Kathleen Owens
Garland,TX
Summary
Dynamic School Counselor and SEL instructor leveraging extensive experience in implementing evidence-based guidance programs and behavior management strategies. Committed to addressing diverse student needs and promoting positive behavior change, while effectively collaborating with educators and parents to create a supportive school culture.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Kokua Education/Uplift Charter School
Dallas, Texas
09.2025 - Current
- Provided targeted instruction in academic, communication, and social skills, facilitating individualized learning for special education students.
- Implemented behavior management strategies that improved classroom engagement and fostered a positive learning environment.
- Adapted curriculum materials to meet individualized student needs.
- Maintained comprehensive records of student progress towards IEP goals to track development and inform instructional adjustments.
Middle School Counselor
Sacred Heart School Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
08.2020 - 08.2025
- Coordinate and deliver a comprehensive counseling curriculum to support the social emotional learning of all students.
- Facilitated individual counseling sessions for students experiencing emotional challenges.
- Developed and implemented guidance programs that enhanced student personal growth and emotional resilience.
- Respond to student needs through meeting regularly with assigned students.
- Collaborated with teachers to address student behavioral and academic concerns.
- Conducted assessments to identify student needs and recommend appropriate resources.
- Coordinated workshops on bullying prevention and conflict resolution skills.
- Organized school-wide events that increased mental health awareness and fostered a culture of wellness.
- Created behavior management plans with teachers that effectively addressed disruptive behaviors and improved classroom environment.
- Assisted in developing 504 Plans for qualifying students with disabilities.
- Participated in IEP team meetings for special education students to discuss accommodations and modifications.
- Developed positive relationships with local community resources including hospitals, clinics and other agencies which provide mental health services.
- Integrate new programs and resources that support positive school culture.
- Promote knowledge of the mission and philosophy of Sacred Heart School and support in incorporating and communicating its vision.
- Served as a liaison between parents, teachers, and community services for support.
Dean of Students
Chicago Public School
Chicago, Illinois
09.2018 - 08.2020
- Developed and managed behavior and discipline framework, ensuring compliance and enforcement among students and staff.
- Fostered strong sense of connectedness and advocacy for students from adults in the building.
- Aligned behavior and discipline programs with school culture values, incorporating restorative approaches.
- Make referrals to appropriate internal and external resources.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Social Work P.R.N.
Oak Park, Illinois
06.2005 - 08.2020
- Linked clients to community resources and housing to enhance overall well-being.
- Monthly home visits and maintain client files.
- Created case notes and collaborated with hospital social workers to identify optimal outcomes for clients.
- Create I.E.P and 504 plans for students in need/Provide individual and group therapy.
- Assisted clients with HIV/AIDS in securing essential resources for improved quality of life.
- Organized and updated files to ensure compliance during company audits.
- Lead P.B.I.S. activities and teach S.E.L. classes.
Permanent Substitute Teacher
Urban Prep Academy
Chicago, Illinois
10.2015 - 09.2018
- Delivered instruction across various subjects, fostering student engagement and understanding.
- Supported students' social emotional development through personalized interactions.
- Supported teachers by coordinating classroom activities and providing targeted student assistance.
- Guided students in navigating personal and academic challenges, promoting their overall well-being.
School Social Worker
Chicago International Charter School Longwood
Chicago, Illinois
12.2010 - 07.2012
- Delivered individual, group, and family therapy, fostering emotional resilience and improved interpersonal relationships.
- Developed I.E.P. and behavior management plans.
- Administer the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales and BASC-2 Test.
- Guided teachers in implementing effective classroom management strategies, leading to increased student engagement and a positive learning environment.
- Facilitated character education programs, instilling ethical behavior and social responsibility in students.
Education
Master of Arts - Social Service Administration
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL06-2001
Master of Science - Family & Consumer Sciences
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN08-1998
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN06-1987
Skills
- IEP implementation
- Special education
- Individualized instruction
- Student assessment
- Behavior management
- Classroom management
- Classroom intervention
- Behavior intervention
- Special education support
- Social-emotional learning
- Mental health support
- Study skills development
- Parent collaboration
- Community collaboration
- Conflict resolution
Certification
- LCSW, 149011829, recertifying
- Type 73-School Social Work-recertifying
Referrals
Available upon request
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Kokua Education/Uplift Charter School
09.2025 - Current
Middle School Counselor
Sacred Heart School Chicago
08.2020 - 08.2025
Dean of Students
Chicago Public School
09.2018 - 08.2020
Permanent Substitute Teacher
Urban Prep Academy
10.2015 - 09.2018
School Social Worker
Chicago International Charter School Longwood
12.2010 - 07.2012
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Social Work P.R.N.
06.2005 - 08.2020
Master of Arts - Social Service Administration
University of Chicago
Master of Science - Family & Consumer Sciences
Indiana State University
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Indiana State University