Allison Gurman
New York,NY
Summary
Licensed school counselor and experienced education professional specializing in independent schools, with expertise in differentiated learning strategies and executive functioning support. Skilled in providing clear, supportive admissions guidance to families, and adept at critical thinking and solution- focused problem-solving.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Admissions Associate
The Buckley School
04.2018 - Current
- Oversee the complete lifecycle of the admissions process, from initial candidate interviews to final decision-making, ensuring a streamlined and efficient operation.
- Provide guidance to potential families regarding the admissions process, outlining necessary requirements and available resources.
- Manage communication with applicant families throughout the admissions season.
- Organize and facilitate large-scale recruitment events such as open houses.
- Develop and execute comprehensive enrollment management strategies to enhance student engagement, improve retention rates, and optimize application processes.
- Collaboratively review applicant submissions with directors, for informed decision-making.
- Tailor communication for diverse range of constituents, ensuring relevant messaging.
- Establish recruitment methodologies to identify and target high-potential markets.
- Contribute to the onboarding of new families by partaking in orientation sessions annually, ensuring ongoing communication and follow-up for a smooth and welcoming integration experience.
- Forecast enrollment trends based on market research and historical data, and resource planning.
School Coordinator
The Abraham Joshua Heschel School
08.2014 - 04.2018
- Coordinated the school's daily operational activities, ensuring efficient management of resources and processes.
- Managed key school projects from inception through completion, effectively ensuring deliverables were achieved within agreed-upon timelines and quality standards.
- Reviewed feedback from parents and stakeholders, making changes to streamline operations.
- Directed the planning and execution of school assemblies, ceremonies, and special events.
- Managed school records, with accuracy and confidentiality.
- Coordinated with teachers and parents to ensure student success and academic achievement.
- Facilitated communication between parents and guardians, teachers, students, administrators.
Personal Educator/Independent Contractor
Therapy West, PLLC & Academics West, LLC
09.2011 - 08.2013
- Collaborated with psychologists and social workers, to develop strategies for each student.
- Specialized in providing tailored academic coaching and support services to clients diagnosed with learning and attention difficulties, enhancing their learning and coping strategies.
- Utilized educational therapy methods, integrating differentiated learning principles to address the diverse cognitive and sensory needs of students.
- Conducted intakes and assessments to determine academic interventions.
- Identified children's learning preferences and styles.
- Utilized Connors 3rd edition Assessment Tool and administered BASC-2.
- Incorporated interactive visual aids to support learning objectives.
School Counselor Intern
Federation Employment & Guidance Services, FEGS
09.2012 - 06.2013
- Served as a school counselor to a diverse group of multicultural high school students attending New Visions Charter High School for the Humanities and New Visions Charter High School for Advanced Math and Science.
- Conducted Teen Screen Suicide Assessments and clinical interviews to evaluate mental health.
- Facilitated weekly group counseling sessions aimed at supporting adolescents facing emotional difficulties, fostering a safe and understanding environment.
- Engaged in daily collaborative meetings with senior staff and supervisors, contributing objective insights and strategies for student success.
- Accumulated 600 hours of practical experience over two semesters, including 240 hours dedicated to direct student counseling.
Focus Teacher
Winston Preparatory School
08.2004 - 06.2006
- Conducted student intakes and comprehensive assessments, leading to the development of targeted academic intervention plans.
- Provided daily one-on-one instruction focusing on executive functioning skills, including time management, organization, planning, and task completion.
- Developed personalized strategies tailored to student's unique learning profiles.
- Implemented cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness exercises, visual organizers, and digital planning tools to enhance self-management skills.
- Communicated with students, teachers, and parents to establish routines and checklists.
- Fostered an environment that encouraged self-reflection and self-assessment, helping students understand their own learning and organizational styles.
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to implement comprehensive support plans that address both academic and executive functioning needs.
- Conducted regular assessments to monitor progress and adjusted strategies accordingly for optimal student development.
Education
Certificate of Advanced Study - Mental Health Counseling
Alfred University
Alfred, NY (Brooklyn Campus)Certificate of Advanced Study - School Counseling
Queens College
Flushing, NYMaster of Arts - Psychology
Yeshiva University
Bronx, NYBachelor of Arts - Psychology
Long Island University
Greenvale, NYSkills
- Ravenna, Blackbaud, Ascendance
- Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace
- Admissions Process Management
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Data Review and Analysis
- Performance Assessments
- Learning Strategies
- Executive Functioning
- Differentiated Instruction
- Special Education Support
- Resource Advocacy
- Report Writing
- Diversity Outreach
- School Tours
Accomplishments
- Igor Galynker, MD, PhD: Suicide Research and Prevention Lab at Mount Sinai Workshop.
- AISAP Masterclass: Crafting a Strategic Enrollment Plan.
- "What is Strategic Enrollment Management?" Its Importance and Implementation.
- Utilizing Data for Strategy - Delving into Enrollment History & Demographics.
- Financial Aid as an Enrollment Tool & Effective Marketing Techniques to Boost Enrollment.
- Michael G Thompson, PhD (Child Mind Institute): "Isolation in Crisis: Parent-Child Challenges".
- NYSAIS Webinar: Designing Inclusive Recruitment Events.
- Workshop: Enhancing Admission with Ambassador Tools.
- Culturally Relevant Teaching Techniques
- Institutional Racism, Privilege & Bias: Addressing Core Issues.
- NAIS Trend Report: National Educational Trends, and Legal Insights presented by Megan Mann and Whitney Silverman.
- NYSAIS: Early Childhood Indicators Workshop - Identification and Interventions (Gaynor).
- Critical Partnerships: Bridging Admission and Marketing & Communication Teams.
- Admissions Events and Visits: Roundtable Moderated by Holland (Taft School) and (Veracross).
- NYSAIS: Strategic Approaches to Admissions Operations.
- NYSAIS: Family Onboarding: Best Practices for Integrating Newcomers into School Communities.
- NYSAIS: Virtual Open Houses: Insights from Experience on Conducting Digital Events.
- One Schoolhouse: Strengthening Communication with Faculty & Families.
- Pollyanna Racial Literacy Program.
- Monique Vogelsang: Enhancing Racial Literacy in Education - Techniques and Curriculum Development.
- AISAP: Beyond Open House - Strategies to Attract and Engage Prospective Families.
- NYSAIS Presentation by Mira Jacobs: 'Good Talk' - Reflecting on Racial Identity in America.
- Completed Living Works Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) workshop in acquiring essential skills in suicide prevention and intervention.
- Ackerman Institute for The Family: Foundations in marriage and family therapy and live clinical supervision: focusing on the Ackerman Relational Approach (ARA).
- Engaged in comprehensive studies on the Foundations of Family Therapy and Systems.
Timeline
Admissions Associate
The Buckley School
04.2018 - Current
School Coordinator
The Abraham Joshua Heschel School
08.2014 - 04.2018
School Counselor Intern
Federation Employment & Guidance Services, FEGS
09.2012 - 06.2013
Personal Educator/Independent Contractor
Therapy West, PLLC & Academics West, LLC
09.2011 - 08.2013
Focus Teacher
Winston Preparatory School
08.2004 - 06.2006
Certificate of Advanced Study - Mental Health Counseling
Alfred University
Certificate of Advanced Study - School Counseling
Queens College
Master of Arts - Psychology
Yeshiva University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Long Island University
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