Sarah Travassos
Tiverton,RI
Summary
Dynamic School Adjustment Counselor with a proven track record at Atlantis Charter School, focus on supporting students' emotional and social well-being. Skilled in conflict resolution, crisis intervention, and individualized student support plans. Strong collaborator with results-driven approach, adaptable to changing needs and priorities. Known for empathy, active listening, and problem-solving abilities. Experienced with developing and implementing intervention strategies to support students' emotional well-being and behavioral adjustments. Utilizes strong interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with students, parents, and staff. Knowledge of creating positive and supportive school environment to enhance student success.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Adjustment Counselor
Atlantis Charter School
Fall River, MA
08.2007 - Current
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
- Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client''s background and experiences.
- Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence. Create Behavior Support Plans and Tier 3 Crisis Management Plans.
- Implemented data-driven strategies to identify areas of need within school population, leading to targeted interventions and support services.
- Used data to monitor students' progress and recommend solutions for improvement.
- Coordinated with outside agencies to determine students receive appropriate services and resources.
- Supported students transitioning between grade levels by working with teachers to develop effective transition plans aimed at minimizing potential challenges during adjustment periods.
- Improved graduation rates by implementing targeted interventions for at-risk students.
- Partnered with parents and guardians to promote student success in school environment.
- Developed safe and supportive school environment by promoting positive behavior and addressing issues such as bullying and harassment.
- Conducted psychoeducational assessments to identify areas of academic and behavioral strengths and weaknesses and recommend modifications to improve learning and behavior.
- Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions.
- Contributed to development of effective school policies that addressed issues such as attendance, discipline, and substance abuse prevention.
- Reduced disciplinary incidents through proactive conflict resolution strategies that encouraged open communication between all parties involved.
- Collaborate with administration during SST to help support students and teachers to address social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.
- Improved student attendance rates by identifying and addressing underlying issues through targeted counseling interventions.
- Continuously expanded professional knowledge by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars related to field of school counseling and mental health.
Bartender, Concessions
Xfinity Center
Mansfield, MA
05.2017 - 09.2019
- Served high customer volumes during special events, nights, and weekends.
- Managed cash handling duties responsibly, ensuring accurate accounting at end of each shift.
- Performed opening and closing duties, printing sales reports, setting up for incoming shift, preparing cash drawers, and taking inventory.
- Efficiently opened or closed the bar according to established procedures, ensuring preparedness for each shift.
- Followed alcohol awareness procedures for preventing excessive guest intoxication.
- Enhanced overall guest experience by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues professionally.
School Adjustment Counselor
New Bedford Public Schools
New Bedford, MA
09.2015 - 06.2017
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss student progress, share resources, and collaborate on effective intervention strategies.
- Implemented crisis intervention strategies during critical situations, ensuring safety and security of both students and staff members.
- Served as advocate for students within educational system, addressing issues related to special education services, disciplinary actions, and accommodations.
- Designed targeted interventions based on assessment results, promoting positive behavioral change in students.
- Coordinated with external agencies to secure additional support services for vulnerable student populations when necessary.
- Provided consultation services to school staff on best practices for classroom management and instructional techniques that promote positive student behavior.
- Enhanced student well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions tailored to their specific needs.
- Developed comprehensive intervention plans for students experiencing academic, social, or emotional difficulties, leading to improved performance and wellbeing.
- Established safe space for open dialogue among students by implementing peer mediation programs aimed at resolving conflicts peacefully.
- Partnered with parents and guardians to promote student success in school environment.
- Developed and implemented individualized behavior plans to assist students with achieving academic and behavioral goals.
- Developed and conducted workshops and seminars to educate students, faculty and parents on relevant topics in field. Collaborated with parents and teachers to help students reach potential.
- Collaborated with teachers and other school personnel to create individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Helped students develop organizational, time management and study skills.
- 504 Coordinator- scheduled meeting, developed, monitored, and ensured compliance of 504 plan.
- RTI Facilitator- coordinated RTI process, facilitated meetings, ensured fidelity, communicated with families, analyzed data, and supported teachers.
- McKinney-Vento Coordinator Homeless Education Liaison.
Mental Health Clinician
Family Service Association
Fall River, MA
03.2003 - 01.2010
- Completed one-on-one and group counseling with broad range of clients suffering from various diseases and issues.
- Advocated for clients' needs within the broader mental health system, ensuring access to necessary services and resources.
- Provided crisis intervention services, de-escalating high-risk situations and connecting clients with appropriate resources.
- Attended trainings to participate in regular supervision and continued education to maintain professional competence and ethical standards.
- Conducted thorough assessments to diagnose mental health disorders and develop appropriate treatment plans.
- Adhered to ethical and legal standards for confidentiality, protecting clients' privacy.
- Trained new clinicians in agency policies and procedures, ensuring consistent service delivery across organization.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary team members for comprehensive mental health care plans.
- Developed tailored treatment plans by utilizing various therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR and solution-focused therapy.
- Participated actively in weekly case conferences discussing progress/needs of clients to inform overall treatment approach.
- Strengthened client coping skills by providing psychoeducational on stress management techniques and self-care strategies.
- Documented clients' progress to keep detailed notes on each client's treatment progress and changes in mental health status.
Education
Bachelor Of Arts - Psychology, Criminal Justice, Sociology
University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, MAMaster Of Arts - Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling
Assumption College
Worcester, MASkills
- Multicultural Competence
- Solutions-focused
- Crisis Intervention
- Staff Supervision
- Behavioral/Mental Health assessments
- Individual and Group Counseling
- Community collaboration
- IEP development
- Restorative practices
- Family engagement
Certification
School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor, All levels, Initial License MEPID 51529163
CPI Certification 8/2024
CPR & AED Certification 8/2023
Timeline
Bartender, Concessions
Xfinity Center
05.2017 - 09.2019
School Adjustment Counselor
New Bedford Public Schools
09.2015 - 06.2017
School Adjustment Counselor
Atlantis Charter School
08.2007 - Current
Mental Health Clinician
Family Service Association
03.2003 - 01.2010
Bachelor Of Arts - Psychology, Criminal Justice, Sociology
University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth
Master Of Arts - Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling
Assumption College