Mackenna Pefley

Versatile education and human-services professional with 10+ years of experience supporting students, families, staff, and multidisciplinary teams in complex and high-needs environments. Experienced in program coordination, case management, administrative operations, confidential records, data tracking, compliance, crisis intervention, community/resource coordination, and stakeholder communication. Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, coordinate services, develop documentation and reports, and build trusted relationships across diverse communities.

Brings a solutions-focused approach to management, outreach, grant/proposal support, clerical operations, and mission-driven work.

School Counselor - ANAHEIM UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT - Walker Junior High School (2023–2026); Lexington Junior High School (2021–2023)

(2021-01 - 2026-01)

Coordinate comprehensive student-support programs while managing multiple priorities, deadlines, confidential records, and high-volume caseload responsibilities.

• Lead and coordinate 504 processes, IEP-related support, behavioral interventions, risk assessments, crisis response, and student service plans in collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams.
• Analyze academic, behavioral, attendance, and other student data to identify needs, track progress, document outcomes, and guide intervention decisions.
• Serve as a central liaison among administrators, teachers, families, school psychologists, speech-language professionals, community providers, and other stakeholders to ensure timely and coordinated services.
• Provide leadership through consultation, staff collaboration, conflict mediation, restorative practices, parent education, and problem-solving around complex student and family needs.
• Maintain accurate, confidential documentation and compliance records while meeting district, legal, and program requirements.
• Conduct high-stakes risk assessments and suicide-prevention/crisis-intervention procedures using trauma-informed and de-escalation practices.
• Develop and facilitate presentations, meetings, parent communication, and staff consultation designed to improve communication, student outcomes, and team effectiveness.
• Use Aeries/PowerSchool, Google Workspace, Canva, and other digital systems for records management, reporting, communication, scheduling, and data tracking.
• Support whole-child initiatives and connect students and families with appropriate school, community, mental-health, and social-service resources.

Instructional Assistant – Special Education - ANAHEIM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

(2016-01 - 2021-01)

• Provided direct academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to students with diverse learning and developmental needs.
• Worked closely with teachers, administrators, specialists, and families to implement individualized supports and monitor student progress.
• Maintained detailed records, completed clerical and classroom documentation, supported scheduling and organization, and handled sensitive student information professionally.
• Applied positive behavior supports, de-escalation strategies, and crisis-response techniques to maintain safe and productive learning environments.
• Adapted quickly to changing priorities while balancing student needs, staff requests, documentation requirements, and daily operational responsibilities.

Master of Science - School Counseling - National University

Bachelor of Science - Marriage and Family Studies - Brigham Young University–Idaho