Mary Torres, LCSW
Ossining,NY
Summary
Energetic and dynamic educator and clinician with a proven track record enhancing student performance and mental health through innovative, nature-based programming. Expert in curriculum development and parent-teacher collaboration, I've significantly improved emotional, behavioral, and academic outcomes. Skilled in compassionate engagement and fostering a growth mindset, I excel in creating supportive, fun, student-centered learning environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Supervising School Based Clinician
Andrus
08.2023 - Current
- Increased student access to the garden and promoted nature based curriculum by connecting the volunteer garden team with school personnel and provided psychoeducation on the benefits of nature in increasing school performance and improving mental health.
- Improved student emotional and behavioral outcomes by conducting individual and family counseling sessions.
- Enhanced collaboration between teachers, parents, and school staff to improve student performance outcomes.
- Collaborated with I.T. staff to deliver parenting workshop on the effects of excessive screen use on children and provided engaging and healthy alternatives.
Head of Nature Based Educational Programming
Fable Foods Farm
07.2019 - 11.2022
- Designed and managed the operation of a learning garden and outdoor enrichment classes that offered non-mainstream programming options to a diverse group of students.
- Developed and taught nature based lesson plans to support local school's curriculum, integrating biology, ecology, math, environmental science and stewardship.
- Planted, cultivated and harvested crops in the fields and greenhouses, participated in developing seasonal crops plans and seed ordering.
- Planned educational activities to promote the farm and build relationships with the community.
Co-Chair Garden Club
Todd Elementary School
04.2012 - 10.2019
- Uncovered and refurbished an abandoned courtyard to create a learning garden and outdoor classroom that generated strong student involvement and administrator support.
- Garden program was touted by the admissions department as one of the school's key differentiators.
- Developed and implemented educational and nature based curriculum and instructional activities for annual programming.
- Evaluated and amended soils, designed crop plan for optimal growth and educational value, purchased seeds and seedlings, along with students and volunteers, cultivated and cared for seasonal crops.
- Effectively allocated resources within the organization, ensuring optimal utilization while minimizing waste.
- Cared for and maintained grounds, buildings and supplies in garden courtyard.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Columbia University in The City of New York
New York, NY05.1993
Skills
- Experienced gardener
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Collaborative consultation
- Lesson Planning
- Student Engagement
- Growth Mindset
- Student-Centered Learning
- Child Development
- Small Group Instruction
- Innovative lesson planning
- Curriculum Development
- Student rapport
- Cultural Sensitivity
Additional Information
Presented on Nature Based Therapy at Pace University Wellness Fair 2023
Served on Briarcliff-Sustainability Advisory Committee 2023
Employed on the Stone Barns Crops Team Summer 2023
Timeline
Supervising School Based Clinician
Andrus
08.2023 - Current
Head of Nature Based Educational Programming
Fable Foods Farm
07.2019 - 11.2022
Co-Chair Garden Club
Todd Elementary School
04.2012 - 10.2019
Master of Science - Social Work
Columbia University in The City of New York
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