Matthew Pedersen
Summary
- Skilled in creation of counseling systems that serve as model for best practice
- Able to develop strong, trusting relationships with all stakeholders very quickly
- Excellent working relationships with colleagues and administrators
- Highly effective crisis intervention skills
- Designated support staff for students and families with severe and crisis needs
- Expertise in issues regarding Whole Child supports, Equity, and anti-racism
Specific expertise with: violence, abuse, suicide, illness, death/loss, self-harm/cutting, anger management, social/emotional coping, peer relationships, family systems, behavior management, motivation, social work and counseling groups, student/teacher/parent relationships, animal assisted therapy, 504/IEP support, attendance and behavior support, disabilities, life and school transitions, severe anxiety and school avoidance, serving high needs students and families, homeless and runaway support, leader consultation
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavioral Health Counselor
Strawberry Mansion High School
08.2023 - Current
School Counselor
Fayston Elementary School
09.2022 - 06.2023
School Counselor Lead
Esek Hopkins MS
09.2021 - 08.2022
School Counselor
West Preparatory Academy PK-12
01.2021 - 09.2021
School Counselor
Morey Middle School
01.2015 - 12.2020
- Individual and Group Counseling: Social/Emotional, Academic, Career, and Crisis
- Program development: Founder of Morey counseling department, Implementation of all systems, programming, and supports, Design team: positive school culture, green school, ASCA alignment, MTSS creation and implementation: DPS model program, Increase positive student perception: safety, support systems, needs assessment School-wide PBIS: on/off track incentives and house points, Community and parent outreach: Advisory Council, Family Fun Nights, home visits, stakeholder consultation
- Support for classrooms facing mid-year staff changes, Advise in crisis management techniques
School Counselor Intern
CICS West Belden/Bucktown
09.2014 - 05.2015
- Individual and Group Counseling: Social/Emotional, Academic, Career, and Crisis
- Character Education
- Classroom guidance and support, K-8
- Teacher advisement, training, and advocacy
- Parent outreach, advisement, consultation, and skills training
Paraprofessional
CICS West Belden
01.2014 - 12.2014
Substitute Teacher
CICS West Belden/Bucktown/Irving Park
01.2012 - 12.2013
Lead Teacher
Newburgh Boys and Girls Club
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Taught, supervised, and planned K-2nd grade after school program curriculum
- Supervised interns and volunteers, coordinated parent outreach
- Developed budget and maintained records
Site Director
Binghamton Boys and Girls Club
01.2008 - 12.2009
- Developed and taught after school curriculum, grades K-5
- Coordinated parent involvement and participation
- Founded city wide volunteer program with local universities
- Supervised staff, budget, and all administrative duties on site
Student Teacher
Binghamton High School
01.2009 - 05.2009
- Provided crisis management in assigned classrooms
- Assisted struggling students in grade 9-10 Science class
Educational Coordinator
Binghamton Boys and Girls Club
01.2008 - 12.2008
- Developed, coordinated, and taught Career Launch jobs skills program
- Supervised teen center, 50 to 100 high school students daily
- Tutored academics, provided conflict resolution
Program Leader/Assistant Teacher
Vestal Schools
09.2006 - 12.2006
Education
Masters - School Counseling +
Concordia University Chicago
05.2015
Bachelors - Human Development, Psychology, Education, Africana Studies
Binghamton University
05.2009
Skills
- Student advocacy
- Relationship building
- Operational efficiency
- Conflict resolution
- Educational leadership
- Project management
- Staff development
- Change and risk management
- Individual counseling
- Empathy development
- Trauma-informed care
- Crisis intervention
Professional Development
- Nationally Certified Counselor (lapsed)
- Nationally Certified School Counselor
- former LPC; CPC
- American School Counseling Association (ASCA) member
- union representative lead experience
- DPS School Counseling Leadership Team
- Morey Collaborative School Leadership Team
- Morey Innovation Design Team
- DPS Excellence in Team award
- Co-creator of Morey Equity Team
- PSD Leading for Equity
Certification
Nationally Certified School Counselor
Pennsylvania School Counselor Certification
Counseling Philosophy
To help folks find meaning through authentic relationships, crisis management, and counseling.
Timeline
Behavioral Health Counselor
Strawberry Mansion High School
08.2023 - Current
School Counselor
Fayston Elementary School
09.2022 - 06.2023
School Counselor Lead
Esek Hopkins MS
09.2021 - 08.2022
School Counselor
West Preparatory Academy PK-12
01.2021 - 09.2021
School Counselor
Morey Middle School
01.2015 - 12.2020
School Counselor Intern
CICS West Belden/Bucktown
09.2014 - 05.2015
Paraprofessional
CICS West Belden
01.2014 - 12.2014
Substitute Teacher
CICS West Belden/Bucktown/Irving Park
01.2012 - 12.2013
Lead Teacher
Newburgh Boys and Girls Club
01.2010 - 12.2011
Student Teacher
Binghamton High School
01.2009 - 05.2009
Site Director
Binghamton Boys and Girls Club
01.2008 - 12.2009
Educational Coordinator
Binghamton Boys and Girls Club
01.2008 - 12.2008
Program Leader/Assistant Teacher
Vestal Schools
09.2006 - 12.2006
Bachelors - Human Development, Psychology, Education, Africana Studies
Binghamton University
Nationally Certified School Counselor
Pennsylvania School Counselor Certification
Masters - School Counseling +
Concordia University Chicago
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