Theresa Sirdevan
Cheektowaga,NY
Summary
Seasoned Transition Counselor with a proven track record at Buffalo Public Schools, adept in individual counseling and crisis intervention. Excels in creating impactful partnerships and advocating for students and families navigating the criminal justice system. Demonstrates exceptional teamwork and interpersonal skills, ensuring seamless collaboration across community organizations.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Transition Counselor
Buffalo Public Schools
Buffalo, NY
04.2016 - Current
- Monitors student progress, provides guidance and support, and facilitates communication between school personnel, parents, and other community organizations.
- Facilitates reentry meetings for students returning to school post-detainment.
- Serves as the Buffalo Public School Liaison for Erie County family court judges, attorneys, probation officers, and community partners.
- Attends and facilitates workshops related to youth in the criminal justice system.
- Provides educational records to facilities and stakeholders serving the youth.
- Advocates for families and youth working through the criminal justice system.
- Refers and links students to agencies and community resources.
School Counselor
Department of Defense Education Activity
Yokosuka, Japan
08.2021 - 07.2023
- Provided individual, group and family counseling to students with emotional and behavioral needs.
- Facilitated crisis intervention meetings with school staff and parents of at-risk students.
- Developed and implemented Individualized Education Plans for special education students.
- Assisted in the development of a comprehensive school counseling program.
- Conducted classroom guidance lessons on topics such as bullying, self-esteem, anger management.
- Coordinated services between teachers, administrators, families, outside agencies and community resources.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress including attendance reports, referrals and assessments.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop effective strategies to address academic and social and emotional issues in the classroom setting.
- Actively participated in IEP meetings to ensure appropriate accommodations are provided for eligible students.
- Incorporated evidence-based interventions into counseling sessions when appropriate.
- Advised faculty on strategies that support positive behavior modification among students.
- Created an environment that was conducive to learning by monitoring student behavior during lunchtime activities.
- Participated in regular team meetings with other school counselors to discuss case studies or current initiatives within the district.
- Engaged in ongoing professional development activities related to mental health trends within schools.
- Utilized technology platforms such as video conferencing or online portals for remote counseling sessions when necessary.
- Assisted in developing safety plans for high risk students who may be at risk of harming themselves or others.
- Counseled students individually or in small groups regarding personal problems they may be facing at home or at school.
- Kept accurate student records in accordance with legal requirements, district policies and administrative regulations.
- Instructed students in techniques for academic success and career planning.
- Observed students during classroom activities to evaluate students' performance, behavior and social development.
- Provided crisis intervention to students dealing with difficult situations at school.
- Conferred with parents, teachers and administrators to discuss children's progress and resolve behavioral and academic problems.
- Identified cases of abuse, encouraging students or parents to seek assistance from mental health professionals.
- Maintained accurate and complete student records required by laws, district policies and administrative regulations.
Tutor Coordinator
Best Self
Buffalo, NY
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Assisted in the recruitment, interviewing and selection of tutors.
- Developed and implemented tutor training programs.
- Coordinated, scheduled and monitored all tutoring activities.
- Provided guidance to students regarding academic challenges.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, grades and other pertinent data.
- Conducted regular meetings with tutors to assess performance and address any issues or concerns.
- Collaborated with school administrators on curriculum development initiatives related to tutoring services.
- Initiated communication with faculty members to ensure accuracy of subject content in tutoring sessions.
Career Advisor
Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education Division
Buffalo, NY
09.2002 - 04.2016
- Provided career guidance to incarcerated individuals in need of assistance with job searches and career exploration.
- Created individualized career plans for clients based on their interests, skills, and experiences.
- Conducted one-on-one meetings to discuss client needs and potential solutions.
- Developed resources such as resume templates, networking strategies, and interview tips for clients.
- Advised clients on educational options that best suited their skills and interests.
- Developed partnerships with local schools and universities to provide additional resources for career development.
- Provided emotional support to those struggling with difficult life transitions or other emotional issues related to work or school decisions.
Education
Master of Science - Counselor Education
Canisius College
Buffalo, NY05-2000
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
SUNY Buffalo State
Buffalo, NY05-1998
Skills
- Individual counseling
- Referrals
- Career guidance
- Job search strategies
- Client advocacy
- Crisis intervention
- Practiced in family assessments
- Crisis prevention intervention (CPI)
- Maintain records
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Team building
- Multitasking
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Trauma-informed care
- Case management
- Group therapy facilitation
- Interpersonal skills
- Teamwork
Timeline
School Counselor
Department of Defense Education Activity
08.2021 - 07.2023
Transition Counselor
Buffalo Public Schools
04.2016 - Current
Tutor Coordinator
Best Self
01.2016 - 01.2019
Career Advisor
Buffalo Public Schools Adult Education Division
09.2002 - 04.2016
Master of Science - Counselor Education
Canisius College
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
SUNY Buffalo State
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