Kari Neal
School Counselor-In-Training Graduate Student
Missoula,MT
Summary
Resourceful motivator, team-builder, compassionate human, lifelong learner, dedicated facilitator, and advocate. Interests extend to furthering interpersonal communication, group presentation skills, and student assessments. Emphasis placed on meeting the needs of each individual student, understanding their worldview, fostering creativity, and prioritizing fun in a safe, and inclusive learning environment.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
6
6
Certifications
Work History
K-1 School Counselor-In-Training Practicum
Hellgate Elementary School
Missoula, MT
02.2024 - 04.2024
- Participated in 34 hours of supervised T2 group SEL therapy sessions for Kinder and First grade students
- Directed 10 hours of T3 individual SEL therapy sessions, assessing behaviors, providing feedback, helping to grow self regulation, awareness, and interpersonal skills.
- Applied variety of psychological methods and techniques in screening, assessment, classroom lessons, groups sessions, and evaluation of clients.
- Supported School Counselor in group lesson plan creation and execution.
- Contributed to multidisciplinary team meetings by sharing insights from counseling sessions, leading to more informed decisions about client care plans.
Co-Facilitator, Dad's and Dialogue Group Therapy
Families First Learning Lab
Missoula, MT
04.2024 - 05.2024
- Used diverse teaching materials and motivational approaches to bolster individual self-awareness in group therapy with 8 participants.
- Co-Facilitated 7 hours of interactive activities to enhance parenting relationships, strengthen interpersonal skills, and relational coping strategies.
- Assessed group behaviors and responses to content to help normalize, foster universality, and meet client needs.
Front of House Catering Team Leader
Riversong Gourment Event Catering
Missoula, MT
06.2022 - Current
- Improved communication between departments through clear delegation of tasks during pre-event meetings resulting in fewer errors during event execution.
- Handled complex logistics for large-scale events, organizing, ensuring seamless execution and guest satisfaction.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, upholding company's reputation for excellence in customer service.
- Established strong relationships with clients and staff, fostering trust and loyalty in company's services, helping streamline event planning processes for increased efficiency and smoother event experiences.
- Worked with chefs to meal prep and plan menus according to client needs and budgets.
CFC Home Owner's Association, President
Clark Fork Commons 25-unit Condominiums
Missoula, MT
01.2020 - Current
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Secured $200,000 grant to fund CFC roof project.
- Negotiated price and services with vendors to decrease expenses and increase HOA savings, reducing overall costs and budgetary expenditures for more advantageous terms
- Consulted with stakeholders to assess needs and propose optimal solutions for maximum communal living satisfaction.
- Spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving internal communication channels between stakeholders, facilitating greater collaboration and neighborhood safety.
- Collaborated with board members and other stakeholders to reduce financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
Student Loan Specialist I
University Of Montana
Missoula, MT
02.2020 - 03.2022
- Advised graduate and undergraduate students and families on FAFSA application process. Provided alternative funding options for college.
- Reviewed financial aid applications for accuracy and compliance with reporting standards. Communicated any discrepancies with clients to help resolve issues to reduce impediments for college loans, grants, or scholarship distribution.
- Assisted students, families, or potential customers with improving financial health by counseling on issues such as excessive spending and borrowing.
Facilities Technician
University Of Montana
Missoula, M
02.2017 - 02.2020
- Tracked usage and demand to maintain proper levels of cleaning supplies.
- Worked quickly on emergency requests in order to minimize disruptions to operations and maximize group safety in UM Housing complexes.
- Organized and maintained inventory of spare parts and equipment consumables.
- Maintained clean and organized work environment, adhering to company policies and industry standards.
- Boosted team morale by fostering open communication channels among coworkers and supervisors alike.
- Inspected buildings, grounds, and equipment for unsafe or malfunctioning conditions.
- Improved overall safety within facility by identifying potential hazards and implementing corrective actions.
Education
No Degree - School of Counseling Master's Student-in-Training
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT 08.2023 - Current
Master of Science - Human Development
University of California - Davis
Davis, CA 08.2002 - 05.2005
Skills
Staff Scheduling
Certification
Food Handlers Safety Training, ServSafe
Timeline
Food Handlers Safety Training, ServSafe
12-2025
Alcohol Server Safety Training, ServSafe
12-2025
Heartsaver First Aid, Adult/Child/Infant CPR, American Heart Association
04-2025
Co-Facilitator, Dad's and Dialogue Group Therapy
Families First Learning Lab
04.2024 - 05.2024
K-1 School Counselor-In-Training Practicum
Hellgate Elementary School
02.2024 - 04.2024
No Degree - School of Counseling Master's Student-in-Training
The University of Montana
08.2023 - Current
Human Resource Management Certificate HR Certification Institute (HRCI)
12-2022
Master Gardener Montana, Level 1 - Montana State University Extension
10-2022
Front of House Catering Team Leader
Riversong Gourment Event Catering
06.2022 - Current
Student Loan Specialist I
University Of Montana
02.2020 - 03.2022
CFC Home Owner's Association, President
Clark Fork Commons 25-unit Condominiums
01.2020 - Current
Mental Health First Aid, Missoula Mental Health Awareness Training Project
01-2019
Facilities Technician
University Of Montana
02.2017 - 02.2020
Master of Science - Human Development
University of California - Davis
08.2002 - 05.2005
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