SONIA MEDINA
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dedicated School Counselor with experience supporting students’ academic achievement, college and career readiness, and social-emotional growth. Skilled in implementing data-driven interventions and developing personalized academic and post-secondary plans. Proven ability to build collaborative partnerships with educators, families, and community organizations to expand student opportunities.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Counselor
Aspira Early College High School
10.2011 - 04.2026
- Delivered a comprehensive counseling program aligned with the ASCA National Model, supporting students' academic success, college and career and social-emotional development.
- Expanded dual credit and dual enrollment opportunities by coordinating partnerships with Wright College and Northeastern Illinois University, increasing student access to college-level courses.
- Facilitated SAT/ACT administration as test coordinator, achieving 98% in compliance.
- Led credit recovery initiatives, supporting on-time graduation and improved academic outcomes by 28%.
- Supported students in achieving 100% completion of postsecondary plans.
- Provided individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and classroom instruction on key student issues.
- Collaborated with staff, families, and community partners to deliver targeted student support.
- Utilized academic data to pinpoint achievement gaps and executed effective intervention strategies.
Program Coordinator
Aspira Miguel Del Valle Youth Development Center
07.2010 - 10.2011
- Led a mentoring and advocacy program for at-risk students with Chicago Public Schools, boosting engagement and attendance.
- Guided students in college/career readiness, job preparation, and academic goal-setting.
- Directed program implementation and curriculum development to align with organizational objectives.
- Supervised and trained mentors, tutors, and volunteers to deliver high-impact student support.
- Built partnerships with schools and community stakeholders, expanding program reach and effectiveness.
Academic Advisor
Aspira Miguel Del Valle Youth Development Center
02.2006 - 07.2010
- Managed confidential student records and program data while recruiting and onboarding participants.
- Provided case management for 50+ first-generation, low-income students under WIA and TRIO Talent Search guidelines.
Education
Master's - School Counseling
Capella University
05-2020
Master's - Community Development
North Park University
05-2009
Bachelor's - Social Work
Northeastern Illinois University
12-2005
Skills
- Bilingual- English and Spanish
- Student Counseling
- Crisis Intervention
- Career Planning
- Academic Advising
- Conflict Resolution
- Mental Health Support
- PowerSchool
- ASPEN
- Schoolinks- Post-Secondary Platform
- Odysseyware & Edgenuity- Credit Recovery Programs
Certification
- Professional Educator License (IEIN: 1142541) with an endorsement in School Counselor.
- Chicago College and Career Advising Credential.
- Chicago Undocumented Champion Credential.
Timeline
School Counselor
Aspira Early College High School
10.2011 - 04.2026
Program Coordinator
Aspira Miguel Del Valle Youth Development Center
07.2010 - 10.2011
Academic Advisor
Aspira Miguel Del Valle Youth Development Center
02.2006 - 07.2010
Master's - School Counseling
Capella University
Master's - Community Development
North Park University
Bachelor's - Social Work
Northeastern Illinois University