Welcome!
Thank you for visiting my website! I am an experienced School Counselor, currently looking for a counseling position in Massachusetts. To anyone visiting for program ideas, I hope that you will find information on here helpful as you work on providing a comprehensive program at your own school. Please be sure to send me an email if you have questions or want more information about anything on this site, by using the contact form below.
Highlights
* Earned Bachelor's Degree from Ithaca College in Business Administration
* Earned Master's Degree from George Mason University in Counseling and Development
* Passed the MTEL (Communication and Literacy Test) March 2012
* Practicum and Internship completed in Fairfax County Public Schools Fort Belvoir Elementary and Lake Braddock Secondary School
* Professional experience at Center City Public Charter Schools, an inner-city charter school, Fairfax County High School, Canton High School
* Created a *new* comprehensive school counseling program based on data for PK-8th grade
* Delivered age-appropriate classroom guidance lessons on a range of topics PK-12th grades
* Provided small group and individual counseling to students as needed; based on data from students, parents, and teachers
* Lead RAMP Reviewer for the American School Counselor Association
* Published professional articles for ASCA and presented at state counseling associations around the country on various topics
* Previous work experience at American School Counselor Association, Tyson's Corner Children's Center, Ithaca College, and Palisade Corporation
* Earned Master's Degree from George Mason University in Counseling and Development
* Passed the MTEL (Communication and Literacy Test) March 2012
* Practicum and Internship completed in Fairfax County Public Schools Fort Belvoir Elementary and Lake Braddock Secondary School
* Professional experience at Center City Public Charter Schools, an inner-city charter school, Fairfax County High School, Canton High School
* Created a *new* comprehensive school counseling program based on data for PK-8th grade
* Delivered age-appropriate classroom guidance lessons on a range of topics PK-12th grades
* Provided small group and individual counseling to students as needed; based on data from students, parents, and teachers
* Lead RAMP Reviewer for the American School Counselor Association
* Published professional articles for ASCA and presented at state counseling associations around the country on various topics
* Previous work experience at American School Counselor Association, Tyson's Corner Children's Center, Ithaca College, and Palisade Corporation
About Me
Originally from upstate New York, I earned my bachelor's degree from Ithaca College in Business Marketing and Management. After graduation, I worked as a Marketing Coordinator at a small software company, but after several years, realized that something was missing. I relocated to Arlington, Virginia where I pursued my Master's Degree in Counseling and Development. I feel lucky to have found a career that I am passionate about! I have had a wide range of experience working in both the public and charter school settings; working with students across all grade levels (PK-12th grade). I moved to Massachusetts last year to be with family and am currently in search of a school where I can continue supporting students in their academic, personal/social, and career development as a School Counselor!
As a graduate of George Mason University’s School Counseling Master’s program, I had the unique opportunity to complete my practicum hours at Fort Belvoir Elementary School. The school environment was large, fast-paced, and dealt with a number of challenges specific to military families including deployment and frequent moving. I worked with several students in individual counseling, coordinated and ran groups on a variety of topics including anger management, building friendships, and study skills, as well as developed and implemented a unit on bullying.
My internship experience at Lake Braddock Secondary School allowed me to further refine my counseling skills – putting theory into practice during individual sessions and demonstrating the effectiveness of the small group that I implemented which focused on academic achievement in at-risk students. Through the program, called ACE (Achieving Classroom Excellence), 12 students who were failing 2 or more core classes passed the classes they were originally struggling in within 8 weeks. In addition, more than half the group reported that they began using their assignment notebooks to record their homework and had set clearly defined goals for the second quarter, which were primary goals of the program. During my time at Lake Braddock, I was also able to help the team as they began the process of aligning their program with the National and Virginia State Models and began an application for the Recognized ASCA Model Program, which included creating a more data-driven approach with current and new programs, lessons, and small group activities.
Shortly after graduation, I had the amazing opportunity to spend two years developing a new school-counseling program at an inner-city charter school in DC. After completing an initial needs assessment it was very clear that the students, in grades Pre-K through 8th grade, needed a program that emphasized resolving conflicts peacefully, identifying positive coping strategies, and dealing with peer pressure. I created and implemented a school-wide Positive Behavior Support System, delivered consistent, age-appropriate classroom guidance on a variety of topics, and held individual and small group counseling at all levels. In my second year, I was also asked to take on a leadership role. As the District Lead Counselor, I helped to oversee the other 5 school counseling programs, serve on committees to write grants, and coordinate professional development opportunities for the team.
In 2012, I was offered the opportunity to return to Fairfax County, where much of my initial training took place years before! I jumped at the chance and have worked with a team of counselors at Edison High School, where students have a diverse range of courses available to them including International Baccalaureate classes and academy course training. One other unique scheduling opportunity for students is that Edison operates on a 4x4 schedule (semester courses) that helps to prepare students for life after high school. As a first time high school counselor, I have mastered the art of scheduling and time management – especially, during the heaviest times for college application season.
This school year, I was fortunate to be offered a long-term substitute counselor position at Canton High School. Here, I was able to be part of a dynamic team that was actively implementing a comprehensive guidance program and become more familiar with the MASCA Model.
My background in business has taught me strong written communication and computer skills, and honed my organizational skills. I believe my unique background combined with my passion for the field of school counseling, and my experience working at the American School Counselor Association, makes me an effective and proactive school counselor. I am looking forward to finding a more permanent role as a school counselor in Massachusetts! I have thoroughly enjoyed working at each level of education and found each experience to be new and unique. Please feel free to contact me using the form below.
Resume & Cover Letter
Supporting materials and additional information available upon request.
holley.professionalresume.052013.pdf | |
File Size: | 169 kb |
File Type: |
holley.cv.2013.doc | |
File Size: | 27 kb |
File Type: | doc |