Lisa Walker-Westphal
Mental Health Counselor
Punta Gorda,FL
Work Preference
Work Type
InternshipLocation Preference
On-SiteSummary
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in Mental Health Counseling and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Exception Student Education Teacher
Lee County School District
08.2024 - Current
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
Exceptional Student Education Teacher
Charlotte County School District - Punta Gorda Middle School
07.2023 - Current
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques
- Enhanced student comprehension by using differentiated instruction techniques and tailoring lesson plans to individual needs
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current with best practices in special education teaching methods and strategies
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals
- Alternative assessment administrator, FAA, for Access students Punta Gorda Middle School students
Special Education Teacher
Soliant Consulting - Brooklyn Park, MN
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress
- Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
Special Education Teacher
Urban Academy Charter School
02.2022 - 06.2022
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction
- Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals
- Increased ESL students' reading levels by integrating lesson plans for students needing extra guidance.
Special Education Teacher Teacher
Mille Band Of Ojibwe, Nay Ah Shing Schools
10.2013 - 12.2021
- Responsible for developing and implementing IEPs for students with disabilities, as well as providing academic and/or behavioral supports
- Administers, gathers, and interprets data for assessment purposes
- Works with general education, service providers, administrators, paraprofessionals, and families.
Education
Bachelor of Science Health Education/Community Health -
Master of Arts (M.A Special Education Teacher SLD/EBD K-12 -
12.2011
Master of Science (M.S Counseling Psychology-School Counseling Emphasis -
Master of Arts - Mental Health Counselor
08.2025 - Current
Skills
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Social-emotional learning
- Problem-solving abilities
- Organizational skills
- Resource management
- Special education expertise
- Reliability
- Interpersonal skills
- Excellent classroom management
- Continuous improvement
- Self motivation
- Safety monitoring
- Behavior management
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Relationship building
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Adaptive strategies
- Multitasking Abilities
- Cognitive and behavioral development
- Student counseling
- Social skills development
- Autism spectrum disorders
Certification
- Exceptional Student Education
- School Counseling
- Elementary Education
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Florida Gulf Coast University - Master of Arts, Mental Health Counselor
08.2025 - Current
Exception Student Education Teacher - Lee County School District
08.2024 - Current
Exceptional Student Education Teacher - Charlotte County School District - Punta Gorda Middle School
07.2023 - Current
Special Education Teacher - Soliant Consulting - Brooklyn Park, MN
09.2022 - 06.2023
Special Education Teacher - Urban Academy Charter School
02.2022 - 06.2022
Special Education Teacher Teacher - Mille Band Of Ojibwe, Nay Ah Shing Schools
10.2013 - 12.2021
Saint Cloud State University - Bachelor of Science Health Education/Community Health,
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota - Master of Arts (M.A Special Education Teacher SLD/EBD K-12,
Saint Cloud State University - Master of Science (M.S Counseling Psychology-School Counseling Emphasis,