Dynamic counselor with extensive experience in individual and group counseling. Committed to fostering social-emotional development and creating safe spaces for students. Ready to leverage expertise in goal setting and conflict resolution to enhance student success.
Work History
Elementary School Counselor
2 Years
San Diego Unified School District | 08.2024 - Current
Facilitated small group workshops addressing conflict resolution and peer relationships.
Collaborated with teachers to identify students needing additional behavioral or academic support.
Developed and implemented school-wide programs promoting mental health awareness and resilience.
Maintained accurate records of student interactions and progress for ongoing assessment.
Coordinated with parents to discuss student needs, strategies, and available resources.
Assisted in crisis intervention procedures, ensuring student safety during emergencies.
Participated in professional development activities to enhance counseling techniques and strategies.
Created a safe space for students within the school community where they felt comfortable discussing their concerns or seeking guidance from counselors or staff members.
Promoted a positive school environment by fostering strong relationships among staff, parents, and students.
Implemented comprehensive guidance curriculum that addressed the academic, career, and social-emotional development of all students.
Facilitated conflict resolution among peers, resulting in improved classroom dynamics and reduced behavioral issues.
Collaborated with teachers to identify students in need of additional support, providing tailored counseling services.
Collaborated with behavioral aides, teachers, psychiatrists and school nurses to assess student needs and strengths.
Conducted small group sessions on topics such as stress management, self-esteem building, and goal setting to empower individual growth.
Equity Rights Cadre Trainer
4 Years 2 Months
California Teacher's Association | 06.2022 - Current
Developed and delivered training programs for educators, enhancing instructional effectiveness and student engagement.
Delivered dynamic presentations to facilitate learning and retention among diverse audiences.
Promoted a culture of continuous learning by advocating for professional development opportunities.
Title IX Counselor
1 Year 7 Months
San Diego Unified School District | 11.2022 - 06.2024
Guided district administrators, school principals, associate principals, & counselors on Title IX-related incidents, improving compliance with Title IX regulations.
Investigated Title IX Complaints, resolving issues effectively & implementing preventive measures by conducting interviews, document reviews, & collaborating with the legal team.
Implemented supportive measures for complainants & respondents in Title IX cases.
Educated administrators & parents on Title IX complaint process, facilitating accurate application of Title IX regulations in each case.
Elementary School Counselor
5 Years 3 Months
San Diego Unified School District | 08.2017 - 11.2022
Reduced absenteeism rates through proactive communication with families and targeted counseling for at-risk students.
Provided individual counseling sessions to support student emotional and social development.
Assisted in developing school-wide policies around bullying prevention efforts that led to a decrease in reported incidents.
Enhanced student emotional growth by implementing targeted counseling programs and interventions.
Led efforts in creating a student recognition program that celebrated academic achievements and positive behavior within the school community.
Conducted group and individual counseling services to elementary students to meet developmental, preventive and remedial needs of students with learning disabilities.
Developed partnerships with local organizations and businesses to provide an array of resources to benefit the school community.
Led professional development workshops for faculty on topics such as mental health awareness and effective communication strategies.
Delivered supportive and knowledgeable counseling to students with academic or personal concerns.
Advised students on educational, career and social opportunities.
Facilitated small group workshops addressing conflict resolution and peer relationships.
Elementary Resource School Counselor
2 Years 9 Months
San Diego Unified School District | 09.2014 - 06.2017
Championed the development of a comprehensive school counseling program based on the MTSS Model & the American School Counselor Association's (ASCA) framework.
Conducted workshops for counselors on ASCA model implementation and data collection techniques, enhancing program effectiveness.
Delivered district-wide certificated staff trainings on the Botvin LifeSkills curriculum; & alcohol, tobacco, & other drug (ATOD) mandated curricula.
Facilitated ATOD student groups and interventions, fostering individual choices and personal development through goal-setting frameworks.
Participated actively in the district's Crisis Response Team (CRT) for students & staff.
Coordinated California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) for students and staff, gathering vital data to inform school counseling initiatives.
Tobacco Use Prevention Education Coordinator
3 Years 11 Months
San Diego Unified School District | 09.2010 - 08.2014
Directed a team of counselors in tobacco prevention and intervention work in coordination of the Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) Grant for secondary schools.
Coordinated the district-wide Teens Kick Ash and Prevention is Cool Anti-Tobacco Journalism Events for students and staff.
Unearthed impactful wellness program insights from the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) for students, parents, & school staff.
Conducted district-wide certificated trainings on the delivery of the mandated Botvin LifeSkills curriculum to students.
Executed district-wide trainings for certificated staff on Insight, Tobacco Education Group/Tobacco Awareness Program, & Brief Intervention drug prevention curricula, enhancing staff readiness for effective tobacco prevention education.
Led district-wide trainings on the Guiding Good Choices curriculum for the drug-prevention parenting program, fostering increased awareness & enhanced parental engagement.
Designed curricula & coached TUPE staff in executing mandated booster lessons for students.
Collaborated with MAD Science & Playwrights Project to deliver tobacco prevention assemblies and instruction for secondary students, increasing student engagement and awareness of tobacco risks.
Developed annual district-wide Red Ribbon information and activities for all K-12 students, promoting anti-tobacco messaging and fostering a culture of wellness in schools.
Collaborated with local non-profits & youth programs in school partnerships, while overseeing TUPE Grant budgets as a member of the district's Advisory Council.
Title IV Resource Counselor
1 Year 1 Month
San Diego Unified School District | 08.2009 - 09.2010
Provided social & emotional counsel & guidance to district staff & students, enhancing support systems funded by Grants to Reduce Alcohol Abuse & Safe & Drug-Free Schools entitlement funding.
Implemented the Botvin curriculum; ATOD prevention & intervention; suicide prevention; crisis response intervention; & sexual education via interactive workshops & educational materials.
Facilitated individual and group counseling sessions to support student development and emotional well-being.
Coordinated district-wide creation & distribution of Red Ribbon Week activities for certificated staff, promoting drug prevention & awareness across all school sites.
Conducted site assessments for CHKS & Youth Risk Behavioral Surveys, informing strategies to address student health and safety needs.
Acted as a liaison between clients, families, and other service providers to ensure seamless communication and coordination of care.
Site-Based School Counselor
6 Years 10 Months
San Diego Unified School District | 08.1996 - 06.2003
Coordinated Student Study Team (SST) meetings and 504 Plan compliance.
Facilitated a support group for students in foster care. and at-risk girls
Conducted assessments to identify student needs, providing tailored support services to enhance academic and emotional well-being.
Facilitated group counseling sessions focused on social skills development and conflict resolution strategies.
Collaborated with teachers and parents to create supportive learning environments for at-risk students.
Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions.
Collaborated with teachers and administrators to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.
Developed a safe and supportive school environment by promoting positive behavior and addressing issues such as bullying and harassment.
Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
Maintained positive relationships with students, faculty, alumni, and administration.
Education
Ed.D. - Educational Leadership
Concordia University | Irvine, CA | 12-2025
Master of Arts - Administrative Credential
Concordia University | Irvine, CA | 06-2014
Master of Science - Pupil Personnel Services Credential
San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | 05-1994
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
San Diego State University | San Diego, CA | 05-1990
Skills
Conflict resolution
Peer relationship support
Support group facilitation
Mental health advocacy
Self-esteem development
Emergency support
Positive behavior promotion
Healthy choices education
Team collaboration
Personal development planning
Timeline
Elementary School Counselor
San Diego Unified School District
08.2024 - CurrentRead More
Title IX Counselor
San Diego Unified School District
11.2022 - 06.2024Read More
Equity Rights Cadre Trainer
California Teacher's Association
06.2022 - CurrentRead More
Elementary School Counselor
San Diego Unified School District
08.2017 - 11.2022Read More
Elementary Resource School Counselor
San Diego Unified School District
09.2014 - 06.2017Read More
Tobacco Use Prevention Education Coordinator
San Diego Unified School District
09.2010 - 08.2014Read More
Title IV Resource Counselor
San Diego Unified School District
08.2009 - 09.2010Read More
Site-Based School Counselor
San Diego Unified School District
08.1996 - 06.2003Read More
Concordia University
Ed.D. from Educational Leadership
Read More
Concordia University
Master of Arts from Administrative Credential
Read More
San Diego State University
Master of Science from Pupil Personnel Services Credential