Amanda Schenkman

I am a dedicated and compassionate professional with experience in both school counseling and mental health counseling. Currently, I work as a K–8 School Counselor, where I support students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development through individual counseling, small groups, classroom lessons, crisis intervention, and collaboration with families and staff. I have experience working with diverse student populations and helping students navigate challenges related to anxiety, peer relationships, self-esteem, behavior, and school adjustment.

In addition to my school counseling background, I have clinical mental health counseling experience providing therapeutic support to clients in a counseling setting. My experience includes conducting assessments, developing treatment goals, providing psychoeducation, and utilizing evidence-based interventions while building strong therapeutic relationships. I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where individuals feel heard, empowered, and encouraged to grow.

I am currently pursuing licensure as a counselor and continue to expand my knowledge in both educational and clinical settings. I value empathy, collaboration, and advocacy, and I strive to make a positive impact in the lives of the individuals and families I work with.

School Counselor K-8 at Mary J Donohoe Elementary School (2023-09 – Present)

• Develop and implement a comprehensive and developmental elementary school guidance and counseling program.
• Coordinate with staff and conduct classroom guidance lessons related to identified goals and objectives.
• Lead educational/support groups for students experiencing similar problems.
• Conduct crisis counseling sessions as necessary.
• Create and review reports to determine effectiveness of counseling programs and make improvements.
• Coordinate I&RS meetings with parents and staff members
• Conduct conferences with parents and students to review progress and adjust academic goals/plans
• Monitor students academic progress, mental health and sociability through ongoing individual sessions/assessments.

School Counseling Intern at Wallace Elementary School (2022-09 – 2023-05)

• Participate in parent/guardian-teacher-counselor conferences at school (SST, IEP meeting, etc.)
• Supervise and participate as a role model for the assigned children enrolled in grades K to 5th.
• Work with all grade levels ranging from Pre-K to 5th grade assuring a fun and safe environment.
• Guide and counsel students in their development of a plan that encompasses academic, social and personal goals
• Work alongside a professional school counselor to learn the duties and tasks of counseling children ages 5-11.
• Provide one-on-one counseling or work in group sessions when necessary alongside professional counselor
• Uses counseling and consultation techniques to promote pupil motivation and adjustment to school, community, and home environments.

Counseling Intern at New Pathway Counseling (2022-05 – 2022-08)

• Substance Abuse Intern possessing in-depth knowledge of principles, methods and procedures for diagnosis and treatment in the field of addiction.
• Effectively managed and implemented group and individual counseling sessions as an intern
• Charted and recorded information in client files
• Collaborated closely with treatment team to appropriately coordinate client care services
• Guided clients in understanding addiction and treatment
• Developed comprehensive treatment plans that focused on accurate diagnosis and behavioral treatment of problems

Special Education Teacher at Frank R. Conwell Elementary School (2022-01 – 2022-06)

• Inclusion teacher for 3rd grade
• Collaborated and cooperated with other teachers in building to implement appropriate lessons for students
• Collaborated with Child Study Team to develop IEP goals and strategies for specific students
• Use technology in teaching/learning process
• Develop a variety of instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials for specific students

Special Education Teacher at Paterson Charter School for Science and Technology (2019-11 – 2021-12)

• Differentiated lessons, quizzes, tests, and projects for special education students
• Worked with special education students from grades 3-5
• Pulled out students
• Collaborated with mentor on differentiation, lessons and appropriate modifications
• Worked closely with one other teacher (inclusion classroom)
• Taught 3rd grade from August 2020-PRESENT
• Participated in staff meetings (both 3rd grade team and special education team)
• Sent weekly emails on meeting notes/important reminders
• Work with 24 students in 3rd grade (all subjects)
• Participated in IEP Meetings & provided input for specific students (strengths + weaknesses)

Student Teacher at J.R. Fugett Middle School (2019-01 – 2019-03)

• Collaborated and cooperated with mentor teacher to compose daily classroom responsibilities and lessons
• Differentiated lessons for a variety of instructional and behavior needs (included in students SDI's)
• Guided students to work together in groups while maintaining classroom discipline
• Participated in staff meetings including: IEP Meetings & Team Meetings
• Provided opportunities for students to learn via technology including quizlets.
• Work with 40+ students in 6th & 7th grade English and Decoding class
• Volunteered to help with Cafeteria Duty during the 6th graders lunch time

Student Teacher at Glen Acres Elementary School (2019-03 – 2019-05)

• Developed and implemented interactive units for Kindergarten students
• Differentiated lessons for a variety of instructional and behavior needs (included in students SDI's)
• Guided students to work together in groups while maintaining classroom discipline
• Participated in staff meetings including: IEP Meetings & Team Meetings
• Planned and composed Kindergarten lessons in the areas of: Science, Math, Social Studies and English
• Differentiated lessons for a variety of instructional and behavioral needs

Master's in Educational Leadership – William Paterson University (2024-01 – 2025-05)

Master's in School Counseling – Seton Hall University (2020-08 – 2023-05)

Bachelor's in Early Grades & Special Education – West Chester University (2015-08 – 2019-05)