Melissa Dondlinger
West Lafayette,IN
Summary
Compassionate and skilled Master's-level Counselor with extensive experience in providing mental health support and therapy. Specializes in delivering comprehensive guidance and interventions to address emotional and behavioral challenges. Adept at coordinating referrals to external mental health services and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop effective strategies for client well-being. Committed to enhancing individual growth and resilience through personalized goal setting and crisis intervention. Proficient in utilizing therapeutic frameworks and digital tools to support mental health treatment.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Counselor
Lafayette School Corporation
08.2023 - Current
- Coordinated referrals for outside services such as mental health or medical care when appropriate.
- Collaborated with school staff to develop strategies for students exhibiting behavioral challenges.
- Encouraged students to maximize academic potential with attendance and effort reminders.
- Provided crisis intervention services to support students in times of need.
- Created classroom presentations on topics related to mental health awareness and wellness initiatives.
- Guided students' academic planning with individual goal setting.
- Referred students to outside help for assistance with extreme concerns.
- Facilitated parent meetings to discuss student progress and behavior changes.
- Collaborated with administrators and families to prioritize student success in and out of the classroom.
- Developed and implemented individualized student educational plans to meet social, emotional, physical and academic needs.
Skills Trainer I/Master's Prepared Therapist
Valley Oaks Health
04.2023 - 12.2023
- Assess potential patients, derive needs, and evaluate the best course of action for level of care needs.
- Perform skills training sessions with clients in a therapeutic way.
- Communicate and staff appropriate information with clinicians.
- Communicate with extended staff for resources available to clients in need.
- Conduct follow up appointments and review efficacy of recommendations.
- Document pertinent information guidelines.
- Participate in educational trainings of continued education.
Assessment Specialist
Sycamore Springs
01.2023 - 04.2023
- Assess client/potential patients, derive needs, and evaluate best course of action for level of care.
- Communicate and staff appropriate information with clinicians.
- Communicate with surrounding hospitals and staff for resources available to clients in need.
- Conduct follow up assessments and review efficacy of recommendations.
- Document pertinent information guidelines.
- Participate in educational trainings of continued education.
Nursing Assistant /Permanent Substitute
Frontier School Corporation
08.2018 - 03.2022
- Provided support and education to students on topics such as nutrition, hygiene, and illness prevention.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in school nursing and student health services.
- Ensured a clean and organized health office, maintaining necessary supplies and equipment for effective care delivery.
Nursing Assistant
Tippecanoe School Corporation
08.2016 - 10.2018
- Assisted the school nurse in providing comprehensive healthcare services to students, including first aid, medication administration, and health assessments.
- Monitored and documented students' health records, ensuring compliance with state and school health regulations.
- Organized and implemented health screening programs, including vision and hearing tests, for early detection of health issues.
- Served as a point of contact for students and parents regarding health concerns and promoted health education initiatives within the school community.
- Collaborated with teachers and staff to create a safe and supportive environment for students with chronic health conditions or disabilities.
- Responded promptly to medical emergencies and developed individualized care plans for students with special healthcare needs.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ08.2025
Master of Science - Psychology
Purdue University-Global
Indianapolis, IN11.2022
Bachelor of Arts - English
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN08.2005
Skills
- Adult/juvenile counseling & diagnostic assessment
- Group therapy facilitator
- Mediation
- Crisis intervention
- Conflict resolution
- Student records management/charting
- Behavioral assessments
- Academic advising
Certification
- CSW
- CNA
- Medical Coding and Billing
- BLS/CPR/CPI
- AED
- CANS/ANSA
- QPR
Timeline
School Counselor
Lafayette School Corporation
08.2023 - Current
Skills Trainer I/Master's Prepared Therapist
Valley Oaks Health
04.2023 - 12.2023
Assessment Specialist
Sycamore Springs
01.2023 - 04.2023
Nursing Assistant /Permanent Substitute
Frontier School Corporation
08.2018 - 03.2022
Nursing Assistant
Tippecanoe School Corporation
08.2016 - 10.2018
Master of Science - Psychology
Purdue University-Global
Bachelor of Arts - English
Purdue University
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Grand Canyon University
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