Wesla Richardson
Longview,TX
Summary
I am an experienced counselor and educator seeking a position as an associate where I can apply my counseling skills (under supervision) to help others overcome life's challenges. I hope to apply an eclectic approach to counseling and learn EMDR. I recently passed the NCE exam and I am looking to find a supervision site and apply for my LPC-A licensure.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Substitute Teach
Tatum ISD
Tatum, TX
02.2025 - 05.2025
- Served as a mentor for new substitute teachers when necessary.
- Supported special needs students by providing individual instruction as needed.
- Implemented school policies and procedures in the classroom.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback for improvement.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance and performance.
- Encouraged positive behavior among students through effective communication techniques.
Counselor
Longview ISD
Longview, TX
10.2021 - 10.2024
- Led the development of strategies through various programs (RTI, 504, Special Education, STAAR) to enhance student outcomes and streamline operations by combining multiple data sets, increasing student engagement, academic performance, and campus improvement.
- Managed TREX, TIDE, TFAR, Success Ed (504), DMAC (RTI), Skyward, and On Suite Data, and developed recordkeeping strategies for documentation purposes.
- Developed and led engaging social-emotional lessons for students (bilingual and monolingual) developing relationships creating inclusiveness and trust.
- Developed relationships within the school with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community stakeholders.
- Written and verbal communication skills which include mediating tough conversations, program referrals, mental health referrals, and conflict management.
- As a key member of 504 and RTI teams engaged in educator and student success by providing access to programs for students in need.
- Served as an advocate for the use of the counselor as a mental health professional rather than a testing coordinator.
- Executed educational records for the campus, and advocated for the use of online data transmission rather than paper files.
- Advocate for education reform, such as teaching social skills, research skills, and differentiation.
- Used working knowledge of the education system to teach students and parents of to advocate for themselves.
- Provided coaching and guidance to educational professionals on strategy, technology, and programs.
- Developed advanced knowledge of problems educators, schools, and administration face regarding the balance of multiple funding programs, deteriorating trust in public education, and an emphasis on standardized scores rather than reform and empowerment of a generation that has the accumulation of written knowledge at their fingertips.
- Completed a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master's with a focus on Psychology, showcasing an instrumental foundation in behavioral science.
- Applied behavioral science principles in educational settings, resulting in the development of strategic lesson plans and activities to target diverse learning types, contributing to student engagement.
- Demonstrated leadership in education as a Teacher, contributing to creating strategies that enhance program design for Science and History curriculum.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to implement successful learning activities, resulting in improvement in student success.
- Utilized multiple techniques to analyze student data from common assessments, providing valuable insights for program evaluation.
- Implemented data-driven strategies that led to an increase in Science and Math student achievement, while achieving a teaching designation of Recognized by the TEA.
- Delivered effective instruction in various subjects, ensuring that lesson plans were followed and students remained engaged and on task.
- Provided emotional and academic support to students, leveraging counseling skills to address individual needs and maintain a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers and school staff to ensure seamless transitions and maintain classroom discipline, fostering a respectful and focused environment.
- Contributed to training programs on student needs as a School Counselor, ensuring compliance with data and student documentation such as 504, RTI, and Special Program referrals.
- Successfully conducted training sessions on campus and state testing such as STAAR, TELPAS, IOWA, Common Assessments (Spanish and English), TELPAS Alt, and STAAR Alt, all of which resulted in staff preparedness.
Teacher
Longview ISD
Longview, TX
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Instructed students in math, science, language arts, social studies, and history.
- Monitored student behavior in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, and playgrounds.
- Provided individualized instruction tailored to diverse student needs.
- Established positive relationships with parents to facilitate communication on student progress.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary lesson plans.
- Encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.
- Utilized technology, including interactive whiteboards and online resources, to enhance instruction.
Aide
Longview ISD
Longview, TX
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Participated in parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
- Encouraged student self-advocacy skills within the classroom setting.
- Supported special education students in the general education setting by providing accommodations or modifications.
- Assisted teachers with classroom activities and instruction.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's academic performance and social and emotional needs.
Apprentice Electrician
Cobb Electric
Longview, TX
01.2011 - 12.2012
- Identified potential problems before they occur by inspecting equipment regularly.
- Replaced defective circuit breakers or fuses when necessary.
- Conducted routine maintenance checks on existing electrical systems.
- Inspected electrical systems, equipment and components to identify hazards, defects, and the need for adjustment or repair.
- Installed electrical wiring and fixtures, such as outlets, switches, circuit breakers, junction boxes and wall sockets.
Accounting Assistant
Farr's Tax Service
Athens, TX
06.2007 - 06.2010
- Prepared daily cash flow statements for management review.
- Performed account analysis and reconciliations, including bank statements and inter-company general ledger accounts.
- Researched discrepancies between invoices, purchase orders, packing slips.
- Processed journal entries for accruals, amortization and other adjustments.
- Entered data into accounting software programs such as QuickBooks or Sage 50 Accounting Software.
Salesperson
Mrs. J's Plant Farm
Athens, TX
03.1997 - 07.2007
- Monitored inventory levels and placed orders as needed.
- Generated new business opportunities through cold calling campaigns.
- Educated customers about products and services offered by the company.
- Assisted customers in selecting appropriate products or services for their needs.
- Provided personalized service to build relationships with customers.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas of improvement in product offerings.
Education
Master's - School Counseling and Psychology
LeTourneau University
Longview05-2022
Bachelor's - Interdisciplinary Studies
LeTourneau University
Longview, TX12-2017
Skills
- Organizational strategy development
- Program management and coordination
- Relationship building and advocacy
- Coaching and guidance
- Behavioral science integration in education
- Educational leadership and program enhancement
- Data analysis and teaching
- Training program development
References
Julie Hope, Principal, 903-803-5600, mhope@lisd.org, Sue Wilson, Principal, 903-238-5681, slwilson@lisd.org, Brandis Jamerson, Teacher, 903-445-9480, bjamerson@lisd.org, Amanda Vallery, Counselor, 903-803-5123, avallery@lisd.org, Gary Blackaller, Friend, 903-452-0974, Virginia Whatley, Friend, 903-374-5029, leeandvvw@gmail.com, Charles Cobb, Friend, 903-452-2294, Sheri Peery, 903-241-2172
Volunteer Experience
Court Appointed Special Advocate, Advocated for the best interest of children in the foster care system, developing strong case management and advocacy skills. Conducted interviews, gathered reports, and collaborated with legal and child welfare professionals to support court recommendations. Strengthened communication, active listening, and conflict resolution abilities while working with children, families, and professionals. Developed detailed, objective reports for the court, enhancing analytical and writing skills. Gained experience navigating legal and social services systems to support child welfare cases.
Affiliations
- Volunteer at East Texas CASA
Accomplishments
- Magna Cum Laude
Certification
- EC 4-8 Teaching License
- K-12 School Counselor
- GT Certified
- Autism Certification
- Can apply for LPC-A License
Timeline
Substitute Teach
Tatum ISD
02.2025 - 05.2025
Counselor
Longview ISD
10.2021 - 10.2024
Teacher
Longview ISD
01.2017 - 01.2021
Aide
Longview ISD
01.2013 - 01.2017
Apprentice Electrician
Cobb Electric
01.2011 - 12.2012
Accounting Assistant
Farr's Tax Service
06.2007 - 06.2010
Salesperson
Mrs. J's Plant Farm
03.1997 - 07.2007
Master's - School Counseling and Psychology
LeTourneau University
Bachelor's - Interdisciplinary Studies
LeTourneau University