Kathleena Avender
Lantzville
Summary
- As an accomplished educator & school counsellor, in addition to working within a multidisciplinary health clinic as a registered clinical counsellor, I have a wide scope of knowledge and skills in case management including supporting, advocating, assessing, and collaborating with youth, families, administrators, and other practitioners to determine effective treatment plans. I feel my experiences are an asset in developing positive working relationships with patients, families, and team members, in addition to having excellent communication skills that can benefit relations with community agencies. As an enthusiastic learner, I welcome opportunities to continue my professional growth by maintaining current knowledge and awareness of trends and activities in clinical practice.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Clinical Counsellor, Private Practice
Island Optimal Health & Performance
10.2022 - Current
- Guide clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with challenges and presenting concerns.
- Help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Contribute to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counselling field.
- Implement cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting negative thinking patterns.
- Developed individualized treatment plans for clients to incorporate realistic short-term and long-term goals.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
- Fostered a supportive environment and developed trusting therapeutic alliances with clients through empathetic listening and unconditional positive regard, enabling clients to openly discuss their feelings and experiences.
- Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counselling field.
- Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client's background and experiences.
- Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in clients by utilizing cognitive-behavioral strategies and mindfulness-based techniques.
School Counsellor
School District #68
09.2022 - 06.2024
- Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.
- Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
- Maintained positive relationships with students, families, faculty, and administration.
- Implemented data-driven strategies to identify areas of need within the school population, leading to targeted interventions and support services.
- Partnered with parents, guardians, and outside agencies to coordinate appropriate supports are made available for student success.
- Coordinated efforts with community organizations to provide additional resources for students facing various challenges.
- Developed and implemented individualized behavior plans to assist students with achieving academic and behavioral goals.
- Promoted mental health awareness among staff members through training programs on topics such as stress management, self-care, and recognizing warning signs in students.
Upper Elementary Teacher
SD#68
01.2001 - 06.2022
- Adapted teaching methods to provide differentiated instructional opportunities for all students.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular units that connected subjects such as math, science, social studies, and language arts.
- Established an inclusive classroom culture where all students felt valued and respected for their unique abilities and backgrounds.
- Increased parent engagement through regular communication and conferences to promote student success.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
Education
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University
New Brunswick08-2022
Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Education - Education
Vancouver Island University
Nanaimo12-2000
Skills
- Building rapport
- Psychoeducation
- Conflict resolution
- Adolescent counselling
- Family dynamics
- Behavior modification
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) expert
- Life transitions
- Solution-focused counseling
- Parenting skills educator
- Communication skills
- File and record keeping
- Treatment plans
- Intake assessments
- Mental health support
- Crisis intervention
- Multicultural competence
- Sexual health education
- Case management proficiency
- Social skills teacher
Timeline
Registered Clinical Counsellor, Private Practice
Island Optimal Health & Performance
10.2022 - Current
School Counsellor
School District #68
09.2022 - 06.2024
Upper Elementary Teacher
SD#68
01.2001 - 06.2022
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University
Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Education - Education
Vancouver Island University
Similar Profiles
Katlina GiaumeKatlina Giaume
Physical Therapist Aide at Performance Optimal HealthPhysical Therapist Aide at Performance Optimal Health
Rhiannon HancockRhiannon Hancock
Chiropractic Student Intern at Center for Health and Optimal PerformanceChiropractic Student Intern at Center for Health and Optimal Performance
Brian Amaya CastilloBrian Amaya Castillo
Physical Therapy Aide at Performance Optimal HealthPhysical Therapy Aide at Performance Optimal Health
Brandee SkopnikBrandee Skopnik
Rehabilitation Assistant, Home & Community Care at Vancouver Island Health AuthorityRehabilitation Assistant, Home & Community Care at Vancouver Island Health Authority
Alex IslesAlex Isles
Builder's Laborer at McNaught ContractingBuilder's Laborer at McNaught Contracting