Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Laura D. Holsinger

Springfield,VA

Summary

Experienced school counselor with excellent communication and organizational skills. Easily cultivates trusting and productive relationships with students, parents, teachers, administration, and community leaders.

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Resource Teacher

Fairfax County Public Schools, Mount Vernon Woods
08.2023 - Current
  • Duties and Responsibilities
  • Developed and implemented small groups for grades K-6
  • Coordinated 504 meetings and documents
  • Coordinates with school staff and conducts classroom guidance lessons related to identified goals and objectives.
  • Counsels students individually by actively listening, identifying issues and solutions, and formulating a plan of action.
  • Conducts crisis counseling sessions as necessary.
  • Consults with system/staff about issues and concerns.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.

Elementary School Counselor

Fairfax County Public Schools, Newington Forest
08.2011 - 07.2022

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assisted in implementing the elementary guidance program.
  • Conducted classroom guidance lessons .
  • Advised students regarding appropriate coursework for meeting graduation requirements.
  • Counseled individuals and small groups with problems, discussed solutions, and formulated a plan of action.
  • Consulted with teachers, staff, and parents regarding the needs of students.
  • Followed school protocol in making referrals to community agencies.
  • Served as Student Support Team (SST) Coordinator.
  • Collaborated with teachers to identify students in need of additional support, providing tailored counseling services.
  • Evaluated student progress regularly, adjusting counseling strategies as needed for optimal outcomes.
  • Led professional development workshops for fellow counselors, sharing best practices in supporting diverse student populations effectively.
  • Created early intervention plans for at-risk students in collaboration with school staff to prevent academic or behavioral decline.
  • Participated in IEP meetings to advocate for the needs of special education students, ensuring access to appropriate resources and support services.
  • 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.
  • Used educational assessment strategies such as Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and Student Study Teams (SST) to assist teachers with educational placement of students.
  • Promoted a positive school environment by fostering strong relationships among staff, parents, and students.
  • Facilitated conflict resolution among peers, resulting in improved classroom dynamics and reduced behavioral issues.

Elementary School Guidance Counselor

Fairfax County Public Schools, Kings Park
08.2004 - 11.2006

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Collaborated with teachers to identify students in need of additional support, providing tailored counseling services.
  • Created early intervention plans for at-risk students in collaboration with school staff to prevent academic or behavioral decline.
  • Partnered with community organizations to provide additional resources and support for students and their families.
  • Implemented group counseling sessions focused on topics such as peer pressure, self-esteem, and goal-setting for enhanced personal growth.

Elementary School Teacher

Fairfax County Public Schools, Several Schools
08.1986 - 07.2003
  • Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
  • Promoted a growth mindset in the classroom by encouraging students to set goals, embrace challenges, and persevere through obstacles.
  • Evaluated and assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adapting teaching methods accordingly.
  • Established a positive classroom environment through effective classroom management strategies, fostering respect and cooperation among students.
  • Pursued professional development during summer months to maintain certification and extend skills.
  • Communicated effectively with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication regarding student progress and addressing concerns as needed.

Education

Master of Arts - School Counseling

Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
12.2001

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Eucation

University of Dayton
Dayton, OH
05.1982

Skills

  • Fifteen years of school counseling experience
  • 504 coordinator
  • Mindfulness and mindset instructor
  • Human Relations Award recipient
  • Pyramid lead
  • Mindset Staff Book Talk Lead
  • Weekly School News presenter
  • SCA sponsor
  • Sunshine Committee Lead

Certification

School Counseling (K-6)


Timeline

Resource Teacher

Fairfax County Public Schools, Mount Vernon Woods
08.2023 - Current

Elementary School Counselor

Fairfax County Public Schools, Newington Forest
08.2011 - 07.2022

Elementary School Guidance Counselor

Fairfax County Public Schools, Kings Park
08.2004 - 11.2006

Elementary School Teacher

Fairfax County Public Schools, Several Schools
08.1986 - 07.2003

Master of Arts - School Counseling

Virginia Tech

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Eucation

University of Dayton

School Counseling (K-6)


Laura D. Holsinger