Mercedes Lechlitner
Chicago,IL
Summary
MSW-trained educator and youth-development professional with nearly a decade of experience working with adolescents in independent and alternative school communities. Brings direct experience in restorative practices, conflict mediation, community-building, student leadership, social-emotional support, crisis response, and collaborative problem-solving with young people, families, and school teams. Skilled at building trusting relationships, facilitating meaningful dialogue, supporting young people through conflict and accountability, and creating inclusive environments grounded in voice, belonging, reflection, and repair. Combines extensive school-based experience with a social-work lens focused on strengths, relationships, systems, and community.
Overview
1
1
Certification
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Middle School Humanities & Homeroom Teacher
Chicago Friends School
Chicago, IL
01.2024 - 01.2026
- Taught grades 6–8 and led daily advisory, building relationships that supported students’ social, emotional, and academic development.
- Developed individualized strategies and collaborated with families to support executive functioning and learning needs of neurodivergent and twice-exceptional students.
- Implemented restorative approaches to guide students in conflict resolution, enhance communication, and cultivate a supportive classroom community.
Middle School Educator; Middle School Coordinator
Harmony School
Bloomington, IN
01.2017 - 01.2024
- Created student-centered learning environments and partnered with colleagues and families to address diverse student needs.
- Taught mathematics and humanities, later coordinated middle school programs to enhance adolescent learning and support school community needs.
- Facilitated collaborative educator reflection sessions as a certified Critical Friends Group coach to promote professional growth.
Housing Case Manager - HIV Services
IU Health Hospitals
Bloomington, IN
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Managed caseload of 25 clients living with HIV/AIDS, enhancing housing stability and addressing barriers to health care, income, and transportation.
- Used motivational interviewing and collaborative problem-solving to support client goals; assisted with benefits, budgeting, referrals, and advocacy.
- Coordinated with providers and community resources, ensuring comprehensive support and maintaining accurate, confidential case documentation.
School-Based Counseling Intern - MSW Field Placement
Harmony School
Bloomington, IN
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Provided assessment and individual counseling to students in grades 1–12 under the supervision of a licensed social worker.
- Facilitated support groups for LGBTQ+ adolescents, fostering improved social skills and emotional adjustment. Contributed to crisis support, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- Applied cognitive behavioral and motivational interviewing approaches in supervised practice; provided developmentally appropriate sex education.
Peer Advocate
All-Options
Bloomington, IN
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Provided peer support to individuals navigating reproductive options and healthcare services.
- Provided nonjudgmental peer support for pregnancy, abortion, parenting, reproductive decisions, grief, and loss, fostering a safe environment for individuals to express their concerns.
- Facilitated connections to resources and enhanced community outreach efforts following 40 hours of advocate training, increasing access to vital support services.
- Facilitated group discussions to share experiences and resources among peers.
- Assisted clients in understanding their rights and available reproductive choices.
Language Arts Student Teacher
Many Farms High School
Many Farms, AZ
01.2017 - 05.2017
- Built lesson plans aligned with state standards and student needs.
- Facilitated engaging classroom discussions that promoted active student participation and critical thinking.
- Implemented classroom management strategies that cultivated a positive and respectful learning environment.
- Contributed to curriculum development focused on race, culture, identity, voice, and power in an Indigenous community, fostering inclusive education.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Indiana University Bloomington
05-2020
Bachelor of Science - Secondary English Education
Indiana University Bloomington
05-2017
Skills
- Restorative Practices & Conflict Resolution
- Crisis intervention
- Conflict Mediation & De-escalation
- Adolescent & Youth Development
- Group Facilitation & Community-Building
- Student Voice & Leadership Development
- Family & School Partnership
- Relationship-Centered Practice
- Program Coordination
- Curriculum Development
- Trauma-Informed, Strengths-Based Support
- Case Management & Resource Coordination
Certification
Illinois Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
Selected Professional Development
- Certified Critical Friends Group Coach - National School Reform Faculty, 2023
- Responsive Classroom - 6-hour professional development, March 2025
- All-Options Peer Advocate Training - 40 hours
Timeline
Middle School Humanities & Homeroom Teacher
Chicago Friends School
01.2024 - 01.2026
Housing Case Manager - HIV Services
IU Health Hospitals
01.2020 - 01.2021
School-Based Counseling Intern - MSW Field Placement
Harmony School
01.2019 - 01.2020
Middle School Educator; Middle School Coordinator
Harmony School
01.2017 - 01.2024
Language Arts Student Teacher
Many Farms High School
01.2017 - 05.2017
Peer Advocate
All-Options
01.2016 - 01.2020
Master of Social Work -
Indiana University Bloomington
Bachelor of Science - Secondary English Education
Indiana University Bloomington