KRISTINA SIMMONDS
New York,NY
Summary
Dynamic second-year graduate student in Fordham University's Social Work Master’s program, actively seeking a supervised internship to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Experienced crisis counselor skilled in reflective listening, relationship building, and collaborative problem solving, bringing a compassionate approach to client interactions. Former elementary school teacher with a strong academic foundation, holding a bachelor's degree in psychology and biology, complemented by a major GPA of 3.8 and demonstrated research capabilities. Committed to leveraging diverse skills and experiences to make a meaningful impact in the field of social work.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Crisis Counselor
Vibrant Emotional Health
01.2021 - Current
- Conducts clinical assessment, suicide-homicide risk assessment and provides emotional support.
- Utilizes the referral database to provide resources to callers who are seeking mental health and substance abuse services.
- Collaboratively de-escalates risk and notifies 911 when client appears to be in imminent danger.
- Provides brief emotional support to clients in crises.
Crisis Counselor
Crisis Text Line
01.2017 - 12.2024
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence, mitigating hazards and enhancing rapid recovery.
- Assisted in up to 10 individual sessions per week to support individuals experiencing emotional or personal breakdown.
- Developed goal-oriented psycho educational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning boosting individual mood ratings by 30%.
- Assessed patient behavior, moods and other responses to collaboratively problem solve and create personalized treatment plans increasing treatment success rate by 70%.
Elementary School Teacher
Success Academy
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Teach 200+ students subject-specific material, learning strategies and social skills to set a strong foundation for learning.
- Assess student learning progress and comprehension with monthly routine tests and standardized examinations to maximize learning capabilities.
- Design and present Science lesson plans to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level to drive student learning and exceed set goals by 15%.
- Establish open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff to foster a healthy learning environment.
- Reinforce positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments to maintain a conscientious student team.
- Establish partnerships with families through monthly parental clinics to discuss student performance boosting student performance by 39%.
Teen Advisor
West Side YMCA
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Designed enjoyable and innovative customized 8-week training programs focused on Youth Empowerment for teens to reinforce positive behavior.
- Designed customized student programs to meet individual fitness needs increasing student satisfaction by 52%.
- Collaborated with organizations to coordinate off-site internships for students boosting students’ professional performance by 32%.
- Supervised students’ activities to address behavioral issues and promote fun, safety and inclusivity to promote a healthy learning environment.
- Devised a 5-week self-development and self-empowerment program for 10 high school sophomore and junior girls who competently defended a civic engagement issue.
Education
MSW Candidate -
Fordham University
New York, NY05-2027
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Biology
Drew University
Madison, NJ05-2017
Skills
- Teaching Coaching and Mentorship
- Counseling
- Training
- Facilitation
- Crisis Management
- Virtual Teaching
- Managing Multiple Calendars
Timeline
Crisis Counselor
Vibrant Emotional Health
01.2021 - Current
Elementary School Teacher
Success Academy
01.2020 - 01.2021
Crisis Counselor
Crisis Text Line
01.2017 - 12.2024
Teen Advisor
West Side YMCA
01.2017 - 01.2018
MSW Candidate -
Fordham University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Biology
Drew University