Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Development
Timeline
Generic
Nicole Kruger

Nicole Kruger

Little Elm,TX

Summary

Experienced with student advising, curriculum planning, and academic intervention. Utilizes in-depth knowledge of educational resources to guide students towards their goals. Strong understanding of student needs and effective counseling techniques.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Counselor

Bert Lynn Middle School
07.2014 - 06.2023
  • I followed the ASCA curriculum which focuses on academics, social/emotional and college/career readiness
  • My role as a counselor is to provide a curriculum focused on the mindsets and behaviors all students need for postsecondary readiness
  • Created a modified counseling program where the emphasis was on making positive choices as well as coping with anger and frustration by creating a safe place for students to talk and get help by teaching them to cope with academic and social stress as well as to advocate for themselves
  • Held classroom discussion over the year on bullying and the steps to take to deter or report bullying
  • As well as classroom lessons on Suicide prevention and See Something, Say Something from Sandy Hook curriculum
  • Facilitated conflict resolution session to teach students the importance of communication and respect
  • Created a weekly study skills class to help students learn how to organize, plan and advocate as well as the importance of consistently completing their homework
  • Facilitated 3 parents nights to teach Naviance a comprehensive K-12 computer college and career readiness platform
  • Led parent/student nights to talk about the transition into high school and to understand the A-G requirements to earn a diploma and be accepted to a college or university
  • Used Solution-focused counseling (SFBT) which is a goal-directed collaborative approach
  • SFBT focuses on exploring the history and origin or antecedent of problem(s)
  • Part of the District Crisis Team
  • My job was to provide a safe place for students to come and release any emotion or memory that was sparked by the crisis
  • Facilitated counseling groups for both special education and general education students
  • Some of the topics included anger management, social skills, anxiety, self harm, depression and empathy
  • Developed a counseling framework within the school using a Positive Behavioral Support (PBIS) and crisis plan development
  • Facilitated 504 meetings, which is an Office of Civil Rights plan for students with a medical or other type of disability, that need accommodations in the general education setting to be more successful
  • Assisted in the articulation of students between elementary to middle school and middle school to high school
  • Started a YANA club
  • YANA stands for You Are Not Alone
  • The goal is to help others feel included and part of the school community
  • The students plan activities to allow all students to be part of an activity and not feel alone
  • Member of the Student Intervention Team (SIT) to collaborate with general education and special education professionals to assess the need for interventions in the classroom to improve student performance
  • Consistent communication with parents about their students' progress both academically and emotionally
  • Facilitated weekly special education meetings with the special ed staff to discuss cases and collaborate on services for their Individual Education Plans (IEP)
  • Part of a community based program for school students to assist in preparing them for their journey through high school and into early adulthood
  • The program focuses primarily on 8th grade students and provides them a foundation and skills to make sound decisions towards their future, grow upon leadership skills, and facilitate life skills instruction, and instill accountability
  • Organize a career day yearly with local community organizations and businesses to talk about their businesses and how they started the business and what it takes to be successful
  • Part of school based committees on campus
  • The first is Shared Leadership where we discuss how we can run our campus more efficiently in which we take back to our departments to get their input and collaborate
  • The second committee is an Intervention team which discusses weekly those students who are struggling in general education as well as English Learners
  • We discuss interventions and collaborate with the teachers of those students
  • Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
  • Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
  • Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
  • Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counseling field.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
  • Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
  • Conducted assessments to determine progress and performance and report findings to relevant authorities.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
  • Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
  • Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
  • Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
  • Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counseling field.
  • Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client''s background and experiences.
  • Worked closely with families to support clients in their recovery process and strengthen relationships among family members.
  • Communicated regularly with other professionals involved in the client''s care for coordinated service delivery efforts.
  • Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress or dangerous situations.
  • Coordinated referrals between agencies to ensure seamless transitions for clients receiving multiple services.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients with complex needs.
  • Enhanced therapeutic alliance through empathetic listening and validation of client experiences.
  • Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in clients by utilizing cognitive-behavioral strategies.
  • Improved client self-esteem and communication skills through targeted therapeutic techniques.
  • Facilitated client self-discovery and personal growth through reflective exercises and discussions.
  • Provided crisis intervention services, offering immediate support and stabilization.
  • Maintained detailed client records to track progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
  • Enhanced client emotional well-being by conducting individual and group therapy sessions.
  • Fostered supportive environment, enabling clients to openly discuss their feelings and experiences.
  • Led psychoeducational groups to increase awareness and understanding of mental health issues.
  • Developed and implemented personalized treatment plans for improved mental health outcomes.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for holistic care, ensuring alignment of treatment goals.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify client needs and appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Counselor

J. H. Hull Middle School
07.2010 - 06.2014
  • Counseled 6th-8th grade students to address depression, assertiveness, poor academic achievement, friendship skills and coping skills
  • Led boys and girls groups weekly to discuss topics about social skills, behavioral issues, bullying and organization skills using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which is negative patterns of thought about the self and the world are challenged in order to change unwanted behavior patterns or treat mood disorders such as depression
  • Facilitated weekly special education meetings with the special ed staff to discuss cases and collaborate on services for their Individual Education Plans (IEP)
  • Facilitated 504 meetings
  • Performed conflict resolution sessions to teach students the importance of communication and respect
  • Member of the Student Study Team (SST) to collaborate with general education and special education professionals to assess the need for Interventions in the classroom to Improve student performance
  • Used Solution-focused counseling(SFBT) which is a goal-directed collaborative approach
  • SFBT focuses on exploring the history and origin or antecedent of problem(s)
  • Part of the District Crisis Team
  • Assisted in the articulation of students between elementary to middle school and middle school to high school

Counselor

Edison and Yukon Elementary School
07.2008 - 06.2010
  • Assisted in the articulation of students between elementary to middle school
  • Used Solution-focused counseling(SFBT) which is a goal-directed collaborative approach
  • SFBT focuses on exploring the history and origin or antecedent of problem(s)
  • Part of the District Crisis Team
  • Consistent communication with parents about their students' progress both academically and emotionally
  • Facilitated 504 meetings
  • Facilitated weekly special education meetings with the special ed staff to discuss cases and collaborate on services for their Individual Education Plans (IEP)
  • Co-created the Positive Behavioral Support Plan to implement in the school environment
  • Ran groups from K-5th to teach coping skills, friendship skills, social skills, and appropriate behaviors expected in and outside of class
  • Member of the SST committee to help with interventions that may be needed in the classroom for either academic and/or behavioral support

Counselor

Adams & Wood Elementary School
07.2005 - 06.2007
  • Assisted in the articulation of students between elementary to middle school
  • Used Solution-focused counseling(SFBT) which is a goal-directed collaborative approach
  • SFBT focuses on exploring the history and origin or antecedent of problem(s)
  • Part of the District Crisis Team
  • Consistent communication with parents about their students' progress both academically and emotionally
  • Facilitated 504 meetings
  • Facilitated weekly special education meetings with the special ed staff to discuss cases and collaborate on services for their Individual Education Plans (IEP)
  • Co-created the Positive Behavioral Support Plan to implement in the school environment
  • Ran groups from K-5th to teach coping skills, friendship skills, social skills, and appropriate behaviors expected in and outside of class
  • Member of the SST committee to help with interventions that may be needed in the classroom for either academic and/or behavioral support
  • Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
  • Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
  • Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counseling field.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
  • Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
  • Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
  • Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
  • Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
  • Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counseling field.
  • Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client''s background and experiences.
  • Worked closely with families to support clients in their recovery process and strengthen relationships among family members.
  • Communicated regularly with other professionals involved in the client''s care for coordinated service delivery efforts.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients with complex needs.
  • Enhanced therapeutic alliance through empathetic listening and validation of client experiences.
  • Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in clients by utilizing cognitive-behavioral strategies.
  • Improved client self-esteem and communication skills through targeted therapeutic techniques.
  • Facilitated client self-discovery and personal growth through reflective exercises and discussions.
  • Facilitated workshops on stress management techniques, leading to better client self-care strategies.
  • Provided crisis intervention services, offering immediate support and stabilization.
  • Maintained detailed client records to track progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
  • Enhanced client emotional well-being by conducting individual and group therapy sessions.
  • Fostered supportive environment, enabling clients to openly discuss their feelings and experiences.
  • Developed and implemented personalized treatment plans for improved mental health outcomes.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for holistic care, ensuring alignment of treatment goals.
  • Supported clients in development of healthy coping strategies, leading to improved life management skills.
  • Improved client coping mechanisms with introduction of evidence-based practices.
  • Guided clients in development of personal goals and strategies for achieving them.
  • Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
  • Provided education on mental health topics and resources to clients.
  • Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
  • Assessed clients' needs to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions.
  • Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
  • Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
  • Developed treatment plans to help clients build self-confidence and resilience.
  • Facilitated group counseling sessions to support and encourage client growth.
  • Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
  • Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
  • Supervised meetings with family members to help create support system for clients.
  • Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
  • Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
  • Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.

Counselor

Wood Elementary School
07.2001 - 06.2007
  • Assisted in the articulation of students between elementary to middle school
  • Used Solution-focused counseling(SFBT) which is a goal-directed collaborative approach
  • SFBT focuses on exploring the history and origin or antecedent of problem(s)
  • Part of the District Crisis Team
  • Consistent communication with parents about their students' progress both academically and emotionally
  • Facilitated 504 meetings
  • Facilitated weekly special education meetings with the special ed staff to discuss cases and collaborate on services for their Individual Education Plans (IEP)
  • Co-created the Positive Behavioral Support Plan to implement in the school environment
  • Ran groups from K-5th to teach coping skills, friendship skills, social skills, and appropriate behaviors expected in and outside of class
  • Member of the SST committee to help with interventions that may be needed in the classroom for either academic and/or behavioral support
  • Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
  • Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
  • Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
  • Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counseling field.
  • Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
  • Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
  • Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
  • Established trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening, validation, and unconditional positive regard.
  • Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counseling field.
  • Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client''s background and experiences.
  • Worked closely with families to support clients in their recovery process and strengthen relationships among family members.
  • Communicated regularly with other professionals involved in the client''s care for coordinated service delivery efforts.
  • Provided crisis intervention services to individuals experiencing acute distress or dangerous situations.
  • Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in clients by utilizing cognitive-behavioral strategies.
  • Improved client self-esteem and communication skills through targeted therapeutic techniques.
  • Facilitated client self-discovery and personal growth through reflective exercises and discussions.
  • Facilitated workshops on stress management techniques, leading to better client self-care strategies.
  • Provided crisis intervention services, offering immediate support and stabilization.
  • Maintained detailed client records to track progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
  • Enhanced client emotional well-being by conducting individual and group therapy sessions.
  • Fostered supportive environment, enabling clients to openly discuss their feelings and experiences.
  • Developed and implemented personalized treatment plans for improved mental health outcomes.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for holistic care, ensuring alignment of treatment goals.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify client needs and appropriate therapeutic interventions.
  • Advocated for clients' needs, connecting them with community resources to support their well-being.
  • Supported clients in development of healthy coping strategies, leading to improved life management skills.
  • Improved client coping mechanisms with introduction of evidence-based practices.
  • Provided education on mental health topics and resources to clients.
  • Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
  • Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
  • Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
  • Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
  • Developed treatment plans to help clients build self-confidence and resilience.
  • Facilitated group counseling sessions to support and encourage client growth.
  • Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
  • Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
  • Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
  • Supervised meetings with family members to help create support system for clients.
  • Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.

Education

Master degree in Science - School Counseling - School Counseling

University of La Verne
La Verne, CA
05.2001

Bachelor Degree in Science - Family Studies

University of Maryland
College Park, MD
05.1993

Skills

  • Building rapport
  • Behavior monitoring
  • Adept at conflict resolution
  • Anger management
  • Adolescent counseling
  • Crisis intervention
  • Intervention planning
  • Office administration
  • Interventions
  • Peer counseling
  • Client counseling
  • Strong public speaker
  • Learning disability awareness
  • Behavior modification
  • Superior communication skills
  • Solution-focused counseling
  • Case management and documentation
  • Exceptional problem solver
  • Adolescent development
  • Time management
  • Team collaboration
  • Decision-making
  • Documentation and reporting
  • Conflict resolution
  • Emotional support
  • Suicide risk assessments
  • Superior communication skills
  • Solution-focused counseling
  • Case management and documentation
  • Exceptional problem solver
  • Suicide risk assessments
  • Adolescent development
  • Parenting skills educator
  • Time management
  • Team collaboration
  • Decision-making
  • Documentation and reporting
  • Conflict resolution
  • Emotional support
  • Superior communication skills
  • Solution-focused counseling
  • Case management and documentation
  • Exceptional problem solver
  • Suicide risk assessments
  • Adolescent development
  • Parenting skills educator
  • Time management
  • Team collaboration
  • Decision-making
  • Documentation and reporting
  • Conflict resolution
  • Emotional support
  • Counseling

Professional Development

  • Member of the American School Counseling Association (ASCA)
  • Maximizing Achievement for Every Student, TUSD, 2015
  • Advanced Skills in Implementing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the School Setting, SELPA, 2014
  • Cognitive Behavioral Strategies for Children and Adolescents, SELPA, 2014
  • Cultural Proficiency: A Framework for Examining and Understanding Data, SELPA, 2010-2011
  • Positive Beginnings: Supporting Young Children with Challenging Behaviors, Diagnostic Center of Southern California, 2005
  • Applying Positive Behavioral Support & Foundations of Positive Behavioral Support, SELPA, 2004
  • Behavior Plan Practicum: Developing and Scoring High Quality Behavior Plans, Diana Browning Wright, 2004
  • Using Reinforcement Effectively, Robin Shipley, MA, 2004
  • International Institute for Restorative Practices, 2019
  • UCLA PEERS Certificated Training Seminar for Educators, 2018

Timeline

Counselor

Bert Lynn Middle School
07.2014 - 06.2023

Counselor

J. H. Hull Middle School
07.2010 - 06.2014

Counselor

Edison and Yukon Elementary School
07.2008 - 06.2010

Counselor

Adams & Wood Elementary School
07.2005 - 06.2007

Counselor

Wood Elementary School
07.2001 - 06.2007

Master degree in Science - School Counseling - School Counseling

University of La Verne

Bachelor Degree in Science - Family Studies

University of Maryland

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Nicole Kruger