Microsoft Suite
Liza Tierney
School Counselor (Pre-K - 12)
Clinton,MA
Summary
Experienced School Counselor with 12 years of proven success in guiding students towards academic, career, and social-emotional success. Proficient in counseling students on effective strategies for building relationships and navigating school challenges. Committed to supporting students in achieving long-term goals by connecting them with external resources that enhance education and career prospects. Skilled in coaching young adults on crafting compelling narratives to advance professional and personal aspirations. Dedicated to ongoing professional growth and leveraging diverse skill set to make a meaningful impact.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Counselor/Clinician
The NAN Project - Eliot Community Human Service
Lexington, MA
08.2022 - 12.2024
- Expanded Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs for middle and high school students - including crafting lesson plans and activities
- Facilitated mental health presentations for youth, parents, and professionals to groups of 10 up to 100+
- Created slideshow presentations for all professional development presentations
- Supported and coached college-aged young adults (Peer Mentors) in their personal and professional paths
- Edited personal Peer Mentor mental health stories, keeping mental safety and security in tact
- Tabled for career, professional, mental health conventions in MA, NH, Washington, DC
School Counselor
Gardner Middle School
Gardner, MA
04.2018 - 06.2022
- Guidance team member in grades 5 through 7 with caseloads of about 185 to 210 students
- Facilitated small groups – Social Emotional (SE) topics not limited to: anxiety, friendship, bullying education, executive functioning
- Taught whole group – Tier 1 SEL curriculum for Advisory classes
- Provided one-on-one counseling to students with personal, social, emotional, and academic needs
- Created student schedules using Plus Portals/Rediker
- Communicated/Met with parents regarding their child’s progress and needs
- Facilitated and presented in counseling team, special education, and 504 meetings (school based & district)
- Collaborated with teachers and other school personnel to create individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Wrote 504 Plans
- Orchestrated whole school functions/fundraisers - school dances, Mental Health Awareness Month, Spirit Days/Weeks
- Facilitated Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) meetings - being a part of a team to create data informed decisions
- Collaborated with Positive Behavior intervention and Support (PBIS) Team
- Collaborated with staff on curriculum, preparing students for high school
- Participated in professional development -Signs of Suicide(SOS), emotional distresses in school aged children, etc.
- Managed lunchtime for all grade levels
Guidance Counselor
Groton-Dunstable Regional Middle School
Groton, MA
9 2012 - 04.2018
- Working as a member of the guidance team in grades 5th through 8th
- Starting as a long-term substitute and then becoming a full-time permanent counselor, working with caseloads of about 250 to 275 students
- Enhanced student progress by implementing individualized counseling plans and monitoring academic performance.
- Implemented data-driven decision making practices that informed program planning efforts based on identified trends in student achievement data.
- Assisted students in setting realistic goals, creating action plans, and tracking their achievements.
- Conducted presentations at parent meetings, providing information on available resources and strategies for supporting student success.
- Addressed barriers to learning by collaborating with special education team members to create customized educational plans for each student.
- Provided support to families by connecting them with relevant resources and guiding them through the college application process.
- Improved school climate by implementing proactive intervention programs that addressed bullying, drug use, and mental health issues.
- Offered crisis intervention support for students experiencing emotional distress or other personal challenges.
- Coordinated extracurricular activities - Diversity Club - that fostered a sense of community and belonging among students, promoting a positive school culture.
- Facilitated group sessions focused on topics such as stress management, academic skills development, career exploration, or relationship-building techniques.
- Led professional development workshops for educators on topics such as classroom management strategies or mental health awareness initiatives.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners, enhancing the availability of resources for students and families.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop strategies for improving student behavior and academic success.
- Served as a liaison between parents, teachers, administration, and outside agencies to ensure effective communication regarding student needs.
- Collaborated with teachers and other school personnel to create individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Organized career fairs and workshops to expose students to various professional opportunities and prepare them for post-secondary education.
- Evaluated student needs through assessments, identifying areas for growth and providing targeted interventions when necessary.
- Empowered students to take ownership of their education by teaching self-advocacy skills and fostering decision-making abilities.
- Created a welcoming environment by promoting inclusivity and celebrating diversity within the school community.
Guidance Counselor/Interventionist (Intern)
Pompositticut & Center Schools
Stow, MA
08.2011 - 06.2012
- Working (part-time) as a member of the schools’ (K-5) Interventionists team, gaining skills within the guidance profession
- Assumed a small caseload, taking on children with many needs
Guidance Counselor (Intern)
Groton-Dunstable Regional High School
08.2011 - 06.2012
- Working as a member of the GDHS guidance team from the beginning of the school year and will continue through the end of the school year, gaining a full and true experience
- Assumed a small caseload, including personal counseling and college & career planning
Education
M.S. - School Guidance Counseling
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MA 09.2024 - 05.2012
B.A. - Psychology
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, MASkills
Academic advising
Suicide Prevention
Mental Health Counseling/Coaching
Lectures and Discussions
Youth and adolescent development
Multicultural Competence
Student Records Management
Expert in Google Apps - Certified Google Educator
Microsoft Apps expertise
Multitasking Abilities
References
Letters of recommendations – References can be given upon request
Software
Google Suite
Certification
MS, School Counseling
Timeline
M.S. - School Guidance Counseling
Fitchburg State University
09.2024 - 05.2012
School Counselor/Clinician
The NAN Project - Eliot Community Human Service
08.2022 - 12.2024
School Counselor
Gardner Middle School
04.2018 - 06.2022
Guidance Counselor/Interventionist (Intern)
Pompositticut & Center Schools
08.2011 - 06.2012
Guidance Counselor (Intern)
Groton-Dunstable Regional High School
08.2011 - 06.2012
B.A. - Psychology
University of Massachusetts Lowell
MS, School Counseling
Guidance Counselor
Groton-Dunstable Regional Middle School
9 2012 - 04.2018
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