Michael Slade
San Antonio
Summary
Warm, future-focused emerging counselor with a strong foundation in adolescent development, identity exploration, and meaning-centered counseling. I bring experience supporting teens and young adults through academic, emotional, and interpersonal challenges—drawing on a blend of existential insight, CBT-informed strategies, and strengths-based guidance. I value authenticity, collaboration, cultural awareness, and helping clients understand who they are becoming. Currently enrolled in the UTSA Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.S. program and seeking a Practicum placement aligned with identity development, emerging adulthood, group work, motivation, and holistic wellness.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
High School English & Special Education Teacher
Katy ISD / Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
08.2023 - 06.2025
- Supported 9th–12th graders through academic, social, emotional, and developmental challenges; built trusted relationships with students navigating identity, motivation, peer issues, and self-concept.
- Managed 30+ individualized learning plans, applying patience, empathy, and differentiated communication based on personality, learning style, and emotional needs.
- Created classroom environments where students felt seen, respected, and understood—prioritizing cultural awareness, psychological safety, and authentic connection.
- Collaborated with families, administrators, and multidisciplinary teams to support student well-being.
- Developed motivational strategies that improved engagement and reduced avoidance behaviors.
Camp Counselor
Summer Discovery (UCLA)
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Mentored high-school students in a pre-college environment, supporting social development, confidence, and identity formation.
- Facilitated group discussions, team-building activities, and conflict resolution moments with warmth and clarity.
- Served as a supportive role model for teens navigating independence, friendships, and self-expression.
Real Estate Agent
1st Class Luxury Living
02.2021 - 04.2023
- Built rapport quickly with clients from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, establishing trust during major life transitions.
- Navigated high-emotion situations with calm, empathic communication and boundary-setting.
- Helped clients clarify goals, values, and needs—translating complex choices into accessible, empowering guidance.
- Strengthened interpersonal sensitivity, active listening, and conflict resolution—skills directly transferable to clinical work.
Camp Counselor
Vista Camps
05.2022 - 08.2022
- Guided youth ages 6–17 through daily activities emphasizing social skills, emotional awareness, and healthy communication.
- Provided gentle structure and encouragement, supporting children through homesickness, anxiety, and interpersonal challenges.
- Strengthened group cohesion and fostered supportive peer environments.
Education
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Texas At San Antonio (UTSA)
San Antonio, TX12-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Texas At San Antonio
San Antonio, TX05-2023
Skills
- Identity & values exploration
- Existential meaning-making & future-orientation
- Adolescent & emerging adult development
- Strengths-based, collaborative counseling
- Foundations in CBT & emotion regulation
- Cultural awareness & inclusive communication
- Rapport-building across diverse populations
- Group process interest & psychoeducational
- Professional boundaries & ethical care
- Empathic presence & grounded emotional awareness
- Youth engagement & mentorship
- Strong interpersonal intuition
- Clear, warm, culturally aware communication
- Meaning-centered conceptualization
- Organized, reliable, and ethically attuned
- Quick learner with high digital competency (EHR, documentation, telehealth platforms)
- Professionalism, boundaries, and reflective practice
Certification
- Google IT Support Certificate (2025) — included only for digital fluency
- Additional credentials available upon request
Timeline
High School English & Special Education Teacher
Katy ISD / Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
08.2023 - 06.2025
Camp Counselor
Summer Discovery (UCLA)
05.2023 - 08.2023
Camp Counselor
Vista Camps
05.2022 - 08.2022
Real Estate Agent
1st Class Luxury Living
02.2021 - 04.2023
Master of Science - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
University of Texas At San Antonio (UTSA)
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Texas At San Antonio