Colleen Murray Email & Phone Number

Santa Barbara, Ca, Us

Santa Barbara, California, United States

In her role, Colleen oversees the college counseling department at Laguna Blanca. Colleen directs all college counseling programs, budget management, facilitates department meetings, organizes and manages events for college preparation such as grade level retreats, weekly advisory classes, college nights, presentations, college application, essay, and resume writing workshops for students. Represents the school at various events, and speaks to current and prospective students and families about college counseling services at Laguna.

Redmond, Washington

In her role, Colleen oversaw the college advising program and academic planning to support 11th- & 12th-grade students in identifying their best secondary educational matches. She monitored student success, designed plans for students who needed additional support, and advised students on course progression and graduation requirements. She also mentored others in college advising best practices.Key Contributions:• Collaborated with Academic Advisors and Division Heads in creating, planning and implementing programming for study skills, academic support sessions, and student advising. • Delivered personalized guidance to students and families, including individual conferences with 11th- & 12th-grade families and group meetings and presentations for parents and students at critical junctures during college counseling process.• Assisted students through all phases of the college application process, counseled them on test options and registration, and educated them about scholarships and financial aid and how to conduct college visits.• Remained current on admissions trends such as changes in test requirements, competitive applications with Common App and Coalition App, SAT, and ACT.• Represented the perspective of college & academic advising in Upper School meetings, including US leadership, grade-level planning, Academic Senate, Academic Team, and Student Support Team.• Prepared documentation for college and scholarship programs, including secondary school reports, school profile, letters of recommendation, and NMSC documentation.• Volunteer work in regional and national conferences and participates in pro development including NACAC, PNACAC, NAIS, Baylor University Counselor Advisory Board.

San Diego, California

In this role, Colleen directed and oversaw all counseling programs; supervised, mentored, and led 4 departmental personnel. She also facilitated department meetings, and managed the departmental budget. She delivered individualized college counseling including college and academic advisement and personal and crisis counseling to students.Key Accomplishments:• Orchestrated Senior Parent College Night, Junior Parent College Night, Financial Aid Night, and Course Advisement Night.• Managed and executed counseling programs focused on emotional and social wellness.• Facilitated senior college application, essay, and resume writing workshops.• Composed compelling college recommendation letters for seniors.• Coordinated and presented at monthly parent coffee meetings.• Counseled students on course selection, and scheduled courses. • Conducted admission interviews for new prospective students.

Monterey, California

At Santa Catalina School, Colleen directed all college counseling functions, and served on the Upper Administrative Team and as a Resident Faculty Member. She provided individualized college counseling meetings with upperclassmen and their parents. She also generated annual year-end department reports for the Board of Trustees, and met with college representatives. Key Accomplishments:• Coordinated Junior Parent College Night, Sophomore College Day Trip, and College Application Workshops.• Conducted mock interviews with upperclassmen, and worked with students on resume writing and essays.• Taught weekly class for all seniors regarding college application and admissions process. • Presented college admission information to upper classmen in Journey advisory classes.• Supervised senior advisors in guiding students through college admission process.• Wrote articles for monthly Santa Catalina School Upper School newsletter.• Developed College Counseling Handbook for parents and students.• Orchestrated transportation to SAT / ACT test sites for boarders.• Attended local and national college counselor conferences.• Composed recommendation letters for seniors.

• Delivered academic and college counseling to high school students• Covered all aspects of college application process including providing one-on-one services tailored to individual students.• Supported students with completing college applications, creating resumes, and essays.

Solana Beach, California

In this position, Colleen drove all college counseling functions, workshops, and programs. She oversaw all Counseling Office operations and preparatory counseling for grades 9-12. She also supervised and evaluated departmental personnel, administered the budget, and generated reports. She provided personal and crisis counseling to students, participated in curriculum reviews, and served as ACSI conference co-presenter. Key Accomplishments:• Composed College Handbook, and created Wingspan newsletter and College Notes monthly parent communications. • Coordinated Senior Information Night presentations, Junior Information Night, AP Information Night, Sophomore Night, Freshman College Info Night, New Student Night, and Financial Aid Night.• Acted as AP Coordinator, managed group testing, scheduling, student awards, and composed senior college recommendation letters. • Coordinated College Day, Career Day, and Shadow Day. • Substituted for upper school principal as required.

Master Of Science - Ms, Counseling

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Psychology

Pupil Personnel Services Credential, Counselor Education/School Counseling And Guidance Services

College Counseling Certificate