Alexandra Rucinski

Compassionate and student-centered professional with 10 years of experience supporting children in diverse educational and community environments. Skilled in advocacy, social-emotional support, and fostering inclusive spaces that promote student well-being and success. Eager to leverage counseling training and hands-on experience to make a meaningful impact in any school setting.

School Counseling Intern at Naperville School District 203 (2025-08 – Present)

Provided individual and group counseling to middle and high school students to address academic, social-emotional, and behavioral challenges; delivered classroom guidance lessons on conflict resolution, career exploration, study skills, and emotional regulation.

• Provided individual and group counseling to middle and high school students to address academic, social-emotional, and behavioral challenges; delivered classroom guidance lessons on conflict resolution, career exploration, study skills, and emotional regulation
• Collaborated with teachers, families, and multidisciplinary teams in MTSS meetings; contributed to the development of IEPs, 504 plans, intervention plans, and behavior strategies to support student success
• Analyzed student data to inform interventions and program planning; supported crisis response and referral processes while maintaining efficiency in fast-paced school environments

Paraprofessional at Kennedy Junior High School (2024-01 – 2025-06)

Supported 6th–8th grade students in Special Education classrooms by reinforcing instruction and adapting to diverse learning and communication needs, including verbal and nonverbal students.

• Supported 6th–8th grade students in Special Education classrooms by reinforcing instruction and adapting to diverse learning and communication needs, including verbal and nonverbal students
• Collaborated with teachers to implement effective classroom management strategies and foster a positive, structured learning environment
• Demonstrated flexibility and professionalism in dynamic settings while encouraging student engagement, supporting academic progress, and promoting positive learning behaviors

Case Manager CWS at Camelot Care Centers (2022-12 – 2023-12)

Coordinated with families, DCFS workers, hospitals, and clinical teams (including Camelot) to support client care; facilitated communication among clients, families, and service providers to strengthen support systems.

• Coordinated with families, DCFS workers, hospitals, and clinical teams (including Camelot) to support client care; facilitated communication among clients, families, and service providers to strengthen support systems
• Participated in court hearings, Administrative Case Reviews (ACR), IEP meetings, evaluations, and hospitalizations to advocate for client needs and ensure continuity of care
• Managed weekly case responsibilities including parent-child and sibling visitation, foster home and hospital visits; completed detailed case notes, court reports, DCFS documentation, referrals, and visitation plans

DCFS Intern at Department of Children & Family Services (2022-04 – 2022-06)

Gained comprehensive exposure to DCFS operations by observing Investigations, Intact, and Placement units; reviewed case assessments and documentation to understand child welfare processes.

• Gained comprehensive exposure to DCFS operations by observing Investigations, Intact, and Placement units; reviewed case assessments and documentation to understand child welfare processes
• Communicated with families, clients, and community partners to support case coordination; demonstrated sound judgment and adaptability in time-sensitive situations
• Assisted in case preparation by developing case studies; observed forensic interviews and collaborated with investigators and detectives to better understand multidisciplinary approaches to child protection

Program Leader at Boys & Girls Club (2021-05 – 2021-12)

Coordinated preparation of class activities and supplies to ensure readiness for the upcoming summer school; prioritized a plan with high school students in class completion and college readiness before graduation.

• Coordinated preparation of class activities and supplies to ensure readiness for the upcoming summer school
• Prioritized a plan with high school students in class completion and college readiness before graduation
• Assessed individual needs of children from difficult backgrounds and implemented supportive measures to promote their well-being

Intern at The National Alliance of Mental Illness (2020-10 – 2021-11)

Supported social workers in conducting client assessments and developing service plans; connected residents with community resources to address mental health and social needs.

• Supported social workers in conducting client assessments and developing service plans; connected residents with community resources to address mental health and social needs
• Collaborated with fellow interns to plan and implement social and recreational activities; assisted in organizing organizational events over a two-year period to enhance client engagement and support

Camp & Sports Counselor at YMCA Campanelli (2017-06 – 2019-10)

Designed and facilitated age-appropriate activities for children ages 5–12, creating a safe and supportive environment that encouraged open communication and student engagement.

• Designed and facilitated age-appropriate activities for children ages 5–12, creating a safe and supportive environment that encouraged open communication and student engagement
• Supported students with homework completion and guided transitions to structured physical activities, promoting both academic success and positive social development

Master of Science in Counseling/School Counseling – National Louis University (2026-06)

Bachelor of Arts in Human Services – National Louis University (2022-06)

Associate of Applied Science in Human Services Generalist – College of DuPage (2021-05)

Associate of Arts in General Education – College of DuPage (2019-05)