Mary Rush
Columbus,MS
Summary
Compassionate and results-driven School Counselor, Adjunct Psychology Instructor, and Mental Health Therapist with extensive experience supporting diverse populations through education, counseling, and evidence-based interventions. Skilled in care coordination, behavioral health support, student success strategies, and data-informed decision-making. Proven ability to improve outcomes through personalized support, wellness initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration. Passionate about leveraging digital health tools and patient-centered strategies to enhance care quality and accessibility.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Counselor / CTE Counselor
Millsaps Career & Technology Center
Starkville, MS
01.2022 - Current
- Implemented counseling strategies for high school students, promoting academic success and preparing them for future career opportunities.
- Assessed individual needs and developed comprehensive success plans targeting mental health, behavioral, and academic improvement.
- Established partnerships with teachers, administrators, and community organizations to deliver integrated wraparound support services.
- Assessed and interpreted student performance data to drive effective intervention strategies and optimize learning results.
- Conducted interactive workshops and activities that prioritized emotional well-being and resilience-building within the community.
- Monitored and evaluated support services for special populations to guarantee alignment with established educational and counseling standards.
School Counselor (PreK–12)
Columbus Municipal School District & Lowndes County School District
01.2003 - 01.2022
- Provided comprehensive counseling services to students across PreK–12, addressing academic, career, and social-emotional needs. Developed individualized success plans, implemented SEL initiatives, and collaborated with stakeholders to improve outcomes.
Adjunct Psychology Instructor
East Mississippi Community College
Columbus, Mississippi
01.2006 - 01.2015
- Developed and implemented curriculum for undergraduate psychology courses, emphasizing key concepts in general psychology and human behavior.
- Developed and implemented instructional materials focused on mental health cognition and behavioral science to promote learner engagement.
- Monitored student progress through data analysis and assessments, adapting teaching strategies to enhance learning outcomes.
- Guided students through personalized academic advising and mentoring strategies aimed at improving retention and overall success.
- Integrated relevant mental health principles into curriculum to foster real-world connections and improve educational outcomes.
Mental Health Therapist / Counselor
Community Counseling Services
Columbus, Mississippi
01.1989 - 01.2003
- Implemented structured therapy sessions for individuals and groups, focusing on strategies to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral challenges.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing comprehensive clinical assessments. Enhanced treatment success through continuous monitoring and adaptive planning. Achieved higher treatment effectiveness by systematically evaluating and modifying care plans.
- Executed targeted therapeutic approaches, specifically CBT and solution-focused therapy, to promote client advancement and maintain engagement.
- Assessed client needs and implemented tailored coping strategies to foster overall wellness and resilience.
- Maintained detailed records to facilitate adherence to established ethical and legal requirements.
- Formulated specific treatment plans by integrating comprehensive assessments with client feedback.
Education
Master's Degree - Counselor Education
Mississippi State University
Starkville, MississippiMaster's degree - Counseling Psychology
University of West Alabama
Livingston, ALBachelor's Degree - Social Work
Mississippi University of Mississippi
Columbus, MSSkills
- Behavioral Health & Counseling
- Care Coordination & Case Management
- Student & Patient Engagement
- Crisis Intervention & Risk Assessment
- Health Education & Wellness Coaching
- Data Tracking & Outcome Measurement
- Virtual/Telehealth Support
- Motivational Interviewing
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Compliance & Documentation (HIPAA/FERPA)
- Student Information Systems (PowerSchool, MSIS)
- Learning Management Systems (Canvas, Blackboard)
- Microsoft Office Suite & Google Workspace
- Data Tracking & Reporting Tools
- Telehealth / Virtual Platforms
Certification
School Counselor Certification – Mississippi
ADDITIONAL STRENGTHS
- Strong communicator with ability to build trust quickly
- Culturally competent and experienced with diverse populations
- Highly organized with strong documentation and compliance skills
- Passion for improving health outcomes through education and technology
Timeline
School Counselor / CTE Counselor
Millsaps Career & Technology Center
01.2022 - Current
Adjunct Psychology Instructor
East Mississippi Community College
01.2006 - 01.2015
School Counselor (PreK–12)
Columbus Municipal School District & Lowndes County School District
01.2003 - 01.2022
Mental Health Therapist / Counselor
Community Counseling Services
01.1989 - 01.2003
Master's Degree - Counselor Education
Mississippi State University
Master's degree - Counseling Psychology
University of West Alabama
Bachelor's Degree - Social Work
Mississippi University of Mississippi