Karla Benavides
CA
Summary
Compassionate School Counselor with extensive knowledge of counseling principles and practices. Adept at creating individualized treatment plans and leading one on one or group therapy sessions. Committed to creating safe, supportive environment for all participants.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Counselor
Alma Fuerte Public School
12.2024 - Current
- Maintained positive relationships with students, faculty, alumni, and administration.
- Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
- Regularly meet with enrolled students to confirm success and identify problem areas.
- Collaborated with teachers and other school personnel to create individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Monitored student progress to drive successful academic outcomes.
- Advised students on educational, career and social opportunities.
- Empowered students through individual and group counseling and skill-building exercises.
Designated Instructional Services- Counselor
Santa Fe High School (Whittier Union H.S. District
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Designated Instructional counselor for the SPED department and general walk-in individuals.
- Strategically developed individualized IEP goals for students to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist students in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Employed methodologies such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution- focused based strategies.
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for students
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy one on one, including group settings to improve students' level of functioning.
- Conducted assessments to determine progress and performance and report findings to relevant authorities.
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
- Determined Students' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
- Documented students' progress to keep detailed notes on each student's treatment progress in mental health status.
- Provided risk assessments in crisis situations and student/parent follow-ups when needed.
- Used various documentation platforms specialized for IEP students and teachers/case managers, such as SIES and Paradigm.
- Report on student’s counseling progress using SIES quarterly.
• Create goals using various platforms interchangeably. (Aries, SEIS and
paradigm)
Intervention Aide
Brightwood Elementary (Alhambra Unified School District)
10.2019 - 03.2021
- Literacy Intervention for school aged children K-5th grade in LLI (Leveled Literacy Intervention)
- Conducted ongoing evaluations of literacy improvement action and communicated results to teachers and administrators.
- Monitored status of students requiring special attention.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Attended professional development training for up-to-date strategies on LLI
Assistant Treasurer
Yolanda Miranda & Associates
12.2007 - 10.2010
- Accounting and Bookkeeping for more than twenty Committees/ PAC's
- Reconciled monthly statements, invoices and expense accounts, keeping records accurate, and current.
- Drafted treasury reports to support management decision-making needs.
- Used Netfile to prepare external audit documentation and financial reports to assist management in operational planning and key decision making.
- Worked with both internal and external users to create detailed financial reports.
- Mitigated risk by implementing internal controls and safeguards for revenues and expenditures.
- Implemented strategies to improve organizational financial performance.
Mental Health Counselor
Bridges Inc. (Residential Program)
08.2006 - 09.2007
- Counselor for dual diagnosed clients in mental health and substance abuse.
- Used advanced counseling skills and evidence-based practices to establish goals and treatment plans with clients.
- Employed methodologies such as cognitive behavioral therapy to assist clients.
- Presented case history material to review and discuss with other staff members.
- Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion.
- Completed one-on-one counseling with broad range of clients suffering from various issues.
- Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment.
- Managed clients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Conducted crisis interventions to respond to clients in crisis, assess immediate needs and provide support and resources.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Encouraged clients' to discuss experiences in group and individual settings.
- Supervised busy caseload, managing clients, balancing workload and prioritizing client needs.
- Documented clients' progress to keep detailed notes on each client's treatment progress and changes in mental health status.
Administrative Assistant
LINC TELACU Education Foundation
03.2005 - 06.2006
- Assistant to the Center for Diabetes Management Program.
- Continually sought methods for improving daily operations, communications for the diabetes resource library.
- Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
- Organized logistics and materials for each meeting and took detailed notes for later dissemination to key stakeholders.
- Increased office participation in special events for the annual TELACU health fair by creating newsletter with detailed information under the diabetes program.
- Transcribed and organized information to assist in preparing speeches and presentations for parents and students.
- Actively recruited and networked with parents and students for educative purposes on healthy eating and preventive care.
- Managed phone and email correspondence and handled incoming and outgoing mail and faxes.
- Facilitated timely delivery of special projects to meet organizational and departmental objectives.
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling & Guidance PPSC
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA05.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Sciences
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Pomona, CA06.2005
Associate of Arts -
East Los Angeles College
Monterey Park, CA05.2002
High School Diploma -
Los Angeles County High School For The Arts
Los Angeles 06.1998
Skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Adept at conflict resolution Peer Counseling
- Client Advocacy
- Mental Health Support
- Behavior monitoring
- Building rapport
- Peer Counseling
- Artistic abilities in dance movement and theatre as useful tools to help students improve behavior on a creative and social emotional level
- Bilingual in Spanish
Certification
- PPSC - Pupil Personnel Services Counselor
- ASCA (American School Counselor Association) - 2012
- Restorative Justice Practice
Hobbies
- Strong background in the performing arts in dance and theatre.
- Workout and weightlifting enthusiast.
- Enjoy traveling with family.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Internship
Internship Experience
Jurupa Hills High School June 2018
Fontana Unified School District
• Helped Counselor Schedule Kids into classes for upcoming school year
• Discussed A-G requirements and classes that need to be repeated.
• Helped Promote Online classes as well as options for youth for credit deficit.
• Assisted counselor with assigning new schedules for upcoming school year
Vineyard Junior High School January 2013 – June 2013
Alta Loma School District
Individual Counseling
- Counseled Students in grades 7th and 8th grade, using cognitive behavioral approach,
reality and person-centered therapy to address poor academic performance. - Counseled students in short term crisis situations such as bullying victim or classroom
behavioral issues. - Prepared goal sheets and action plans for students to stay guided and incentives for
positive behavior - Met with students at serious risk of failing and not participating on final school
celebrations.
Group Counseling
- Led Groups, Topics included social skills, academic issues, behavioral issues and
transition to high school.
School Guidance/Climate
• Developed a power point for new 7th grade student on “How to survive Vineyard
junior High school”
• Developed and researched latest information on Cyber bullying prevention power
point.
- Supervised students during break for recess and Lunch.
Alta Loma High School Jan 2012- Dec 2012
Alta Loma School District
Individual Counseling
• Met with Students in grades 9th -12th to address their academic progress.
• Helped students meet and apply for SAT before deadlines.
• Counseled numerous juniors/seniors to assure they stay in sequence for completion of
a A-G requirements for college bound individuals.
Professional Development
• Actively Participated in two career day events on and off campus
• Recruited important motivational guest speakers, artist and photographer to speak to
students on the profession
• Facilitated a Career workshop on job search, presentation, build a resume, attire and
resourceful tools on how to obtain experience.
• Created Resume Portfolio for each student.
• Developed a final questionnaire survey for career day effectiveness and
improvements.
Foothill Middle School Azusa CA. March 2011 - June 2011
Azusa Unified School District
Individual Counseling:
• Counseled Students in grades 6th-8th, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address
specific behaviors in time of crisis.
• Provided numerous Interpretation services in Spanish on problematic or truant
Students/Family SARB meets (Students Attendance Review Boards).
Timeline
School Counselor
Alma Fuerte Public School
12.2024 - Current
Designated Instructional Services- Counselor
Santa Fe High School (Whittier Union H.S. District
08.2023 - 06.2024
Intervention Aide
Brightwood Elementary (Alhambra Unified School District)
10.2019 - 03.2021
Assistant Treasurer
Yolanda Miranda & Associates
12.2007 - 10.2010
Mental Health Counselor
Bridges Inc. (Residential Program)
08.2006 - 09.2007
Administrative Assistant
LINC TELACU Education Foundation
03.2005 - 06.2006
Master of Arts - Counseling & Guidance PPSC
Point Loma Nazarene University
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Sciences
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Associate of Arts -
East Los Angeles College
High School Diploma -
Los Angeles County High School For The Arts
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