Melissa Lupo
Summary
Professional with strong background in school social work, ensuring students' well-being and fostering academic success. Skilled in crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, and creating supportive environments. Collaborative team player focused on achieving positive outcomes, adapting to changing needs and challenges. Known for effective communication, empathy, and strong problem-solving abilities.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
School Social Worker
Lagrange Area Department of Special Education
10.2016 - 11.2025
- Facilitated conflict resolution and anger management for students with behavioral challenges in a self contained Emotional Disability classroom.
- Served as Family Service Facilitator communicating between families and school staff to supporting student needs to 15 member district schools.
- Enhanced student access to mental health services through partnerships with community resources.
- Delivered crisis intervention support in response to critical incidents impacting student well-being.
- Conducted individual and group SEL lessons supporting emotional regulation and IEP goals utilizing Social Thinking and Accept, Identify, Move (AIM) curriculum.
- Participated in a multidisciplinary team for IEP (initial, reevaluation, and domain) meetings to review social-emotional and behavioral evaluation results, explain assessment processes, and collaborate with parents and staff to identify student needs, share recommendations, and determine eligibility for social work or related support services.
- Facilitated counseling sessions to address students' emotional and behavioral challenges.
Wraparound School Social Worker
Clark County Public Schools
08.2007 - 07.2014
- Coordinated with community organizations to secure resources for families in need.
- Provided crisis intervention support to students during emergencies and high-stress situations.
- Collaborated with mental health professionals to integrate services within the school setting.
- Trained staff on best practices for recognizing and responding to mental health issues.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss student progress and needs.
- Developed and maintained resource guides for families to access local support services.
- Established communication channels with parents to provide updates on student well-being.
- Supported transition processes for students moving between different educational settings.
- Monitored student attendance, documented truancy and submitted referrals per requirements.
- Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions to improve peer relationships and communication skills among students.
School Social Worker
Indian Springs School District #109
08.2004 - 06.2007
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for students facing social and emotional challenges.
- Conducted workshops for parents on mental health awareness and available school resources.
- Provided counseling services to students to promote emotional well-being and resilience.
- Collaborated with mental health professionals to create comprehensive support strategies.
- Documented case notes and maintained accurate records of student interactions and interventions.
- Assisted students and staff to develop strategies for student behavior and implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
- Facilitated school-wide programs including Student Council, Girl Power, Rainbows Grief Support, SEL monthly lessons.
- Served as an active member of the Multi-tiered systems of, facilitating teams through the problem-solving process.
- Develop individualized education programs and special education services in accordance with IEP‘s and 504 plans.
Kindergarten Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
08.2000 - 08.2003
- Created and executed interactive lesson plans enhancing early childhood growth.
- Collaborated with parents to support student progress and address individual needs effectively.
- Taught foundational skills in reading, writing, and Math while also fostering social and emotional development in a nurturing and structure classroom environment.
- Integrated competencies, goals and objectives into lesson plans while working closely with administration, staff and other teachers.
Education
Master of Social Work - PEL School Social Work
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, ILBachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, Illinois, ILHigh School Diploma -
Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School
ChicagoAdditional Information
- Completed LCSW supervision hours
- Volunteer coaching volleyball and Girl Scout troops
- Serve on 501C3 Volkman Foundation committee supporting families affected by medical hardship
- Yoga 200 Hour certification
- Applied for LSW in Illinois
Timeline
School Social Worker
Lagrange Area Department of Special Education
10.2016 - 11.2025
Wraparound School Social Worker
Clark County Public Schools
08.2007 - 07.2014
School Social Worker
Indian Springs School District #109
08.2004 - 06.2007
Kindergarten Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
08.2000 - 08.2003
Master of Social Work - PEL School Social Work
University of Illinois At Chicago
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Eastern Illinois University
High School Diploma -
Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School