KHARISHA MAE LAROCO
Stamford,CT
Summary
Dedicated and empathetic school counselor with experience in K-12 settings, committed to supporting students' social and emotional well-being. Skilled in providing individual and group counseling, implementing social and emotional learning initiatives, and fostering positive relationships with students, families, and staff. Committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
School Counselor
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School
08.2022 - Current
- Provide social and emotional learning instruction in classrooms to promote students' interpersonal skills, emotional regulation, and resilience.
- Conduct individual and group counseling sessions addressing topics such as friendship, anxiety, social skills, emotional regulation, grief, and coping with changes.
- Collaborated with parents, teachers, and administrators to address social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.
- Implement school-wide initiatives to create positive and inclusive school climate including anti-bullying campaigns, kindness week, and stress management.
- Serve as resource for 8th-grade students and families, offering guidance and assistance with transitioning to high school.
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Private Practice Setting
07.2023 - Current
- Enhance client well-being by utilizing evidence-based therapy techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and art therapy.
- Develop strong rapport with young and adult clients, foster supportive and safe environment for self-exploration and growth.
- Counsel diverse clients, tailoring interventions to meet their unique needs and goals.
- Conduct thorough assessments to identify client strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring intervention or support.
Long-Term Substitute Counselor
Maloney High School
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Established positive rapport with students through active listening skills, empathetic understanding, and non-judgmental support.
- Coordinated appropriate educational placement by assisting with referral procedures for at-risk and 504 students.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to identify and support students at risk of academic issues.
- Assisted in organizing college and career readiness programs, including college application workshops and college fair to expose students to post-secondary options and opportunities.
School Counseling Intern
Connecticut River Academy
08.2020 - 06.2021
- Conducted individual counseling sessions on topics such as academic planning, college and career exploration, and personal/social development.
- Facilitated classroom presentation on post-secondary planning and college application process for 12th-grade students.
- Participated in student support team meetings to develop intervention plans for students experiencing academic or behavioral challenges.
Education
Master of Arts - School Counseling
University of Saint Joseph
West Hartford, CT05.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
College of The Holy Cross
Worcester, MA05.2016
Quote
"I am a person through other people; my humanity is tied to yours."
Zulu proverb
Philosophy
The Zulu proverb above represents the word "Ubuntu," which is a concept that reflects my counseling philosophy and personal life. The relationships and connections counselors build with students and stakeholders are critical to ensure every student can succeed and are supported. I use a mix of motivational interviewing and solution-focused strategies to emphasize the collaborative relationship and focus on students' strengths. I believe that all students should have access to a school counselor and that a comprehensive school counseling program serves all students. Therefore, through "Ubuntu," I will advocate for the student's needs and be a part of breaking the systemic and environmental barriers that they face through the school counseling program.
Skills
- CBT, Solution-focused therapy, and Mindfulness-based approaches
- Restorative Practice
- Academic Support
- High School Enrollment Planning
- College Admissions Process
- Bullying Prevention
- Individual and Group Counseling
- Emotional Regulation
- Relationship Building
Certification
- Connecticut School Counseling (068) K-12
- LPCA - Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Affiliations
- Connecticut School Counseling Association (CSCA)
- American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
- American Counselor Association (ACA)
Timeline
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Private Practice Setting
07.2023 - Current
School Counselor
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School
08.2022 - Current
Long-Term Substitute Counselor
Maloney High School
01.2022 - 06.2022
School Counseling Intern
Connecticut River Academy
08.2020 - 06.2021
Master of Arts - School Counseling
University of Saint Joseph
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
College of The Holy Cross
- Connecticut School Counseling (068) K-12
- LPCA - Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
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