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About Me
I come from a multicultural background that has shaped my perspective and approach as a School Counselor. Growing up in a home with a Korean mother and a Black American father, I was immersed in both cultures from a young age. This unique upbringing, guided by my parents' belief in the importance of cultural understanding, instilled in me the values of hard work, resilience, and, above all, education.
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I pursued my passion for helping others by earning a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Radford University. Recognizing the transformative power of education and its ability to positively impact lives, I furthered my academic journey at Johns Hopkins University, where I obtained a Master's of Education in School Counseling with a Post Masters Certificate in Clinical Mental Health. Through my diverse educational background, I have developed a broad understanding of counseling theories and approaches. While I do not adhere strictly to one theoretical basis, my counseling style is influenced by cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), solution-focused, reality, and person-centered theories.
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As a professional School Counselor, my approach extends beyond traditional counseling sessions. I believe in fostering strong relationships built on mutual respect and consistency. I invest time in getting to know my colleagues, students, and parents, valuing and learning from our differences. By accompanying students on school trips/retreats, advising various clubs, and implementing transition programs, I strive to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing their who they are, including their struggles. Building this trust allows me to provide effective guidance and support, even when confidentiality must be broken to address critical issues.
I am deeply committed to the students I serve, recognizing the pivotal role I play in helping them become successful learners and future adults. By upholding values of respect, empathy, and continuous growth, I am dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of young people and assisting them in reaching their full potential.
Counseling Philosophy
As an experienced and highly qualified School Counselor, holding a Master's degree in School Counseling from Johns Hopkins University, as well as a Post-Master's in Clinical Community Counseling, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my role. Additionally, I am a nationally board certified counselor and working towards my therapeutic license.
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Ethics and professional standards are paramount in my practice. I am dedicated to upholding the ethical guidelines set forth by professional counseling organizations, such as the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) and the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). Confidentiality, respect for students' privacy, and maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct are of utmost importance to me.
Informed by a variety of theoretical approaches, including person-centered counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and solution-focused brief therapy, my counseling philosophy is grounded in a student-centered approach. I firmly believe that all students have the potential for growth and positive change, encompassing their emotional, spiritual, personal, and social well-being.
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Collaboration is key to achieving comprehensive student support and fostering a positive learning environment. I actively engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with teachers, administrators, families, and the community to enhance social and interpersonal skills, and work towards academic success for all students. By leveraging interventions such as classroom guidance, individual and small group counseling, peer facilitator training, career development, and consultation, I aim to have a significant impact on students' lives.
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Recognizing that students often face various stressors that may impact their ability to learn effectively, I am committed to early intervention and support. Strengthening the foundation necessary for learning and equipping students with positive coping skills are crucial aspects of my counseling practice. By addressing these challenges proactively, I empower students to achieve personal growth and academic success.
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As a School Counselor, I believe in the importance of continuous professional development. I actively seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills by participating in various workshops, conferences, and training programs. By staying abreast of the latest research, interventions, and best practices in the field, I continuously improve my ability to serve my students effectively.
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Moreover, cultural competence and diversity are integral to my counseling approach. I strive to create an inclusive and equitable counseling environment that honors and celebrates the diversity of the student population. Through ongoing self-reflection and learning, I aim to better understand and address the unique needs and experiences of students from different backgrounds.
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My counseling philosophy centers around the holistic development of students. By integrating my professional background, expertise, and ongoing commitment to ethical practice and professional growth, I am dedicated to assisting students in their journey towards growth, well-being, and academic achievement.
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by it’s ability to climb a tree it will live it’s whole life believing it is stupid.”
Albert Einstein
International School Counseling Experience
International Community School
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
High School Counselor
July 2024 - Present
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Creating and co-creating comprehensive policies and procedures for the counseling department to enhance operational efficiency and consistency.
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Digitizing counseling forms and integrated them into PowerSchool to increase documentation accuracy and accessibility.
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Networking with universities to support student transitions and facilitate smoother pathways to higher education.
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Collaborating with grade-level leads to support student needs and enhance academic and social-emotional well-being.
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Authored ISCA/IB ATL advisory lessons for grades 9 and 10 to enrich the advisory curriculum. Led the development and delivery of the leadership curriculum for grade 11 advisory to foster leadership skills among students.
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Leading the current counseling audit to evaluate and improve counseling services in alignment with best practices.
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Conducting individual and small group family new student orientations to aid in student acclimation and success.
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Review applications for grades 9–11 from a counseling perspective to ensure appropriate student placement and support.
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Scheduled new students and assessed transcripts to facilitate proper course placement and academic planning.
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Provide family and individual counseling for academic, university, and social-emotional concerns to support holistic student development.
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Revitalizing and leading the ICS Student Ambassador program to promote student leadership and a welcoming community for all students.
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Advising the "Mind Matter" mental health service club to support student initiatives on mental health awareness.
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Leading the creation of suicide protocols and procedures to enhance student safety and crisis response.
International Community School
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Middle School Counselor
February 2024 - June 2024
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Collaborated with school leadership to address middle school students' social-emotional needs, enhancing overall well-being and academic success.
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Administered targeted Tier III SEL interventions and provided specialized consultations to address complex student needs.
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Partnered with educators and parents to develop and implement focused interventions for students requiring additional support.
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Delivered focused short-term counseling and facilitated group sessions to support student development and crisis management.
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Facilitated conflict resolution sessions and peer mediation workshops to improve student relationships and promote a positive school climate.
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Participated in child safeguarding team meetings, contributing to strategies that ensure the safety and protection of all students.
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Spearheaded an initiative to update and expand the directory of external mental health resources, enhancing community partnerships and student access to specialized services.
American Embassy School Delhi
New Delhi, India
Social Emotional Counselor
July 2020 - June 2023
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Collaborated with school leaders on students' social-emotional needs.
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Facilitated resources for high school SEL enhancement.
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Assisted HS leadership in integrating SEL into daily routines.
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Administered Tier III SEL interventions and offered specialized consultations.
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Partnered with educators and parents for targeted student interventions.
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Participated in key meetings, ensuring stakeholder communication on student needs.
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Delivered focused short-term counseling and group sessions.
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Responded to crisis situations, including suicidal ideation and community tragedies.
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Liaised with external therapists, facilitating necessary student referrals.
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Analyzed educational data to refine and improve SEL initiatives.
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Advised on co-curricular activities emphasizing mental well-being and transitions.
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Designed grade-specific counseling modules and an 11-unit SEL curriculum for grades 9-10.
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Spearheaded transition programs, including onboarding new students and aiding departures.
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Presented student mental health insights to health and academic staff.
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Led initiatives mapping learning outcomes across grades 9-12.
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Contributed actively to school-wide initiatives, emphasizing SEL and faculty assessment.
Branksome Hall Asia
Jeju, South Korea
Junior School Counselor
August 2018 - June 2020
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Planned and developed curriculum for classroom presentations on topics such as self-control, self-esteem, friendships
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Led weekly personal-social counseling small groups and grade level lessons
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Provided small group and individual counseling sessions
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Provided in-service training and guidance for teachers
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Assist with development and social goals for Personal Success Plans
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Maintained documentation of conversations and students records protecting confidentiality
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Offered after school activities such as peer mediation on conflict resolution using Restorative Practice
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Wrote the School-Wide Needs Assessment for staff, parents and students; and analyzed Data for the Junior School
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Created school-wide counseling curriculum framework modeling after the International school counseling Association framework
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Co-wrote/implemented school-wide suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention policies
Seoul Foreign School
Seoul, South Korea
High School Counselor
August 2015 - June 2018
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Consulted and collaborated effectively with parents and guardians, teachers, and administrators, regarding students with identified needs and concerns.
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Accurately and appropriately utilized student data.
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Monitored student academic performance, behavior, and attendance and
assisted with appropriate interventions.
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Assisted students individually and in groups with developing academic and
personal goals.
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SAT/PSAT school-wide coordinator
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IB Extended Essay and CAS Supervisor
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Provided leadership and calming presence during crisis and consulted
appropriate resources as needed.
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Ensured timely and proper follow-up on all referrals made to internal and
external resources.
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Assisted in implementing student seminars for self/career exploration,
college search, and application process
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Evaluated transcripts and conducted testing for proper placement
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Assisted in the development of new student program, monthly guidance newsletter, and middle-to-high school transition program
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Assisted students complete college applications and financial aid forms world-wide
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Assisted students individually and in groups with developing academic and personal goals.
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Redeveloped and Head SFS Student Ambassadors; student transition program
Connect with Me
I am always interested in exploring new opportunities and collaborations that enrich our educational environments. If you are seeking a dedicated and experienced Professional International School Counselor, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me directly through this form or via email. I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to your team and support your students' success.