Michelle Keefer
3942 Blue Dory Ln, Denver,NC
Summary
Accomplished academic leader with a robust background in designing and implementing comprehensive counseling programs. From spearheading school counseling initiatives to fostering partnerships with external institutions bringing a proven track record of success. A forward-thinking professional with strong communication, data analysis, and forecasting skills, Poised to contribute years of expertise to the strategic design and deployment of academic programs. With experience in both program and project leadership, Ready to drive successful outcomes and contribute to organizational goals.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Lincoln County Schools
01.2022 - Current
- Assist with scheduling 1150 students and capacity planning of over 200 courses and 10 faculty with program chair of each academic programs.
- Assist 400+ students in acquisition of study skills, academic opportunities and postsecondary opportunities increasing collegiate enrollment by 50%.
- Implement data-driven strategies to identify areas of need within the school population, leading to targeted interventions and support services.
- Empower parents/guardians involvement in their children's education via organizing educational workshops and providing resources on academic, career, and personal/social development.
BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST
Catawba County Schools
09.2019 - 12.2021
- Reduced classroom disruptions by 75% through careful observation and analysis of student behaviors, leading to tailored interventions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive, effective treatment plans for 25 students with behavioral challenges.
- Developed social skills curricula tailored to 25 individual student needs, enhancing peer interactions and fostering positive relationships.
- Designed over 100 visual supports and environmental modifications to promote optimal learning environments for students with behavioral challenges.
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Whitnel Elementary School
08.2011 - 09.2019
- Developed, implemented and monitored 25+ Functional Behavioral Assessments and Intensive Behavior Intervention Plans to reduce student behaviors by 50%.
- Collaborated with mental health, school, and district staff to accomplish and exceed mission and initiatives of mental health program.
- Enhanced student emotional well-being by 50% providing individual and group counseling sessions.
LEAD HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Caldwell County Schools
08.2008 - 06.2011
- Coordinated and provided all professional development for 16 high school counselors.
- Served as liaison between 16 high school counselors and Director of Student Services.
ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR
Appalachian State University
01.2007 - 05.2011
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and educational tools.
- Contributed to curriculum development by providing valuable input on relevant course content and materials.
- Collaborated closely with institutions’ faculty to ensure successful design and development of programs and courses for adult learners
- Identified relevant trends and best practices in online adult education for academic programs
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Gateway Alternative School (6-12)
08.2006 - 05.2011
- Provided oversight of county wide dropout prevention program
- Conducted student transitional planning in collaboration with parents, social workers, and the student’s home school
- Improved graduation rates by implementing targeted interventions for at-risk students.
- Implemented data-driven strategies to identify areas of need within the school population, leading to targeted interventions and support services.
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
West Lenoir School of Technology
08.1998 - 05.2006
- Coordinated and chaired Building Based Student Services Team, Safety committee, 504 Team, and Character Ed committee
- Developed and coordinated programs for Anti-Bullying Prevention, Red Ribbon Week, and Career Day for students, staff, and parents
- Provided individual/group counseling and classroom guidance using ASCA’s National Model and NC’s Standard Course of Study to improve behavior, academic performance, and lead them through crisis intervention.
- Conducted psychoeducational assessments to identify areas of academic and behavioral strengths and weaknesses and recommend modifications to improve learning and behavior.
Education
Post-Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership -
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC12.2017
Doctorate of Philosophy (All But Dissertation) in Counselor Education -
University of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NC12.2008
Licensure in School Counseling -
Lenoir-Rhyne College
Hickory, NC12.2001
Master of Arts in Community & Addictions Counseling -
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC12.1997
Bachelor of Arts in Human Services -
University of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NC12.1995
Skills
- Academic Program Development
- Collaboration and Communication
- Strategic Thinking
- Data Analysis and Forecasting
- Interpersonal and Relationship Building
- Curriculum and Program Management
- Leadership
- Crisis Management
- Time Management
- Change Management
- Problem Solving
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Adaptability
- Negotiation Skills
- Team Building
- Decision Making
Military Service
United States Air Force-E-1 Airman-Honorable Medical Separation and Wartime Service Medal
Timeline
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Lincoln County Schools
01.2022 - Current
BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST
Catawba County Schools
09.2019 - 12.2021
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Whitnel Elementary School
08.2011 - 09.2019
LEAD HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Caldwell County Schools
08.2008 - 06.2011
ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR
Appalachian State University
01.2007 - 05.2011
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Gateway Alternative School (6-12)
08.2006 - 05.2011
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
West Lenoir School of Technology
08.1998 - 05.2006
Post-Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership -
Western Carolina University
Doctorate of Philosophy (All But Dissertation) in Counselor Education -
University of North Carolina At Charlotte
Licensure in School Counseling -
Lenoir-Rhyne College
Master of Arts in Community & Addictions Counseling -
Appalachian State University
Bachelor of Arts in Human Services -
University of North Carolina At Charlotte
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