Tonya Anderson-Vaden
Blacksburg,VA
Summary
Experienced career counselor with a strong record in program coordination, student support, and career assessment. Skilled in financial aid navigation, curriculum planning, and community outreach, with a history of guiding students toward college, training, and employment pathways.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Career Counselor
Giles County Public Schools
Pearisburg, Virginia
10.2001 - Current
- - Advised students on academic planning, graduation requirements, and career pathways.
- - Provided individual and group guidance on college and career readiness.
- Coordinated and managed job fairs and career events to connect students with potential employers.
- - Guided students through scholarship, financial aid, and postsecondary application steps.
- Engaged with job seekers at career fairs and classrooms, delivering insights on search strategies and application processes.
- Facilitated student connections with community agencies, enhancing access to services and educational resources.
- Assisted individuals in making career-related decisions by conducting skills assessments.
- Supported Giles County Public Schools counseling programs and schoolwide student support.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of current labor market trends and relevant educational opportunities.
- Built relationships with local businesses in order to expand available employment options for clients.
Transition Case Manager
New River Valley Community Services
Blacksburg, Virginia
05.1995 - 10.2001
- Provided case management services including intake, assessment, crisis intervention, advocacy, referral and monitoring of families.
- Completed intake assessments and reviewed client needs, risks, and support goals.
- Developed service plans with clients, families, and community providers.
- Coordinated client services through New River Valley Community Services treatment teams.
- Facilitated communication between clients, families, caregivers, social services and other agencies to ensure client needs were met.
- Collaborated with behavioral health staff to address crisis situations and care needs.
- Counseled clients on available resources within the community that could help meet their needs.
- Documented case notes, contacts, and progress in confidential records.
- Transitioned clients to different providers based on progress or needs.
Day Support Provider
New River Valley Community Services
Blacksburg, Virginia
05.1995 - 10.2001
- Supported individuals through daily living activities at community services programs.
- Coordinated appointments, transportation, and community activities for clients.
- Communicated with families, case managers, and treatment teams about care needs.
- Monitored safety conditions during residential and community support shifts.
- Responded to crisis situations using calm communication and de-escalation.
- Documented client observations in agency records and service notes.
Education
Master of Science - Career And Technical Education
Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Blacksburg, VA12-2005
Professional License in Emotional Disturbance, Intellectual Disabilities, And Specific Learning - Special Education
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA08-2004
Bachelor of Science - Recreation And Leisure Services
Radford University
Radford, VA05-1997
Skills
- Career assessments
- Career counseling model
- Financial aid navigation-Coordinated and provided FAFSA workshops for all Giles County students
- Work readiness curriculum
- Local internship coordination
- Summer youth program
- ACCE program coordination
- Two-year planning document
- Field trip coordination
- Collaboration techniques
Timeline
Career Counselor
Giles County Public Schools
10.2001 - Current
Transition Case Manager
New River Valley Community Services
05.1995 - 10.2001
Day Support Provider
New River Valley Community Services
05.1995 - 10.2001
Master of Science - Career And Technical Education
Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Professional License in Emotional Disturbance, Intellectual Disabilities, And Specific Learning - Special Education
Old Dominion University
Bachelor of Science - Recreation And Leisure Services
Radford University