KRISTEN COOLEY
Catlin,IL
Summary
Compassionate and highly organized MSW candidate with extensive experience in school social work and therapeutic settings. Anticipating PEL and LSW licensure in May 2025. Proven success supporting diverse student populations, implementing behavioral interventions, and fostering positive school environments. Well-versed in IEP development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and behavioral data tracking. Eager to contribute as a full-time School Social Worker using trauma-informed, strengths-based practices. A professional social work candidate with a strong foundation in supporting students and families. Skilled in crisis intervention, case management, and counseling with a robust ability to adapt to changing needs. Demonstrated track record of fostering team collaboration, achieving impactful results, and maintaining high standards in all tasks. Equipped with excellent communication, empathy, and problem-solving abilities to ensure a positive and supportive environment.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Social Work Intern
Gerber Academy
01.2025 - Current
- Monitored student behavior and supported engagement
- Assisted with trauma-informed strategies
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to create a supportive and inclusive school environment for all students.
- Maintained confidentiality and ethical standards in all student, family, and colleague interactions.
School Social Work Intern
CCH Circle Academy Urbana
08.2024 - Current
- Facilitated push-in Tier 2 intervention groups
- Supported social-emotional learning and behavioral interventions
- Collaborated with educators on academic and behavioral progress
- Contributed to IEP meetings and implemented supports
- Participated in ongoing professional development to stay informed of current trends and best practices in school social work.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to create a supportive and inclusive school environment for all students.
- Maintained confidentiality and ethical standards in all student, family, and colleague interactions.
- Supported the development of social skills and conflict resolution techniques among students through targeted group activities.
- Responded to crises and emergencies to provide immediate assistance to persons in need.
School Social Work Intern
Iroquois Special Education Association
08.2024 - 03.2025
- Supported students with special education needs
- Developed strong rapport with students through empathetic listening and open communication, fostering trusting relationships.
- Maintained detailed records of case management activities, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and professional standards.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of students' needs and developed individualized intervention plans accordingly.
- Worked with the educational team to develop Individual Education Plans, completed progress notes, and created measurable goals.
- Lead individualized and group counseling sessions with children.
- Intervened in crises and counseled youths in disruptive incidents.
- Implemented research-based interventions and strategies to support positive behavior and social-emotional development.
Certified Substitute Teacher
Vermilion County
09.2022 - Current
- Managed K–8 classrooms independently
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Implemented prepared lesson plans in established classrooms.
Teaching Assistant
CCH Circle Academy Vermilion
02.2024 - 07.2024
- Supported tiered intervention and therapeutic environments
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, creating a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic success.
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
- Provided additional support for students with special needs, ensuring they received appropriate accommodations and resources.
- Participated in professional development opportunities
Special Programs Coordinator / Intern / Executive Assistant
DREAAM
01.2022 - 05.2023
- Provided academic and emotional support
- Led SEL activities and youth programming
- Coordinated executive operations and conducted research
Cashier
Casey’s General Store
10.2018 - 07.2020
- Handled closing duties and trained new employees
- Greeted customers entering the store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures while processing transactions efficiently.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve sales targets and maintain a clean, well-stocked store environment.
Education
Master of Social Work -
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL05.2025
Bachelor of Social Work -
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Urbana, IL05.2022
Skills
- Proficient in Organization and Communication
- Conflict resolution and de-escalation
- Independent and Collaborative Work
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- IEP development and documentation
- Data collection and analysis
- Selecting and implementing clinical Interventions
- Verbal and written communication
- Restorative justice practices
- Parent-teacher communication and collaboration
- Child development
- Professional ethics
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
Specialized Training
- Positive Language Trainings
- Neuro-Affirming Care
- Trauma-Informed Care & Crisis Intervention
- CPR Certified
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Certified
- Substitute Teaching License
- DCFS Mandated Reporter Certification
Certification
PEL (Anticipated May 2025)
LSW (Anticipated May 2025
Timeline
School Social Work Intern
Gerber Academy
01.2025 - Current
School Social Work Intern
CCH Circle Academy Urbana
08.2024 - Current
School Social Work Intern
Iroquois Special Education Association
08.2024 - 03.2025
Teaching Assistant
CCH Circle Academy Vermilion
02.2024 - 07.2024
Certified Substitute Teacher
Vermilion County
09.2022 - Current
Special Programs Coordinator / Intern / Executive Assistant
DREAAM
01.2022 - 05.2023
Cashier
Casey’s General Store
10.2018 - 07.2020
Master of Social Work -
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor of Social Work -
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
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