Kasandra Washington
Round Rock,TX
Summary
Compassionate Counselor committed to helping clients work toward healing and self-sufficiency while emphasizing personal strengths. Over 7 years of experience in mental health support and crisis response. Develops successful therapeutic processes and encourages honest discussions to help improve mental health. Shows empathy and understanding to clients of various backgrounds and needs.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Student Support Specialist
Breakthrough Austin
Austin, TX
11.2020 - Current
- Delivered direct and effective telehealth therapy to both new and existing students with mental health issues.
- Delivered comprehensive training sessions on mental wellness and social-emotional intelligence for summer teaching fellows and staff
- Collaborated with advisors and student support team to enhance student intervention techniques
- Manage a caseload of 12 clients
- Maintained accurate documentation of treatment plans and progress notes.
- Implemented multiple evidence-based therapeutic techniques including CBT, DBT, and Solution-Focused Therapy for adolescents.
School Counselor
Manor ISD
Manor, TX
08.2017 - Current
- Provided individual and group counseling sessions to students to discuss academic, social, and emotional issues.
- Collaborated on various committees including Attendance, RTI, 504, ARD, Restorative, and Campus Improvement
- Collaborated closely with other mental health professionals to ensure comprehensive care for students
- Educated students and families about mental health
- Facilitated suicide, bullying, and drug prevention
- Empowered students to make positive choices resulting in beneficial outcomes upon returning from alternative schooling.
- Conducted suicide assessments.
- Facilitate professional development on various mental health topics
- Delivered developmental guidance curriculum to students and assisted teachers in integrating the SEL curriculum
- Coordinated and supported various interventions, including academic, behavioral, emotional, social, attendance, and crisis measures.
Teacher
Manor ISD
Manor, TX
08.2005 - 08.2017
- Demonstrated leadership skills by serving as team leader, teacher mentor, and department head; contributing to the AVID site team; directing programs; and presiding over student council
- Honored as the recipient of the 2009 Teacher of Promise Award for exceptional leadership among peers and substantial enhancement in student performance on state assessment exams
- Analyzed student data for student placement and needs assessments
- Coordinated interventions for students who are not successful on standardized assessments and daily school academics
- Provide differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all students by integrating small-group instruction and cooperative learning in ability groups
- Maintained a student-centered classroom environment and teaching style.
- Established positive relationships with parents to ensure effective communication regarding student progress and well-being.
Instructional Coach
Breakthrough Austin
Austin, TX
04.2012 - 08.2014
- Enhanced the skills and abilities of twelve intern teachers through valuable feedback on classroom observations and weekly departmental training
- Participated in curriculum planning, assessments, and revisions to lead curriculum design and implementation.
- Maintained accurate assessment records for teacher performance
- Cultivated a supportive atmosphere encouraging healthy interpersonal relationships.
Counseling Intern
Manor ISD
Manor, TX
08.2012 - 08.2013
- Conducted intake assessments and interviews with clients to determine their needs.
- Provided individual, family, and group counseling sessions to clients.
- Developed treatment plans in collaboration with other professionals on the team.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress notes and treatment plans.
- Participated in weekly case conferences to discuss strategies for helping clients achieve goals and objectives.
Site Co-Director
Breakthrough Austin
Austin, TX
04.2015
- Planned and coordinated logistics of Breakthrough summer school for middle school students, managing schedules, transportation, food service, facilities use, technology, field trips, and supplies
- Trained and guided Breakthrough summer teachers in delivering the curriculum
- Maintained records of student assessment data, attendance rates, homework completion rates, and program participation
- Monitored progress of initiatives against set goals, identified areas for improvement, and developed action plans accordingly.
Education
Master of Arts - Psychology
Saybrook University
Pasadena, CA05-2013
Master of Arts - Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Chicago, IL08-2010
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Texas
Aus08-2004
Doctor of Psychology - Psychology
Saybrook University
Pasadena, CASkills
- Individual and Group Counseling
- Suicide Assessment
- Behavioral Assessment
- Crisis Intervention
- Treatment Planning
- Trauma-informed therapy and techniques
- Academic advising
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Mediation
Certification
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Texas Behavioral Health Council, February 2024
- School Counselor Certification, State Board Educator Certification, July 2017
- Telehealth/E-Therapy Certification, ALLCEUs, September 2022
- 4-8th Generalist, State Board Educator Certifications, July 2005
Timeline
Student Support Specialist
Breakthrough Austin
11.2020 - Current
School Counselor
Manor ISD
08.2017 - Current
Site Co-Director
Breakthrough Austin
04.2015
Counseling Intern
Manor ISD
08.2012 - 08.2013
Instructional Coach
Breakthrough Austin
04.2012 - 08.2014
Teacher
Manor ISD
08.2005 - 08.2017
Master of Arts - Psychology
Saybrook University
Master of Arts - Psychology
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Texas
Doctor of Psychology - Psychology
Saybrook University
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