Lisa Truss
Pelahatchie,MS
Summary
Behavior specialist focused on enhancing student behavior and social-emotional skills through evidence-based interventions. Proven ability to collaborate with educators, families, and support teams to foster safe and inclusive learning environments. Committed to promoting student success and well-being in diverse educational settings.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Counselor
Jackson Public School District
Jackson, MS
07.2018 - Current
- Coordinated crisis intervention services for students in need of immediate assistance.
- Identified at-risk students and developed tailored support plans to enhance academic success and personal growth.
- Provided individual counseling to students facing academic and social challenges.
- Collaborated with families and staff to create effective strategies for enhancing student social skills and academic performance.
- Collaborated with teachers to support student behavioral interventions and strategies.
- Guided students through college and career readiness process, facilitating course selection and career assessments.
- Advocated for student needs in meetings with school administration and staff.
- Conferred with parents, teachers and administrators to discuss children's progress and resolve behavioral and academic problems.
School Counselor
Clinton Public School District
Clinton, MS
07.2017 - 06.2018
- Delivered individual counseling to support students in overcoming academic and social challenges.
- Collaborated with teachers to support student behavioral interventions and strategies.
- Coordinated crisis intervention services for students in need of immediate assistance.
- Advocated for student needs in collaborative meetings with school administration and staff to ensure appropriate resources and support were allocated.
- Collaborated with teachers to support student behavioral interventions and strategies.
- Served as a liaison between schools, families, agencies and other stakeholders involved in providing appropriate supports for students.
- Supported teachers and students during Individual Education Plan (IEP) development.
- Worked collectively with education professionals to deliver in-school counseling support for identified students.
School Counselor
Byram Middle School
Byram, MS
07.2008 - 06.2017
- Provided individual counseling to students facing academic and social challenges.
- Counsel students with social, academic and personal issues
- Assists 8th graders with ICAPS and course selection for 9th grade; encouraged involvement beyond the classroom
- Collaborated in parent/teacher meetings to develop tailored strategies for academic and behavioral improvement
- Collaborated with teachers to support student behavioral interventions and strategies.
- Identified at-risk students to provide support for successful academic experience and personal growth.
- Consulted with families and staff to discuss strategies necessary for improved student social and academic performance.
- Coordinated crisis intervention services for students in need of immediate assistance.
- Managed administration of standardized tests for students.
- Assisted in organization of College and Career Day and Reality Fair
- Plan and lead orientation for 6th grade visitation; conduct tour groups and Q&A session
- Created bell schedule and academic master schedule
- Advocated for student needs in meetings with school administration and staff.
- Hinds County School District, Grades 6-8
Gifted Teacher
Powell Middle School
Jackson, MS
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Jackson Public Schools
- Designed differentiated lesson plans to enhance engagement and challenge for advanced learners.
- Collaborated with teachers to implement effective gifted education strategies, improving student outcomes.
- Facilitated student workshops that fostered critical thinking and creativity, promoting deeper learning.
School Counselor
Brinkley Middle School
Jackson, MS
01.2003 - 01.2006
- Developed and implemented school-wide mental health initiatives and programs.
- Conducted individual counseling sessions for students facing academic challenges.
- Collaborated with teachers to support students' emotional and social needs.
- Instructed students in grades 6-8 at Jackson Public Schools, fostering academic growth and personal development.
- Performed job responsibilities effectively in a professional educational environment.
Teacher
Lake Elementary
Jackson, MS
01.1998 - 01.2003
- Delivered instruction in all subjects to 1st and 4th grade students, adhering to district curriculum and weekly lesson plans to foster student engagement and learning.
- Jackson Public Schools, Grades 1 & 4
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse classroom settings.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies to maintain order.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support student needs.
Education
Specialist - Education Administration
William Carey University
Hattiesburg, MS08-2018
Education Specialist - School Counseling
Mississippi College
Clinton, MS12-2012
M.D. - School Counseling
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS05-2003
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS05-1994
Skills
- Counseling services
- Career counseling
- Crisis management
- Behavioral management
- Conflict management
- Effective messaging
- Active listening
- Social-emotional skills
- Diverse populations
- Microsoft Office Tools
- Excel
- Word
- PowerPoint
Certification
- National Board Certified Counselor/National Certified Counselor
- Mississippi Guidance Counseling Certification
References
- Dr. LaQuanta Nelson, Principal, Blackburn Middle School, 601-260-4474, lanelson@jackson.k12.ms.us
- Pam Pickle, Assistant Principal, Byram Middle School, 601-421-7476
- Tommy Brumfield, Assistant Principal, Byram Middle School, 601-832-2501, tbrumfield@hinds.k12.ms.us
- Dr. Jocelyn Whipps, SPED Director, Hinds County Schools, 601-456-3114, jwhipps@hinds.k12.ms.us
- Lynne Brewer, Teacher, Hinds County Schools, 601-372-4597, lbrewer@hinds.k12.ms.us
Volunteer Experience
- Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, 2008 - Present
- Mississippi Muscular Dystrophy Walk, 2015 - 2017
Professional Development And Memberships
- Membership in American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
- Mississippi Counseling Association (MCA)
- Counseling and Transitioning from Elementary to Middle to High School, 2/2026
- Mississippi Counseling Association Conference, 2010 - Present
Timeline
School Counselor
Jackson Public School District
07.2018 - Current
School Counselor
Clinton Public School District
07.2017 - 06.2018
School Counselor
Byram Middle School
07.2008 - 06.2017
Gifted Teacher
Powell Middle School
01.2007 - 01.2008
School Counselor
Brinkley Middle School
01.2003 - 01.2006
Teacher
Lake Elementary
01.1998 - 01.2003
Specialist - Education Administration
William Carey University
Education Specialist - School Counseling
Mississippi College
M.D. - School Counseling
Jackson State University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Jackson State University