Thomas Koufogazos
Palm Harbor,FL
Summary
Professional counselor with strong foundation in student support and development. Known for effective communication, empathy, and conflict resolution skills. Proven ability to collaborate with educators and adapt to changing needs while consistently achieving positive outcomes for students. Skilled in individual and group counseling, academic planning, and crisis intervention, creating supportive and results-driven environment.
Professional counselor with robust background in educational support and student development. Proven track record of guiding students through academic and personal challenges, resulting in improved school performance and well-being. Known for collaborative approach and adaptability, ensuring reliable support for both students and staff. Key skills include conflict resolution and program development, valued for strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Professional School Counselor
Plato Academy Charter School
08.2017 - Current
- Implemented data-driven counseling practices, leading to more effective solutions for student issues.
- Continuously improved professional skills by attending conferences, workshops, and trainings related to school counseling practices.
- Improved the effectiveness of school-wide intervention programs by continuously monitoring and adjusting strategies based on student outcomes.
- Streamlined communication between administration, teachers, parents, and students by developing an efficient referral system for counseling services.
Professional School Counselor
Pinellas County School District
10.2015 - 07.2017
- Improved the effectiveness of school-wide intervention programs by continuously monitoring and adjusting strategies based on student outcomes.
- Developed comprehensive guidance programs for diverse student populations, fostering positive school environments.
- Established partnerships with community organizations to provide additional resources for families in need.
- Encouraged social-emotional development through small group sessions focused on self-awareness, relationship-building, and decision-making skills.
- Contributed to a positive school climate by participating in leadership committees focusing on student engagement initiatives.
- Provided crisis intervention support to students facing challenging situations, ensuring their well-being within the school environment.
Correctional Counselor
St. Petersburg Behavioral Health
01.2014 - 08.2015
- Delivered high-quality training sessions for new staff members, enhancing their skills in effective case management practices.
- Maintained thorough documentation of case management activities, facilitating efficient information sharing among stakeholders.
- Facilitated successful inmate transitions from restrictive housing to general population by developing individualized step-down plans and monitoring progress.
- Served as a liaison between inmates, families, legal representatives, probation officers, mental health professionals, educators, employers, housing providers on matters concerning inmate welfare during incarceration or post-release planning.
- Coordinated and worked closely with law enforcement, social service agencies and mental health providers.
- Served as court liaison by attending court hearings and presenting reports and recommendations.
- Arranged substance abuse rehabilitation for offenders.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making tools to evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement within the case management system.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed, effectively de-escalating tense situations and ensuring the well-being of all involved parties.
- Monitored compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and policies related to offender supervision and treatment programs.
Community Based Counselor
Sequel Alliance Family Services
07.2009 - 12.2014
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Developed treatment plans to help clients build self-confidence and resilience.
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
- Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Managed patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
Professional School Counselor
Pasco County Schools
06.2004 - 05.2009
- Worked with individuals to help understand and overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
- Delivered supportive and knowledgeable counseling to students with academic or personal concerns.
- Advocated for students to access available resources.
- Educated students on college admissions process and scholarship requirements.
- Analyzed student academic records to assess educational and career goals.
- Collaborated with teachers and other school personnel to create individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Identified and addressed concerns of incoming students and parents.
- Provided crisis intervention support to students facing challenging situations, ensuring their well-being within the school environment.
Professional School Counselor
Pinellas County School District
08.2001 - 06.2004
- Used standardized assessments to evaluate abilities, interests and characteristics of different students.
- Developed and implemented student guidance plans to foster academic success.
- Collaborated with parents and teachers to help students reach potential.
- Collaborated with parents, school faculty and social workers to address problems and grow student success.
- Provided resources to support students in achieving career goals.
- Helped students develop organizational, time management and study skills.
- Maintained positive relationships with students, faculty, alumni, and administration.
- Organized professional development opportunities for staff members related to mental health awareness and best practices in supporting student wellbeing.
Education
M.Sc Graduate Certificate in Project Management - Project Management Counsulting
Global Academy of Finance & Management
Colorado Springs, CO12-2025
Master of Science - Guidance And Counseling
Nova Southeastern University
Davie, FL04-2001
Bachelor of Arts - Social And Behavioral Sciences
The University of Tampa
Tampa, FL12-1995
Skills
- Professional ethics
- Multicultural competence
- Student counseling
- Academic advising
- Career counseling
- Behavioral assessment
- Conflict resolution
- Crisis intervention
- Youth and adolescent development
- Adolescent counseling
- Career guidance
- Conflict mediation
- Individual and family support
- Alcohol and substance abuse
- School counseling
Certification
WARREN TRAUMA INSTITUTE, Nyack, NY • Certified Field Traumatologist, Certificate in Clinical & Forensic Traumatology, May 2020
Languages
Greek
Full Professional
Timeline
Professional School Counselor
Plato Academy Charter School
08.2017 - Current
Professional School Counselor
Pinellas County School District
10.2015 - 07.2017
Correctional Counselor
St. Petersburg Behavioral Health
01.2014 - 08.2015
Community Based Counselor
Sequel Alliance Family Services
07.2009 - 12.2014
Professional School Counselor
Pasco County Schools
06.2004 - 05.2009
Professional School Counselor
Pinellas County School District
08.2001 - 06.2004
M.Sc Graduate Certificate in Project Management - Project Management Counsulting
Global Academy of Finance & Management
Master of Science - Guidance And Counseling
Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor of Arts - Social And Behavioral Sciences
The University of Tampa
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