Michelle Watson
Frederick,MD
Summary
Dedicated and accomplished School Counselor with experience in teaching, counseling and leadership roles. Seeking the position of Community School Coordinator to utilize proven skills in administration, counseling, program development and partnering with stakeholders; contributing to the enhancement of educational services.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Counselor
Frederick County Public Schools
Frederick, MD
01.2007 - Current
- Provided individual and group counseling sessions to students in order to discuss academic, social and emotional issues.
- Organized workshops and seminars for parents on topics such as bullying, anxiety, stress management and college readiness.
- Conducted assessments of students' interests, career aspirations.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop strategies for improving student performance in the classroom.
- Assisted families in understanding resources available within the community to address their needs.
- Coordinated crisis interventions for students facing difficult life situations.
- Created referral networks with outside mental health professionals for additional support services when needed.
- Co-facilitated weekly meetings with staff to discuss student progress and identify supports needed.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques aimed at increasing positive behaviors among students.
- Participated in school-wide initiatives focused on promoting a safe and welcoming environment for all learners.
- Monitored attendance records and identified patterns of absenteeism that may indicate underlying issues requiring attention.
- Maintained accurate documentation of student interactions including assessments, referrals, progress notes and treatment plans.
- Performed outreach activities within the school community to increase awareness about available counseling services.
- Organized extracurricular activities designed to promote self-esteem, team building skills and healthy relationships between peers.
- Cultivated partnerships with local organizations who offer resources related to mental health care.
- Consulted with administrators/ to create policies addressing student behavior concerns
- Served as a liaison between schools, families, agencies and other stakeholders involved in providing appropriate supports for students.
- Counseled students regarding variety of social, educational and interpersonal issues.
- Consulted with families and staff to discuss strategies necessary for improved student social and academic performance.
- Followed-up with outside mental health service providers to coordinate in-school support.
- Maintained student records and developed individual education and behavior plans to promote student success.
- Supported teachers and students during Individual Education Plan (IEP) development.
- Placed students into academically appropriate classes after reviewing data and records.
- Provided crisis intervention to students dealing with difficult situations at school.
School Counselor
Saint John’s Catholic Prep
Frederick, MD
01.2006 - 01.2007
School Counselor
The Pathways Schools
Silver Spring, MD
01.1998 - 01.2006
Special Educator
The Pathways Schools-Edgewood
Silver Spring, MD
01.1995 - 01.1998
Case Manager
Frederick County Behavioral Health Services
Frederick, MD
01.1993 - 01.1995
Education
Educational Leadership -
McDaniel College
Westminster, MD03.2020
Master of Arts in Education and Human Development - School Counseling
The George Washington University
Washington, DC08.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Alderson-Broaddus University
Philippi, WV12.1993
Skills
- Classroom, individual and small group counseling
- Confidentiality
- Restorative practices
- Culturally responsive practices
- Academic Advisement
- Behavioral Assessment
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Academic Support
- Crisis Intervention
- Parent Engagement and Communication
- Attendance Monitoring
- Collaboration with Stakeholders
Certification
- Administrator I
- School Counseling K-12
- Pupil Personnel Worker
- Special Education-Ancillary Certificate
Counseling And Support Services
- McKinney Vento liaison
- Kids Like Us-
- LEADER
- Classroom counseling
- Small group counseling
- Home visits as needed
- Restorative Practices, Bullying and Harassment Intervention
- Trauma-informed approaches
- Provides referral and consultation services (504 Coordinator, Developed/implemented Individualized Education Programs, Developed/implemented Functional Behavior Assessments, Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans, 504/IEP manifestation meeting???)
Collaboration And Program Development
- Collaboration with stakeholders (Community organizations, Parent Teacher Association, CMS Cares team meeting, Grade level weekly teaming, Articulation elementary/secondary levels)
- Program Development (Student Voices, Peer Mentor/Ambassador Programs, Kindness Club, School-wide character development activities, Implemented Heart, Brain and Body Power school-wide initiative, Co-creator of “I can be calm; I can be comfortable” pre-k and kindergarten lessons for self-regulation)
Crisis Intervention
- Suicide and self-injury interventions
- Local School Emergency Plan - assignment/triage
- Reports of abuse and neglect to local agency as mandated reporter
- Emergency Petition
Professional Growth And Development
- Lauren’s Law/suicide awareness and intervention
- Curriculum writing
- Counselor professional learning meetings and collaborative sessions
- School-level Professional Learning sessions
Leadership And Counseling
- Leadership Committee
- MSDE instructor for “School Climate: Implementing Restorative Practices”
- Mentor School Counselor
- Hood College Intern Supervisor
- Coordinator Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO)
- Coordinator of PBIS/students incentives program
- LGBTQ annual and follow-up staff trainings
- Health curriculum @ elementary level, Personal Safety Curriculum grades pre-k-3 training for staff
- Use data for interventions (School Improvement Team, Needs assessments, Student Services Teaming, Attendance Committee Chair/member)
Professional Development
- Familiarity with community agencies
- Familiarity with grant guidelines/expectations, fiscal management, and monetary expenditures
- Management/Supervision experience
- Knowledge of Restorative Practices
- Coaching experiences
References
References available upon request
Accomplishments
- School Counselor of the Year nominee 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022
Timeline
School Counselor
Frederick County Public Schools
01.2007 - Current
School Counselor
Saint John’s Catholic Prep
01.2006 - 01.2007
School Counselor
The Pathways Schools
01.1998 - 01.2006
Special Educator
The Pathways Schools-Edgewood
01.1995 - 01.1998
Case Manager
Frederick County Behavioral Health Services
01.1993 - 01.1995
Educational Leadership -
McDaniel College
Master of Arts in Education and Human Development - School Counseling
The George Washington University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Alderson-Broaddus University