Sarah Orton
Manchester,CT
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate school counseling professional with a strong ability to collaborate with students, staff, and families to cultivate a positive and supportive school environment. Experienced in providing individualized counseling to address students' academic, social, and emotional needs while assisting them in overcoming challenges and reaching their full potential. Skilled in building trust and rapport, creating safe spaces for open communication, and encouraging personal growth. Motivated by a lifelong commitment to professional development and continuously seeking innovative strategies to make a meaningful impact on students' lives.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Simsbury High School
School Counselor- Intern
Simsbury, CT
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Provide individual counseling for students in all grades on post-secondary planning, social/emotional issues, and academic struggles.
- Conduct small group work with ninth graders who are struggling with the development of stress management skills.
- Participate in 504 and Planning and Placement Team meetings for annual and triennial plan checks or revisions.
- Work alongside the Special Education team to personalize elective classes so that students with modifications can participate.
- Collaborate with the school counseling department to administer classroom lessons on varying topics for students in all grades.
- Facilitate post-secondary planning with upperclassmen via either junior planning meetings or guidance through college applications.
- Help the school counseling department organize a career interests fair for the sophomore class.
- Communicate frequently with the parents or guardians of students.
- Proctor PSAT and AP exams.
Mansfield Middle School
Practicum
Mansfield, CT
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Co-facilitated 7th and 8th-grade lunch groups focused on developing social and conversational skills.
- Met individually with a caseload of 12 students to work on issues related to peer relationships and academic goals.
- Published a weekly newsletter to promote parent education surrounding issues like phone use, vaping, high school transition, etc.
- Worked alongside the school counseling department and other faculty members to deliver weekly lessons during the SEL block.
Paraprofessional
Kelley Services
Farmington, CT
08.2023 - 01.2024
- Worked in East Hartford and Wethersfield, providing special education services to students at the elementary level.
- Gained building placements in both districts through recognition of commitment to ensuring the educational success of assigned students.
- Performed administrative duties such as STAR test proctoring and cafeteria supervision.
Education
Master of Arts - School Counseling
The University of Saint Joseph
West Hartford, CT05-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
The University of Rhode Island
Kingston, RI12-2020
Skills
- Powerschool
- CT-SEDS
- Naviance
- SchooLinks
- Google Classroom
- Google Suite/ Microsoft 365
Other Experience
Server, Maple Tree Cafe, Simsbury, CT 07/23 - Present
Sales Manager, Marc Jacobs, Wrentham, MA 01/21 - 08/23
Volunteer, The Empowerment Factory, Pawtucket, RI 08/22 - 06/23
Accomplishments
Chi Sigma Iota, Member since Spring 2023
CSCA Poster: Orton, Sarah (2024) Benefits of Student Employment Programs, "CSCA 2024 Conference", a presentation on research findings that middle school students benefit from obtaining early employment experience within a school setting, Sacred Heart University, (May), Fairfield, CT.
Associations
American School Counselor Association (ASCA)
Connecticut School Counselor Association (CSCA)
Timeline
Simsbury High School
School Counselor- Intern
08.2024 - 06.2025
Mansfield Middle School
Practicum
01.2024 - 05.2024
Paraprofessional
Kelley Services
08.2023 - 01.2024
Master of Arts - School Counseling
The University of Saint Joseph
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
The University of Rhode Island
Similar Profiles
Jennifer Santiago-BranchJennifer Santiago-Branch
SST Manager at Classical Charter SchoolSST Manager at Classical Charter School
Jami SimpsonJami Simpson
GRAPHIC DESIGNER AND PRINT BUSINESS OWNER at VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR INTERNGRAPHIC DESIGNER AND PRINT BUSINESS OWNER at VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION COUNSELOR INTERN
Benjamin McGovernBenjamin McGovern
Volunteer at Philomath Outdoor School CounselorVolunteer at Philomath Outdoor School Counselor