Kathy McNamara
New Gloucester
Summary
Experienced with fostering student development through tailored counseling services. Utilizes effective communication and problem-solving skills to address student needs. Track record of building strong relationships with students, parents, and educational staff to create supportive and positive school environment.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Counselor
Montello Elementary School
08.2016 - Current
- Enhanced student emotional growth by delivering targeted social-emotional lessons.
- Integrated Mind-Up and RULER strategies into classroom and small group sessions.
- Promoted positive behavior, effectively addressing bullying and harassment issues.
- Conducted crisis assessments using district-wide screening tools for immediate intervention.
- Coordinated personal safety programming with external agencies for student awareness.
- Collaborated with teachers to identify at-risk students and develop intervention strategies.
Team Leader, District K-6 School Counselors
Lewiston Public Schools
09.2021 - Current
- Enhanced team collaboration by facilitating regular meetings to address challenges.
- Delegated tasks based on team members' strengths to empower their contributions.
- Cultivated professional relationships for swift issue resolution among team members.
- Streamlined decision-making through consensus-building and open dialogue processes.
- Demonstrated professionalism and commitment by leading through example.
- Mentored new counselors, sharing effective student engagement and support strategies.
School Counselor
Bonny Eagle High School
08.2008 - 06.2016
- Enhanced student development by providing academic and career guidance in grades 9-12.
- Assisted students in creating personalized four-year high school plans for success.
- Facilitated exploration of 'Grade 13' opportunities to expand student options.
- Utilized data analysis to effectively plan and improve program offerings.
- Coordinated multiple events including financial aid night and Future Options fair.
- Served as liaison between Bonny Eagle, PATHS, and WRVC for student services.
Student Services Department Team Leader
Bonny Eagle High School
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Led a diverse student services team of eight professionals, enhancing student support.
- Managed the counseling curriculum calendar, aligning activities with academic goals.
- Oversaw department budget, ensuring optimal resource allocation for student services.
- Verified student standings for honors recognition and Top 10 graduates each year.
- Maintained compliance with scholarship application directives for student applicants.
- Facilitated weekly meetings between administration and student services staff for collaboration.
School Counselor
Elm Street School
01.1996 - 06.2008
- Enhanced student self-esteem and conflict resolution through engaging classroom lessons.
- Implemented targeted interventions based on student needs for effective support.
- Co-taught AIDS/HIV and Pregnancy Prevention programs with health educator.
- Organized Red Ribbon Week activities, collaborating with community partners and services.
- Facilitated student mental health interventions by coordinating with state agencies.
- Participated actively in Student Assistance Team meetings and IEP discussions.
Coordinator, Enrollment Services
Lewiston-Auburn College
08.1988 - 01.1996
- Evaluated admission candidates to enhance selection process effectiveness.
- Guided students in course selection and financial aid options.
- Assessed transfer credits to streamline student enrollment processes.
- Maintained accurate student files to support academic tracking and compliance.
- Developed faculty training programs to improve educational delivery methods.
- Coordinated degree transfer options to facilitate student progression and success.
Admissions Counselor
University of Southern Maine
08.1985 - 08.1988
- Recruited traditional and non-traditional students
- Counseled and evaluated admission candidates
- Coordinated foreign student admission
- Assisted in promotional literature design
- Trained student interns
- Designed and coordinated public relations oriented campus visitation program
Education
Cultural Competency Specialist -
American School Counselor Association
01.2021
M.S.Ed. - Counselor Education
University of Southern Maine
01.1993
B.A. - Communications
University of Southern Maine
01.1985
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Student advocacy
- Empathy development
- Listening actively
- Compassionate
- Social-emotional learning
- Relationship building
Certification
Gatekeeper: Train the Trainer,
The Regulated Classroom: Train the Trainer
Professional Memberships
- Maine School Counselor Association
- American School Counselor Association
- American College Personnel Association
Timeline
Team Leader, District K-6 School Counselors
Lewiston Public Schools
09.2021 - Current
School Counselor
Montello Elementary School
08.2016 - Current
Student Services Department Team Leader
Bonny Eagle High School
01.2011 - 01.2016
School Counselor
Bonny Eagle High School
08.2008 - 06.2016
School Counselor
Elm Street School
01.1996 - 06.2008
Coordinator, Enrollment Services
Lewiston-Auburn College
08.1988 - 01.1996
Admissions Counselor
University of Southern Maine
08.1985 - 08.1988
M.S.Ed. - Counselor Education
University of Southern Maine
B.A. - Communications
University of Southern Maine
Cultural Competency Specialist -
American School Counselor Association