Safety Care Certified
- Trauma Informed Certified
- C-STAG Threat Assessment Certification
Timeline
School Counselor
Fleetwood Area Middle School
01.2019 - Current
Interim School Counselor
Upper Perkiomen Middle School
09.2018 - 11.2018
Interim Director School Counselor
Pope John Paul High School II
11.2015 - 03.2017
Counselor/Intern
Pope John Paul High School II
11.2015 - 06.2016
Counselor
Berks Therapeutic Alliance
05.2015 - 03.2019
Masters of Arts - School Counseling
Seton Hall University
Certification - Education Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Total Experience Learning (TExpL) Certification
Alvernia University
Certifications - American School Counselor Association Course Series
Lindenwood University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
The Pennsylvania State University