Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Languages
Software
Timeline
Generic

Nicole Torres

San Pedro,CA

Summary

Dedicated and empathetic counselor with six years of experience providing comprehensive support and guidance to students in their academic, personal, and social development. Over twenty-five years as an educator, passionate about the roles of a school counselor and assistant administrator. Diverse background in teaching and counseling TK-12 grade students, individually and in group settings, as well as within the classroom. Expertise in working with trauma-sensitive students, addressing their social-emotional learning needs, academic progress, and college/career planning. Well-versed in the Multiple Tier Support System and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports frameworks. Experience with students from various socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds, including BIPOC individuals. Goal is to equip all students with necessary tools for success in their educational journey and beyond. Focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment that prioritizes the holistic well-being of each child.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

K-5 Long-term Substitute Counselor

Torrance Unified School District
10.2024 - Current

Provided guidance in areas of academic performance, socio emotional, personal, behavior, and attendance to BIPOC students in grades K-5 using person-centered, solution-focused techniques

Provided DIS (Designated Instruction and Services) to fully deliver the Individualized Education Program to students

Presented Anti-bully assemblies to educate students about the dangers of bullying and skills to become responsible advocates

Counseled students dealing with friendship issues, social skills, self-esteem, self harm, bullying, classroom behavior issues, and issues in their home environment

Participated in team meeting, SIT (Student Intervention Team) and IEPs regarding truancy, student classroom performance, behavior strategies and support

Organized Friendship Club (TK-5) groups held during lunch targeting neurodivergent students with neurotypical students to foster social skills and build healthy peer relationships

Provided counseling referrals to families for crisis management support ie. TUSD Hazel Health, Care Solace and South Bay Families Connected

Counselor Junipero Serra High School

Catapult Learning
08.2023 - 06.2024

Provided individual counseling to BIPOC students addressing personal, academic, and social-emotional issues

Collaborated with teachers, parents, and administrative staff to develop and implement intervention plans for at-risk students with STEP (Support Team Education Plan) and IEP/504 Plans

Held parent student conferences to create academic career and college plans in the best interest of students

Conducted group counseling sessions on topics such as SEL (Social Emotional Learning) bullying prevention, stress management, study skills, and goal-setting

Administered and interpreted STAR, PSAT, SAT and AP assessments to identify students' strengths, interests, and areas for growth

Organized and facilitated weekly advisory workshops and events to promote mental health awareness and student well-being

Coordinated and facilitated NCAA eligibility certifications for student-athletes


Counselor

Mira Costa High School
08.2022 - 06.2023

Provided counseling services including IEP meetings, academic guidance, and social guidance to an assigned cohort of students

Administered and interpreted testing to help identify appropriate career and academic path for each student

Facilitated weekly meetings for students dealing with substance abuse issues in their family or peer group

Managed to execute Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and Student Study Teams (SST)

Coordinated services to meet the developmental and remedial needs of students with learning disabilities including DHH (Deaf and Hard of Hearing) Down syndrome, sensory integration disabilities, and spectrum disabilities

Collaborated with school psychologists, teachers, and administration to meet student needs

Long-term Substitute K-12 Counselor and Teacher

Torrance Unified School District
08.2021 - 06.2022

Provided guidance in areas of academic performance, social skills, self-esteem, and attendance to students in grades K-12 using person-centered, solution-focused techniques

Provided DIS (Designated Instruction and Services) to fully deliver the Individualized Education Program to Students.

Presented at student assemblies to educate students about the dangers of bullying and skills to become responsible advocates

Counseled students dealing with friendship issues, bullying, classroom behavior issues, and issues in their home environment

Coordinated with other school staff to organize events including "High school Information Night","Career Night”, and “College Night"

Organized and participated in team meetings regarding IEPs, truancy, student classroom performance, and crisis management

Implemented monthly professional development workshops to educated faculty and staff on post Covid effective strategies to support students

Counselor and Teacher

St. Pius St. Matthias Academy
06.2019 - 06.2021

Collaborated with teachers and parents to develop academic and behavioral intervention STEP (Success Team Education Plans) for at-risk students

Provided individual counseling sessions to high school students struggling with academic performance, behavior problems, or personal issues

Facilitated group counseling sessions on topics such as stress management, conflict resolution, and college readiness

Presented parent workshops on college applications, essay writing, and FAFSA

Conducted career assessments and guided students in exploring college and career options through one-on-one meetings and workshops

Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans that cater to a diverse group of students with varying learning styles and abilities

Established a positive and inclusive classroom environment that promoted respect, collaboration, and critical thinking skills

Developed and delivered engaging and thought-provoking lessons on various aspects of theology, including religious texts and traditions

Facilitated meaningful classroom discussions that encouraged critical thinking and deepened students' understanding of theological concepts

Provided individualized support and feedback to students to help them succeed in their theological studies

Collaborated with colleagues to plan and coordinate interdisciplinary projects and events related to theology and religious studies

Office Manager

Redondo Beach Cancer Support Community
07.2018 - 06.2019

Provided emotional support and counseling to cancer patients and their families

Facilitated support groups and educational workshops to help patients cope with the challenges of cancer treatment

Supervised a team of administrative staff to ensure efficient office operations and excellent customer service

Managed vendor relationships and negotiated contracts to achieve cost savings for office supplies and services

Implemented new organizational systems and procedures to streamline workflow and improve productivity

Music Teacher

St. Lawrence Martyr School
08.2004 - 06.2018

Develop engaging and interactive lesson plans that cater to various learning styles and abilities of students in grades K-8

Instruct students in music theory, vocal techniques, instrument playing, and music history to enhance their overall musical knowledge and skills

Organize and lead school musical performances, Christmas and Spring concerts, and recitals involving students from different grade levels

Collaborate with classroom teachers and school administration to integrate music education into the overall curriculum and school culture

Implement technology tools and resources to enhance learning experiences in music education for students in grades K-8

Directed and conducted the Children's Choir weekly after school

Education

Master of Arts - School Counseling

Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA
08-2009

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA
05-1998

Skills

    MTSS and PBIS trained

    Student Success Team (SST)/ Student Intervention Team (SIT)

    Flexible and adaptive IEP/504 Plan familiarity

    ELPAC Coordinator

    Equality Diversity Social Justice

    Inclusion Committee Member

    Social Emotional Learning Committee Member

    Ethnic Studies Steering Committee Member

    Black Student Union Member

    Latino Student Union Member

    WASC Leadership Team Leader

    Establish successful partnerships with parents

    Trauma informed trained

    Excellent writing skills

    Clear public speaking skills

    Active listening skills

    Calm under pressure

    CPR/First-aid certified

    Familiar with SIS and SMS systems, ie PowerSchool and Schoology Learning Management System

    Experience with Naviance, Microsoft Office Suite Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Google Drive tools

Affiliations

  • American School Counselor Association (ASCA) 2009-Present
  • California Association of School Counselors (CASC) 2009-Present
  • National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) 2019-Present
  • American Counseling Association 2019-Present

Languages

Spanish
Limited Working

Software

Power School/Aeries Software

Google Suite/Microsoft Office

SEIS (Special Education Information System)

Timeline

K-5 Long-term Substitute Counselor

Torrance Unified School District
10.2024 - Current

Counselor Junipero Serra High School

Catapult Learning
08.2023 - 06.2024

Counselor

Mira Costa High School
08.2022 - 06.2023

Long-term Substitute K-12 Counselor and Teacher

Torrance Unified School District
08.2021 - 06.2022

Counselor and Teacher

St. Pius St. Matthias Academy
06.2019 - 06.2021

Office Manager

Redondo Beach Cancer Support Community
07.2018 - 06.2019

Music Teacher

St. Lawrence Martyr School
08.2004 - 06.2018

Master of Arts - School Counseling

Loyola Marymount University

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Loyola Marymount University
Nicole Torres