Sara Watson
Bayville,New York
Summary
Dynamic future school counselor with proven success at Locust Valley Middle/High School, enhancing student engagement through innovative multimedia curriculum redesign. Skilled in Google Workspace for Education and adept at fostering emotional resilience, I implemented effective organizational strategies, resulting in improved academic performance and streamlined post-secondary planning for diverse student populations.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Internship in School Counseling
Locust Valley Middle/High School
Locust Valley, USA
09.2025 - Current
- Completing 600+ clinical hours (240+ direct service) over two semesters, delivering comprehensive K-12 counseling under certified supervision.
- Facilitated a Girls’ Empowerment Group focused on social-emotional growth and stress-reduction techniques to enhance student coping skills.
- Modernized counseling curriculum by redesigning multi-media presentations, significantly increasing student engagement and content relevance.
- Provide 1:1 executive functioning support, implementing personalized organizational and time-management systems to boost academic performance.
- Manage a diverse individual counseling caseload, applying evidence-based interventions to resolve social, emotional, and academic barriers.
- Streamlined post-secondary planning by training students on Naviance for college and career research and application management.
Teaching Assistant
Locust Valley Central School District
Locust Valley, USA
01.2024 - Current
- Implement IEP and 504 plans, adapting classroom activities to meet the diverse academic and emotional needs of students.
- Utilize Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to manage classroom dynamics and foster a safe, inclusive learning environment.
- Provide targeted 1:1 behavioral coaching for students experiencing emotional dysregulation, helping them apply self-soothing and conflict-resolution strategies.
- Facilitate small-group social skills interventions, supporting the development of peer relationships and collaborative learning.
- Liaise between lead teachers, parents, and support staff to ensure consistent delivery of student services and track behavioral progress.
Associate Program Director
Higher Education Resources & Opportunities for Equitable Schools (HEROES) Program, SUNY Geneseo
Geneseo, USA
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Managed the 1:1 mentorship program.
- Oversaw three teams within the program leadership team and conduct staff meetings.
- Supported the development of assignments/content for the Spring semester.
- Worked with Student Success team to support students.
Family and Student Engagement Manager
Higher Education Resources & Opportunities for Equitable Schools (HEROES) Program, SUNY Geneseo
Geneseo, USA
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Served as the liaison between university faculty and program participants.
- Followed up with families/students who are missing their paperwork.
- Kept track of all written/phone communications with students using an organized spreadsheet.
- Provided updates/reports of students during student success meetings.
Student Mentor
HEROES Program, SUNY Geneseo
Geneseo, USA
08.2021 - 05.2023
- Engaged in weekly seminar discussions about college success and readiness.
- Met with an assigned mentee on a bi-weekly basis.
- Built a warm, inclusive, and welcoming environment for my mentees.
Education
Master’s of Science - Education in School Counseling
Alfred University
05-2026
Bachelor’s of Arts - Psychology
State University of New York, Geneseo
12.2023
Skills
- Google Workspace for Education
- Eschool
- Canva
- CPI certification
Affiliations
- Nassau Counselors Association
- American School Counselors Association
Awards
- Dean’s List, 5/21
- Dean’s List, 5/22
- Dean’s List, 5/23
- Mentor of the Week
- Overall Outstanding Mentor
- Staff Leader of the Month
Timeline
Internship in School Counseling
Locust Valley Middle/High School
09.2025 - Current
Teaching Assistant
Locust Valley Central School District
01.2024 - Current
Associate Program Director
Higher Education Resources & Opportunities for Equitable Schools (HEROES) Program, SUNY Geneseo
01.2024 - 05.2024
Family and Student Engagement Manager
Higher Education Resources & Opportunities for Equitable Schools (HEROES) Program, SUNY Geneseo
09.2023 - 12.2023
Student Mentor
HEROES Program, SUNY Geneseo
08.2021 - 05.2023
Master’s of Science - Education in School Counseling
Alfred University
Bachelor’s of Arts - Psychology
State University of New York, Geneseo