Kristen Keefe
Chapin,SC
Summary
Instructional and clinical leader with more than 20 years of experience designing, leading, and supervising therapeutic and social-emotional learning (SEL) programs for students with complex behavioral, emotional, and academic needs.
Extensive background in principal-level leadership, program development, compliance, and cross-agency collaboration to ensure student and staff safety and maximize student growth.
Proven expertise in Tier 3 behavior interventions, MTSS frameworks, trauma-informed practices, staff supervision, professional development, crisis response, and building-level administration.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, XSEL Social Emotional Learning Program
Aiken County Public School District
Aiken, SC
07.2025 - 01.2026
- Provided instructional and administrative leadership for a specialized elementary therapeutic program serving students with significant behavioral and social-emotional needs.
- Managed a comprehensive SEL and therapeutic framework with clearly defined behavior competencies and Tier 3 interventions for early learners.
- Oversaw implementation of individualized behavior treatment plans and ensured fidelity of evidence-based interventions.
- Supervised, evaluated, and supported certified and classified staff, including teachers and behavior technicians using SCTS 4.0
- Led professional development focused on behavior intervention, trauma-informed practices, de-escalation strategies, and SEL implementation.
- Established and maintained procedures for managing student behavior to ensure safety, maximize instructional time, and support positive learning environments.
- Managed building operations, safety, security, and welfare of students and staff.
- Coordinated student transitions between XSEL and home schools, ensuring continuity of services and communication.
- Collaborated with families, outside agencies, and district leadership to support student success.
- Prepared and monitored program budgets and ensured compliance with district policies and administrative directives.
- Analyzed data trends to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement in academic programs.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Managed budget effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Optimized staff performance by designing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
- Established partnerships with community organizations to enrich student learning experiences.
Clinical Counselor/Behavior Consultant (K–12)
Lexington-Richland School District Five
Irmo, SC
08.2024 - 03.2025
- Provided targeted support through group and family counseling to address the needs of elementary and middle school students.
- Collaborated with MTSS, PBIS, IEP, 504, and crisis response teams to ensure effective intervention strategies.
- Designed and delivered training programs to enhance understanding of trauma-informed care and effective behavior intervention strategies.
- Designed and implemented individualized intervention strategies to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Performed comprehensive evaluations of students' social-emotional requirements to facilitate access to appropriate support resources.
- Designed and delivered comprehensive workshops aimed at promoting mental health awareness and providing coping strategies for both students and staff.
- Implemented data-driven strategies to enhance student engagement in mental health initiatives.
- Advocated for systemic changes within the school environment to promote a supportive climate for all students.
- Conducted crisis interventions for clients experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors, ensuring safety and appropriate referrals.
- Enhanced client well-being by applying evidence-based counseling methods and developing individualized treatment strategies.
- Managed caseloads efficiently while adhering to strict deadlines for case notes submission, improving overall team productivity.
- Conducted workshops on mental health awareness and coping strategies for students and staff.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted counseling strategies based on feedback and outcomes.
Student Support Program Coordinator
Nashoba Valley Technical High School
Westford. MA
08.2022 - 06.2024
- Designed and led a behavioral and academic support classroom for high-risk students.
- Developed comprehensive SEL curriculum and coordinated crisis intervention supports.
- Provided ongoing consultation and professional development for staff.
- Coordinated educational programs to enhance student engagement and achievement.
- Trained new staff on program policies, procedures, and best practices for success.
- Evaluated program outcomes to identify areas for enhancement and growth opportunities.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing strategic initiatives aligned with institutional goals.
- Facilitated regular meetings with team members to discuss progress updates, address challenges, and brainstorm solutions for ongoing success.
- Established strategic partnerships with external organizations, expanding program reach and impact.
- Led training sessions for staff and volunteers, fostering a knowledgeable and cohesive team environment.
- Organized events and workshops to engage participants, enhancing their learning experience within the program framework.
Graduate & Undergraduate Internship Supervisor
KDK Psychotherapy
Newton, MA
09.2002 - 06.2024
- Provided clinical supervision and mentoring to graduate and undergraduate counseling, psychology, and social work interns.
- Supervised interns from Boston College, Lesley University, Assumption College, Merrimack College, Fitchburg State University, and Boston University.
- Ensured compliance with licensure, ethical standards, and university program requirements while supporting intern professional growth.
- Supervised clinical staff to ensure adherence to therapeutic protocols and best practices.
- Led quality assurance initiatives to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction metrics.
Individual Therapist/Behavioral Consultant
KDK Psychotherapy
Newton, MA, USA
09.2000 - 06.2024
- Created and operated a private psychotherapy and behavioral consulting practice serving adolescents and young adults with complex emotional, behavioral, and learning needs.
- Provided individual and family therapy, developed and implemented treatment plans, and coordinated care with schools, psychiatrists, and state agencies.
- Delivered behavioral consultation and clinical support to school teams, families, and community partners.
- Led therapeutic activity-based groups focused on social skills development, emotional regulation, resilience, and self-esteem.
- Managed all aspects of private practice operations including clinical oversight, compliance, scheduling, and coordination of services.
School Social Worker
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School
Franklin , MA
10.2018 - 06.2022
- *Co-developed and coordinated an academic/behavior support classroom serving students returning from long term absences and hospitalizations.
- *Provided ongoing training and consultation to teaching staff and para professionals with regards to behavioral support, accommodations and positive support plan follow-through.
- *Provided professional development to district-wide staff in behavior management, de-escalation strategies, Trauma-Informed Classrooms, Restorative Justice, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL).
- *Wellness Committee Chair: Created and developed Mental Health Awareness activities for staff and students. Wrote monthly newsletters to staff, students and families with links to articles and community resources.
- Co-created a building wide needs assessment. Used existing school and community data and to identify and prioritize areas of need in the building related to risk and protective factors.
- Identified programming gaps in priority areas to determine if specific groups were not being served.
- Utilized resource mapping tools to help define a continuum of programs (from universal to selective to indicated) for each group to add to existing support.
- Identified existing supports that were not producing changes in the groups they were intended to impact and made changes accordingly.
- Member of the strategic planning committee for future programming related to collected data.
- *Responsible for IEP and 504 development with subsequent progress reporting.
- *Provided individual and group counseling for students with a wide range of academic and/or social/emotional challenges.
- *Facilitated communication between the school and community-based counseling programs, DCF/DSS and DYS.
- *Facilitated re-entry meetings for students returning from hospitalization, attended discharge meetings and coordinated in-school stabilization care.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through feedback mechanisms, refining approaches for improved student outcomes.
- Led workshops on mental health awareness, empowering students and staff with essential coping skills.
- Provided crisis intervention services to ensure student safety and emotional well-being during emergencies.
- Conducted assessments to identify student needs and recommend appropriate interventions and resources.
- Collaborated with educators to implement effective strategies for student engagement and success.
- Facilitated conflict resolution sessions to promote positive peer relationships and school climate.
- Developed individualized support plans for students facing social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to develop intervention strategies for students in need of additional support.
- Created a safe space for students experiencing crises by providing immediate support and appropriate referrals.
- Implemented evidence-based programs aimed at improving school climate and promoting positive behavior among students.
- Observed student behavior and developed behavioral interventions.
- Enhanced student well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions addressing various social, emotional, and behavioral issues.
- Participated in IEP, RTI and other related meetings that determined and implemented school-wide policies.
- Established supportive relationships with at-risk youth through regular check-ins, goal-setting activities, and consistent followup.
- Completed psychosocial histories of students under evaluation.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of students'' social-emotional functioning to inform interventions and service planning.
Fuller Middle School – School Social Work Coordinator
Framingham Public Schools
Framingham, MA, USA
12.2014 - 08.2016
- Worked with Central Office Administration and Fuller Middle School staff to plan and develop a pilot RFL (Resiliency for Life) program at the Middle School level.
- Implemented the RFL program (behavior support classroom) serving out most at-risk students.
- Taught conflict resolution and peer mediation groups and provided crisis interventions as needed.
- Provided training and consultation to teaching staff and para professionals with regards to behavioral support, accommodations and positive support plan follow-through.
- Responsible for IEP and 504 development and subsequent progress reporting
- Worked closely with parent(s), families and outside agencies to ensure continuity and support.
McKinney-Vento Clinical Care Coordinator
Framingham Public Schools
Framingham, MA, USA
09.2013 - 08.2016
- Directed and oversaw the District Wide Homeless Education Program
- Responsible for writing annual Federal McKinney-Vento grant and subsequent reporting.
- Member of multiple community outreach teams which met monthly to increase resources, funding and to create initiatives to support at-risk families in the district.
- Responsible for ensuring the identified homeless students in the district receive academic support through a variety of programs both in and out of school. ·
- Provided intensive case management to homeless students and their families including but not limited t to: accessing mental health, medical and dental care, housing, legal support, educational advocacy as well as ongoing consultations with district wide support staff as needed.
- Co-created and led the Framingham High School Dating Violence Youth Retreat – 2014-2016
- Worked collaboratively with Framingham High School Adolescent Health Program and nurses to support pregnant and parenting teens and the homeless LGBTQ youth at Framingham High School.
- Provided professional development training for staff on trauma and the impact of homelessness and trauma on learning.
Therapeutic Program Coordinator - MMS
Mendon-Upton Regional School District
Mendon, MA, USA
06.2011 - 08.2013
District Wide Behavior Specialist Grades 5-12
Mendon-Upton Regional School District
Mendon, MA, USA
08.2005 - 06.2011
Principal
Valley Special Education Collaborative
MA, USA
09.1999 - 01.2005
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA05.1996
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA1992
Skills
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Operations management
- Team management
- Staff management
- Employee development
- Goal setting
- Budget management
- Staff development
- Issues resolution
- Charismatic leader
- Partnerships and alliances
- Crisis management
Certification
South Carolina - Secondary Principal (Tier I) - School Counselor (Elementary & Secondary) - Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Massachusetts - Principal/Assistant Principal (5–8) - School Adjustment Counselor / School Social Worker (K–12) - Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Additional Certifications:
· MTSS Leadership Academy (2019–2022) – Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
o Culturally Responsive Practice & Leadership
o Systemic Student Support Academy
o Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Academy
· Restorative Justice Practices (PCRJP) – Suffolk University, Boston, MA
· Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) – Trauma Informed Care Training Center
· Stress Management & Resiliency Practitioner (SMRP) – Benson-Henry Mind Body Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)
· Healthy Minds Framework – SEL curriculum development and implementation
· Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills (DBT)– Emotional regulation and behavior intervention applications
· Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI) – School-based and clinical settings
· Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) – Academic, behavioral, and SEL integration
· Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) – Tier 1–3 implementation
Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
Core Leadership And Administrative Expertise
- Instructional leadership & curriculum implementation
- Tier 3 behavior interventions & therapeutic programming
- SEL framework design & implementation
- Staff supervision, evaluation & professional development
- Crisis management, safety & building administration
- MTSS, PBIS, IEP & 504 leadership
- Family engagement & community partnerships
- Budget preparation & resource management
- Policy implementation & regulatory compliance
Certifications And Licensure
- South Carolina, Secondary Principal (Tier I), School Counselor (Elementary & Secondary), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Massachusetts, Principal/Assistant Principal (5–8), School Adjustment Counselor / School Social Worker (K–12), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
Additional Training And Credentials
- MTSS Leadership Academy, 2019-2022, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
- Culturally Responsive Practice & Leadership
- Systemic Student Support Academy
- Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Academy
- Restorative Justice Practices (PCRJP), Suffolk University, Boston, MA
- Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), Trauma Informed Care Training Center
- Stress Management & Resiliency Practitioner (SMRP), Benson-Henry Mind Body Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)
- Healthy Minds Framework – SEL curriculum development and implementation
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills (DBT) – Emotional regulation and behavior intervention applications
- Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI) – School-based and clinical settings
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) – Academic, behavioral, and SEL integration
- Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) – Tier 1�3 implementation
- Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) & Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) – School-based and therapeutic programs
Supervisory Experience
Supervised certified and classified staff across therapeutic, clinical, and instructional settings. Managed staff performance, addressed concerns, and resolved conflicts in accordance with district policy and applicable law.
Professional Affiliations And Service
- Crisis Intervention Teams
- SEL and Mental Health Leadership Committees
- Community and inter-agency collaboration teams
Timeline
Director, XSEL Social Emotional Learning Program
Aiken County Public School District
07.2025 - 01.2026
Clinical Counselor/Behavior Consultant (K–12)
Lexington-Richland School District Five
08.2024 - 03.2025
Student Support Program Coordinator
Nashoba Valley Technical High School
08.2022 - 06.2024
School Social Worker
Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School
10.2018 - 06.2022
Fuller Middle School – School Social Work Coordinator
Framingham Public Schools
12.2014 - 08.2016
McKinney-Vento Clinical Care Coordinator
Framingham Public Schools
09.2013 - 08.2016
Therapeutic Program Coordinator - MMS
Mendon-Upton Regional School District
06.2011 - 08.2013
District Wide Behavior Specialist Grades 5-12
Mendon-Upton Regional School District
08.2005 - 06.2011
Graduate & Undergraduate Internship Supervisor
KDK Psychotherapy
09.2002 - 06.2024
Individual Therapist/Behavioral Consultant
KDK Psychotherapy
09.2000 - 06.2024
Principal
Valley Special Education Collaborative
09.1999 - 01.2005
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
Boston College
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Boston College