Walter Cosillo
Paterson,NJ
Summary
Dedicated bilingual School Counselor and Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) with expertise in supporting academic, social-emotional, and college/career development for diverse urban student populations. Specializes in crisis intervention, behavioral threat assessment, and student advocacy, while leading initiatives to enhance school climate and engagement. Collaborates effectively with families, educators, and community partners to drive student success and post-secondary readiness.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Bilingual School Counselor
New Brunswick High School
New Brunswick , NJ
11.2022 - Current
- Provided individual and group counseling to enhance students’ academic success, foster social-emotional development, and promote college/career readiness.
- Lead school-wide college and career readiness initiatives, including organizing annual college fairs, facilitating FAFSA completion nights, and guiding students through post-secondary planning.
- Launched and directed the Zebra Ambassadors Peer Mentorship Program, partnering incoming students with trained mentors to facilitate smooth school transition, increase engagement, and cultivate a supportive school environment.
- Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families to develop targeted academic and behavioral intervention strategies for students in need.
- Serve on the Crisis Counseling Team and Behavioral Threat Assessment Team, collaborating with administrators and mental health staff to support student safety and crisis intervention.
- Facilitated classroom guidance lessons focused on social-emotional learning, covering resilience, empathy, study strategies, career exploration, and decision-making skills.
- Coordinated AP exams and state standardized assessments, overseeing scheduling, accommodations, and administration via Cambium testing platform to ensure district compliance.
Mental Health Therapist
Mental Health Clinic Of Passaic
Passaic, NJ
01.2020 - 08.2025
- Managed a caseload of 60 clients, conducting intakes, assessments, and individualized treatment planning.
- Delivered outpatient and school-based counseling to children, adults, and families, supporting emotional and behavioral development.
- Guided clients in stress management and coping strategies, including CBT, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques.
- Facilitated crisis interventions and maintained detailed clinical documentation while coordinating care with schools and community agencies.
School Counselor/Anti Bullying Specialist
Garfield Elementary School #5
Garfield, NJ
09.2021 - 11.2022
- Conducted individual and group counseling sessions to promote social, emotional, and academic progress among students.
- Developed and implemented anti-bullying programs for students, staff, and parents.
- Supported students in short-term crises, including bullying, conflict resolution, and behavioral challenges.
- Collaborated with families, teachers, administrators, and community partners to address student needs.
- Designed monthly classroom lessons promoting respect, empathy, self-esteem, social skills, and study habits.
School Counselor (Long Term Substitute)
Garfield High School
Garfield, NJ
09.2019 - 12.2019
- Provided individual and group counseling on course selection, scheduling, study skills, and post-secondary goal setting.
- Monitored student academic progress and developed plans to ensure on-track graduation and alignment with future goals.
- Facilitated IEP, 504, and re-entry meetings to support student needs and ensure compliance with educational requirements.
- Supported the college application process through Naviance, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and collaboration with staff and families to assist at-risk students.
Teacher's Assistant
YCS-Sawtelle Learning Center
Montclair, NJ
12.2016 - 01.2018
- Implemented individualized behavioral support plans for students ages 7–21 with autism, promoting engagement and developmental growth.
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to develop effective individualized learning strategies and support differentiated instruction.
- Facilitated small-group and one-on-one activities while utilizing CPI and verbal de-escalation techniques to manage behaviors and support a positive learning environment.
Education
Advanced Certification in Clinical Mental Health Counseling -
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ01-2024
Master's - School Counseling
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ05-2019
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Sociology
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ01-2016
Skills
- Bilingual: Fluent in Spanish (oral and written)
- Crisis Intervention & Behavioral Threat Assessment
- Multicultural & Trauma-Informed Counseling
- IEP, 504, and I&RS Processes
- College & Career Readiness Programming
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation
- Technology: Naviance Genesis PowerSchool RealTime Cambium Assessment Platform Google Workspace Microsoft Office
Certification
New Jersey Certified School Counselor (K-12)
Timeline
Bilingual School Counselor
New Brunswick High School
11.2022 - Current
School Counselor/Anti Bullying Specialist
Garfield Elementary School #5
09.2021 - 11.2022
Mental Health Therapist
Mental Health Clinic Of Passaic
01.2020 - 08.2025
School Counselor (Long Term Substitute)
Garfield High School
09.2019 - 12.2019
Teacher's Assistant
YCS-Sawtelle Learning Center
12.2016 - 01.2018
Advanced Certification in Clinical Mental Health Counseling -
Montclair State University
Master's - School Counseling
Montclair State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Sociology
Rutgers University