Hi, I’m
Taylor Murray
West Vancouver,BC
Summary
Master's Candidate in Counselling Psychology leveraging 10 years of professional experience in high-stakes environments, complemented by a strong academic foundation (Bachelor's in Psychology and Master's focus). Proven expertise in fostering individual well-being and managing complex relational dynamics through active listening, empathetic reflection, and conflict resolution. Highly adept at informal needs assessment, de-escalation, and systems-level collaboration with families and professional teams. Seeking a challenging and growth-orientated practicum placement to integrate academic theory with proven professional competencies in therapeutic alliance, case management, and ethical practice.
Overview
11
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Collingwood School
University Guidance Administrative Assistant
10.2025 - Current
Job overview
- Managed confidential student documentation and records related to academic advising, support services, and sensitive internal referrals, ensuring strict adherence to privacy protocols and educational policy.
- Provided critical administrative support within a student guidance setting, including managing complex scheduling for high-volume appointments, coordinating communication with multiple internal stakeholders, and maintaining systemic efficiency.
Lions Gate Christian Academy
Elementary Educator
08.2019 - 08.2025
Job overview
- Established and maintained a strong alliance with an annual case of 20-28 students and their families, operating from stance of unconditional positive regard and non-judgemental support across multi-year relationships.
- Conducted informal social-emotional needs assessments to identify immediate barriers (e.g. anxiety, relational conflict, behavioural concerns) and aided in developing, as well as executing individualized support plans in collaboration with parents.
- Provided proactive and responsive emotional support, utilizing active listening, empathetic reflection, and psychoeducational feedback to coach students in emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy skills.
- Applied crisis management skills by intervening in peer conflicts and implementing immediate, structured de-escalation techniques to restore emotional safety and focus in the environment.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration with school leadership, special education professionals, and family units to align academic and personal goals, ensuring continuity of care and resources to optimize well-being.
Fraser Valley Adventist Academy
Elementary Educator
08.2018 - 08.2019
Job overview
- Facilitated group psychoeducation and social skills development by leading dynamic classroom instruction that created opportunities for collaborative learning, peer conflict resolution, and the application of emotional literacy skills.
- Systemically observed and conducted informal psychological and developmental assessments of students' presenting concerns to identify barriers to learning (e.g. social anxiety, lack of organizational skills), subsequently implementing structured, short-term interventions.
- Contributed to program developing by advising and working with teaching teams on the integration of mental health principles (e.g., growth mindset, self-regulation techniques, social boundary setting) into the core curriculum, ensuring alignment with student social-emotional learning goals.
- Acted as a collaborative team member within the teaching unit, consistently advocating for a holistic approach to student well-being that addressed both academic achievement and mental health needs.
Avalon Adventist Christian Academy
Elementary Educator
01.2015 - 01.2018
Job overview
- Designed and delivered inclusive psychoeducational experiences tailored to the diverse learning and developmental needs of multi-grade groups, demonstrating cultural competence in addressing varied family backgrounds, learning styles, and emotional profiles.
- Serves as a consultant on systemic issues by leading school-wide policy initiatives (e.g., fundraising, emergency protocols), effectively navigating complex administrative structures to advocated for a safer, more supportive student environment.
- Established and maintained collaborative partnerships with external local liaison officers (e.g., police, social services) to develop and implement updated risk management and safety protocols, showcasing an ability to operate within complex community systems.
- Directed and managed high-visibility extracurricular and community-focused programs, demonstrating strong group facilitation, organization, and leadership skills vital for planning and running therapeutic or support groups.
Education
Yorkville UniversityFredericton, NB
Master of Arts from Counselling Psychology
12-2026
Southwestern Adventist UniversityKeene, TX
Bachelor of Science from Psychology (Emphasis in School Guidance)
01.2019
Skills
- Active Listening
- Empathetic Reflection
- De-escalation
- Crisis Management
- Informal Needs Assessment
- Psychoeducation and Coaching
- Inter-Agency Collaboration and Family Partnership
- Prioritization and Time Management
- Systems-Level Planing
- Professionalism and Ethical Boundaries
- Professional Communications Platforms: Zoom, Microsoft Teams
- Administrative Software: Google Workspace
- Data Management and Filing
Accomplishments
- BC Provincial Certification Number: L207816
- Supporting Learners with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder training
- Autism Awareness Centre Inc. certificate of completion in Zones of Regulation
- SAFE Training Level 2
- Received Texas State Department of Education Student Teacher of the Year Award - 2015
- Received SDABC Up & Coming Teacher of the Year Award - 2018
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Certification
- BC Provincial Certification - Certification #: L207816
- Supporting Learners with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder training
- Autism Awareness Centre Inc. certificate of completion in Zones of Regulation
- SAFE Training Level 2
- Received Texas State Department of Education Student Teacher of the Year Award - 2015
- Received SDABC Up & Coming Teacher of the Year Award - 2018
Timeline
University Guidance Administrative Assistant
Collingwood School
10.2025 - Current
Elementary Educator
Lions Gate Christian Academy
08.2019 - 08.2025
Elementary Educator
Fraser Valley Adventist Academy
08.2018 - 08.2019
Elementary Educator
Avalon Adventist Christian Academy
01.2015 - 01.2018
Yorkville University
Master of Arts from Counselling Psychology
Southwestern Adventist University
Bachelor of Science from Psychology (Emphasis in School Guidance)