Zoe Tosteson Losada
Palm Beach Gardens,United States
Summary
Bilingual (English/Spanish) counselor with extensive experience in college counseling in five different schools in four different countries, including two International Baccalaureate World Schools, successfully providing college, academic, and career counseling through a strategic, sequential, comprehensive, and personalized program. First-hand knowledge of colleges and universities in the U.S. and other countries. Wide range of professional contacts related to college counseling and student support.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of College Counseling/Associate Director
Oxbridge Academy
08.2017 - Current
- Prepare and administered budget of $50-60000 for campus with 610 students
- Supervise and manage college counseling team that provides a comprehensive and effective program to students in grades 9-12, resulting in acceptances to a wide range of colleges and universities, including highly selective colleges and universities
- This group consists of four counselors, two readers, and a coordinator who:
- Collaborate with athletics to provide academic advising and college counseling for student-athletes, resulting in commitments to a wide range of athletic programs at the college level
- Provide group meetings with students in grades 9-12 for career and college information and guidance
- Meet with families of students on caseload to develop an individualized college admission process and address and overcome obstacles
- Write counselor recommendations and send supporting documentation to colleges for students on caseload
- Consult with Admissions Office on issues relating to transcripts, college admissions, and international students
- Review and edit student applications and essays and track student progress
- Promote equity within the college admissions process by developing outreach initiatives targeting underrepresented student populations
- Maintain a comprehensive library of print and electronic resources for students to utilize in researching potential college destinations, academic programs, and career paths
- Establish strong relationships with college admissions representatives to stay informed about program changes and opportunities for students
- Organize college fairs, visits, case studies events, and college tours
- Analyze and review application outcomes and deliver of an annual reports to the Head of School and Board of Directors
- Develop and maintained a robust database of available scholarships, financial aid resources, and other funding options for students
- Implement effective communication strategies to keep parents informed about their child's progress in the college application process
- Engage in ongoing professional development opportunities to ensure best practices were consistently utilized throughout all aspects of their work
- Coordinate efforts with school administrators to develop long-term strategic plans for enhancing the overall effectiveness of the College Counseling Department
- Provide personalized guidance to each high school senior during their college search process
- Improve efficiency within the department by streamlining processes related to application tracking, document management, and internal reporting systems
- Promote equity within the college admissions process by developing outreach initiatives targeting underrepresented student populations
- Analyze trends related to test scores, grade point averages, and course selection patterns in order to inform programmatic improvements within the department
- Facilitate engaging workshops that empower students to effectively communicate their unique experiences and skills throughout the college application process
- Collaborate with faculty, staff and students to identify and address institutional challenges
- Enhance student preparedness for the college application process through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one sessions.
Upper School Counselor
International School of Florence, an I.B. World School
09.2015 - 09.2017
- Delivered a proactive, strategic career and college counseling program to support students in grades 10-12, resulting in successful placement in highly competitive universities in the U.K., U.S., and Europe
- Collaborated to create and delivered an effective and interactive Wellness program to meet academic, intellectual and social needs of students
- Collaborated with parents, teachers, and students to deliver effective college and academic program as well as provide counseling for emotional and social issues
- Implemented data-driven strategies to identify areas of need within the school population, leading to targeted interventions and support services
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students
- Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions
- Increased awareness of post-secondary options by organizing college and career readiness workshops and events
- Maintained positive relationships with students, faculty, alumni, and administration
- Used data to monitor students' progress and recommend solutions for improvement
- Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations
- Assisted high school seniors complete college applications and meet requirements necessary for graduation.
Private College Counselor/SAT Preparation Coordinator and Verbal teacher
Self-employed
09.1994 - 08.2016
- Provided SAT preparation courses to more than 100 students, from local Venezuelan private schools, per year
- Trained and supervised teachers and developed effective teaching programs and strategies
- Provided support for private students throughout the college admission process.
Counselor K-12/College Counselor/A.P. Coordinator
International School of Monagas
08.2013 - 07.2015
- Initiated successful college and career counseling program, A.P
- Testing, and an effective, accurate, and efficient student record system
- Provided comprehensive social emotional development and Wellness program to students in grades K-12
- Used professional contacts to organize first-time visits of college representatives (including NYU, Bentley, York, and the University of Toronto)
- Worked closely with teachers and parents to plan interventions and support student needs
- Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counseling field
- Promoted mental health awareness within the community through participation in educational events and presentations
- Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client's background and experiences
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits
- Provided education on mental health topics and resources to clients.
Secondary School Counselor/College Counselor/Head, Student Services
International School of Caracas, an I.B World School
08.1995 - 07.2013
- Created, coordinated, developed comprehensive counseling and career and college counseling program, grades 9-12 resulting in acceptances in universities around the world
- Served as the Admissions, Testing, and Student Records Coordinator, Developed yearly master Schedule for Secondary School
- Created and delivered Theory of Knowledge program, grades 11-12 including strategies to help students improve writing skills in English
- Provided leadership for the Child Study team and Counseling Department
- Led the Admissions and Registrar Offices, evaluating transcripts from all over the world and placing incoming students
- Promoted a positive school climate through participation in planning and executing events celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and student achievements
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to develop strategies for improving academic performance and social development
- Facilitated peer mediation sessions, helping students resolve conflicts constructively while fostering a culture of respect within the school community
- Organized college and career fairs for students to explore post-secondary opportunities and make informed decisions about their future paths
- Coordinated interdisciplinary teams ensuring seamless communication among school staff regarding student wellbeing and success
- Provided crisis intervention services, addressing urgent mental health concerns and connecting students to appropriate resources
- Delivered high-quality services to students needing academic and emotional support
- Encouraged students to explore age-appropriate and career-related opportunities
- Helped students develop organizational, time management and study skills
- Empowered students through counseling and skill-building exercises
- Delivered supportive and knowledgeable counseling to students with academic or personal concerns.
Education
School Guidance and Counseling -
University of Florida
Gainesville, FloridaMaster of Arts Counseling Programs -
Universidad Simon Bolivar
Caracas, VenezuelaBachelor of Science Psychology -
Excelsior College
Albany, New YorkPsychology -
Bennington College
Bennington, VermontSkills
Academic advising
Career Counseling
Planning and coordination
Student assessment
Student Advocacy
Multicultural Competence
Affiliations
- National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
- International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC)
- Council of International Schools (CIS)
Publications
- Shadows" and "Davin's Angel" in View from the Bed, View from the Bedside, A Wising Up Anthology, published by Wising Up Anthologies in 2010
- Yes, I Guess I am an American..." in Complex Allegiances: Constellations of Immigration, Citizenship, and Belonging, A Wising Up Anthology, published by Wising Up Anthologies in 2012
Further Information
National Certified Counselor since 1995, UCAS Advisor Conference, London June 2016, CIS Forum, 2015 and 2016, Jan 2015-VANAS: "Mindfulness in the Classroom", Sept. 2014-CIS: Regional Update on Venezuela, July 2013-OACAC: "What's Up With CADIVI?", 2012-VANAS: "Helping Students with the College Essay", 2009-AASSA Santiago Conference/2009-OACAC Chapman College: "College Counseling, Learning, and the Brain", "Planning Successful College/High School Visits from Two Perspectives"(panel, representatives from Babson, Stanford, and Ohio State U.), 2008-VANAS: Teaching From and To the Brain and "Ethics and Transformation", IACAC Conference (formerly Overseas College Admission Counselors): 2002-2016, 2023, VANAS (meetings of international schools in Venezuela), 1995-2015, 2007-2024 in the U.S.: Maryland,New Jersey, U. California campuses (Northern CA),Western Massachusetts , Upstate N.Y., Colorado, NYC Metro area, Louisiana, Rhode Island, California, Boston area, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Maine, Texas, Virginia, Florida, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio., International: Australia, Canada (Ontario, New Brunswick, British Columbia, Quebec), Germany, Italy, Switzerland, U.K.
Hobbies and Interests
- Violist
- Karate since 2006 (green belt)
- Creative writing
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Reading
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Director of College Counseling/Associate Director
Oxbridge Academy
08.2017 - Current
Upper School Counselor
International School of Florence, an I.B. World School
09.2015 - 09.2017
Counselor K-12/College Counselor/A.P. Coordinator
International School of Monagas
08.2013 - 07.2015
Secondary School Counselor/College Counselor/Head, Student Services
International School of Caracas, an I.B World School
08.1995 - 07.2013
Private College Counselor/SAT Preparation Coordinator and Verbal teacher
Self-employed
09.1994 - 08.2016
School Guidance and Counseling -
University of Florida
Master of Arts Counseling Programs -
Universidad Simon Bolivar
Bachelor of Science Psychology -
Excelsior College
Psychology -
Bennington College
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