Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) Award
Timeline
Generic

Montra M. Thomas, Ed.D.

Humble

Summary

Professional with strong background in counseling and deep commitment to student development. Demonstrates effective communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills to support student well-being. Collaborative team player, adaptable to changing needs, and focused on achieving positive outcomes.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

9th Grade School Counselor

North Shore High School 9th Grade-Galena Park ISD
07.2024 - Current
  • Regularly met with enrolled students to confirm success and identify problem areas.
  • Collaborated with teachers and administrators to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.
  • Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
  • Maintained a high level of professional development through continuous education, conference attendance, and participation in professional organizations related to school counseling.
  • Empowered parents/guardians involvement in their children's education via organizing educational workshops and providing resources on academic, career, and personal/social development.


Wellness Support Counselor

Community Learning Center-Humble ISD
07.2023 - 06.2024
  • Connected students with appropriate support networks such as family members or specialized professionals to foster lasting recovery.
  • Provided crisis intervention with empathy and professionalism to ensure student safety and stabilization.
  • Established trust-filled relationships with students by maintaining confidentiality and respecting personal boundaries.
  • Communicated effectively both verbally and in writing regarding case updates with team members, supervisors, and external partners.
  • Promoted mental health awareness among staff members through training programs on topics such as stress management, self-care, and recognizing warning signs in students.

7th Grade School Counselor

Bailey Middle School-Spring ISD
08.2021 - 07.2023
  • Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions.
  • Collaborated with teachers and administrators to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.
  • Developed a safe and supportive school environment by promoting positive behavior and addressing issues such as bullying and harassment.
  • Implemented data-driven strategies to identify areas of need within the school population, leading to targeted interventions and support services.


Elementary School Counselor

Cooper Elementary School-Spring ISD
12.2013 - 08.2021
  • Created a safe space for students within the school community where they felt comfortable discussing their concerns or seeking guidance from counselors or staff members.
  • Promoted a positive school environment by fostering strong relationships among staff, parents, and students.
  • Implemented comprehensive guidance curriculum that addressed the academic, career, and social-emotional development of all students.
  • Developed partnerships with local organizations and businesses to provide an array of resources to benefit the school community.

Special Education Teacher/Team Leader

Meyer Elementary School-Spring ISD
10.2008 - 12.2013
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.

Long-term Substitute Teacher/Special Education Teacher

Westfield High School-Spring ISD
08.2005 - 10.2008
  • Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
  • Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
  • Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.

Education

Doctor of Education - Executive Educational Leadership

Houston Christian University
Houston, TX
05-2020

Master of Arts - Counseling

Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX
12-2009

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
08-2004

Skills

  • Individual counseling
  • Mediation and crisis intervention
  • Suicide prevention
  • Student advocacy
  • Maintaining confidentiality
  • Solutions-focused
  • Conflict mediation
  • Academic support
  • Conflict resolution
  • Empathy development
  • Student records management
  • Multicultural competence

Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas (CREST) Award

The CREST Award is sponsored by the Texas School Counselor Association (TSCA) and awarded to school counseling programs that meet CREST requirements. CREST is a continuous improvement document that school counseling programs can use to demonstrate effective communication and a commitment to obtaining results.


CREST AWARD RECIPIENT

2023- Bailey Middle School

2020- Cooper Elementary School

Timeline

9th Grade School Counselor

North Shore High School 9th Grade-Galena Park ISD
07.2024 - Current

Wellness Support Counselor

Community Learning Center-Humble ISD
07.2023 - 06.2024

7th Grade School Counselor

Bailey Middle School-Spring ISD
08.2021 - 07.2023

Elementary School Counselor

Cooper Elementary School-Spring ISD
12.2013 - 08.2021

Special Education Teacher/Team Leader

Meyer Elementary School-Spring ISD
10.2008 - 12.2013

Long-term Substitute Teacher/Special Education Teacher

Westfield High School-Spring ISD
08.2005 - 10.2008

Doctor of Education - Executive Educational Leadership

Houston Christian University

Master of Arts - Counseling

Prairie View A&M University

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Pittsburgh
Montra M. Thomas, Ed.D.