Skylar Suess

Dynamic and passionate school counselor adept at fostering strong, trustworthy relationships with students, parents, educators, administrative staff, and community leaders. Proficient in communication and organization, dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Currently pursuing licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

Seeking to leverage proven skills in counseling and relationship-building to empower students within the educational sphere, while also aiming to extend support and drive positive change within our broader community as a licensed mental health counselor.

School Counselor - Treasure Village Montessori School - Islamorada, FL

(2024-08)

• Develops and implements a comprehensive and developmental Middle School Critical Thinking program.
• Conducts classroom guidance lessons related to identified goals and objectives.
• Counsels students individually by actively listening, identifying issues and solutions, and formulating a plan of action.
• Leads educational/support groups for students experiencing similar problems.
• Conducts crisis counseling sessions as necessary.
• Consults with staff, parents, and community about issues and concerns.
• Follow up on counseling and consultative referrals.
• Knowledge of implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support.
• Assemble and implement behavioral interventions.
• Consult with appropriate school personnel in making referrals to community agencies.
• Maintains counseling records of counseling services provided.
• Serve as a member of the school's Threat Assessment team.

Behavior Threat Assessment Team Member - Ocean Studies Charter School - Key Largo, FL

(2023-08 - 2024-12)

• Participates in the development and execution of a school-wide behavior threat assessment protocol in the K-8 school setting.
• Conducts threat assessments and risk evaluations.
• Develops and implements intervention plans based on threat assessments, employing a proactive approach to mitigate risks and address behavioral concerns effectively.
• Works closely with school administrators, counselors, teachers, and law enforcement, fostering a cohesive approach to addressing behavioral concerns and implementing appropriate responses.
• Provides guidance and support to at-risk students
• Contributes to ongoing training and awareness
• Maintains documentation and records
• Collaborates with external agencies and resources

Physical Education Instructor - Ocean Studies Charter School - Key Largo, FL

(2023-08 - 2024-12)

• Develop lesson plans and activities that align with the developmental stages of K-8 students to promote physical fitness, motor skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Instructs students on basic motor skills like running, jumping, throwing, catching, and coordination exercises essential for overall physical development.
• Ensures a secure and supportive atmosphere for students of diverse abilities and backgrounds to participate actively in physical activities and sports.
• Evaluates individual and group performance, providing feedback and support to help students improve their physical abilities and health-related fitness.
• Educates students on the importance of regular exercise, proper nutrition, and healthy lifestyle choices through discussions, demonstrations, and interactive lessons.
• Coordinates various sports events, intramural games, and extracurricular physical activities, fostering students' interest in sports and fitness.
• Works with other educators to integrate physical education into broader educational goals.
• Communicates with parents about students' progress and the importance of physical activity.
• Ensures proper maintenance and availability of sports equipment, facilities, and resources necessary for conducting physical education classes effectively.
• Instills values of fair play, cooperation, and respect among students, emphasizing the significance of teamwork and positive social interaction in sports and physical activities.
• Engages in professional development opportunities, research, and networking to incorporate innovative and evidence-based strategies into physical education teaching methodologies.

School Counselor - Belvedere Elementary School - West Palm Beach, FL

(2021-08 - 2023-06)

• Develops and implements a comprehensive and developmental elementary school guidance and counseling program for a Title I school.
• Conducts classroom guidance lessons related to identified goals and objectives.
• Counsels students individually by actively listening, identifying issues and solutions, and formulating a plan of action.
• Leads educational/support groups for students experiencing similar problems.
• Collaborates with community agencies in assisting Title I students and their families (food banks, clothing donations, Shop with a Cop, Toys for Tots, Angel Program, English classes for parents).
• Conducts crisis counseling sessions as necessary.
• Implement a Character Education program monthly.
• Consults with staff, parents, and community about issues and concerns.
• Follow up on counseling and consultative referrals.
• Serve on the School Based Team collaborating with school staff in developing strategy or plan for improving student performance and behavior.
• Knowledge of implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support.
• Assemble and implement behavioral interventions.
• Consult with appropriate school personnel in making referrals to community agencies.
• Serve as the school liaison for attendance/truancy laws and records.
• Serve as the school liaison for foster program students.
• Maintains counseling records of counseling services provided.
• Serve as a member of the school's Threat Assessment team.
• Member of the 504 Team.
• Member and co-leader of the PBS team.

Physical Education Instructor - Belvedere Elementary School - West Palm Beach, FL

(2021-08 - 2023-06)

• Develop lesson plans and activities that align with the developmental stages of K-8 students to promote physical fitness, motor skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
• Instructs students on basic motor skills like running, jumping, throwing, catching, and coordination exercises essential for overall physical development.
• Ensures a secure and supportive atmosphere for students of diverse abilities and backgrounds to participate actively in physical activities and sports.
• Evaluates individual and group performance, providing feedback and support to help students improve their physical abilities and health-related fitness.
• Educates students on the importance of regular exercise, proper nutrition, and healthy lifestyle choices through discussions, demonstrations, and interactive lessons.
• Coordinates various sports events, intramural games, and extracurricular physical activities, fostering students' interest in sports and fitness.
• Works with other educators to integrate physical education into broader educational goals.
• Communicates with parents about students' progress and the importance of physical activity.
• Ensures proper maintenance and availability of sports equipment, facilities, and resources necessary for conducting physical education classes effectively.
• Instills values of fair play, cooperation, and respect among students, emphasizing the significance of teamwork and positive social interaction in sports and physical activities.
• Engages in professional development opportunities, research, and networking to incorporate innovative and evidence-based strategies into physical education teaching methodologies.

Substitute Teacher - Ridgewood District/Wood-Ridge District - Ridgewood & Wood-Ridge, NJ

(2018-02 - 2021-05)

• Worked alongside Behavioral Assistants and Applied Behavioral Assistants
• During preparation, I was able to shadow and work with the counselors
• Completed behavioral assessments
• Taught structured lesson plans in all academic subjects for grades K-12
• Assisted as an aide for children with behavioral issues, and special accommodations

JV Girls Soccer Head Coach/Assistant Varsity - Morris Catholic High School - Denville, NJ

(2019-08 - 2020-11)

• Served as a positive support system for the girls' junior varsity and varsity soccer team
• Lead girls 14-18 on and off the field
• Helped the girls learn core values such as teamwork and sportsmanship
• Coordinated games and practices
• Worked with parents, coaching staff, and other school personnel

Advisor - Borderless Friends Forever - Ridgewood, NJ

(2019-08 - 2020-06)

• Worked with international students in their program throughout the school year
• Checked in weekly to answer any questions/concerns/problems
• Worked with the student's counselors and teachers to ensure they are excelling
• Provide any resources the student may need
• Worked alongside the host family to make sure the environment is healthy
• Addressed any issues in or out of the host family's home

School Counselor Intern - Ridgewood High School - Ridgewood, NJ

(2017-05 - 2018-06)

• Managed a small caseload of students in ensuring their emotional and academic well-being were met based on their individual needs
• Co-facilitated the Freshman Focus program for first-year students (included challenging topics such as substance abuse, relationships, grades, bullying, college, goals, fears. Etc).
• Actively worked with the 504 and I&RS committees
• Assisted in the preparation and administration of PARCC
• Assisted in the preparation and administration of AP and Biology testing
• College admission processes
• Navigated software such as Naviance and Skyward
• Reconstructed the course catalog and created an online website for courses
• Participated in the scheduling process and made schedule changes
• Actively participated and attended after-school meetings and assemblies
• Assembled an alumni panel for the graduating senior class
• Worked alongside the director of guidance in the President's Advisory Board
• Attended college visits from school representatives

Chemical Dependency Technician - Sunrise Detoxification Center - Stirling, NJ

(2014 - 2015)

• NJSAMS
• Led alcoholic anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous group meetings for the patients
• 12 Step Program
• Conducted initial intakes, admissions, and patient discharge
• Completed the release paperwork, and transfers to rehab facilities
• Provided communication between families and patients
• Assisted the professional counselors in developing future plans
• Actively monitored patient caseload

M.A. - School Counseling - Seton Hall University (2018)

M.A., Ed.S. - Professional Counseling - Seton Hall University (2024)

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology - Ramapo College of New Jersey (2014)