Penny Downs Email & Phone Number

Marlborough Ma

I am a hands-on guidance counselor in a therapeutic high school. I have a homeroom and I teach Transition classes and Financial Literacy classes. I have my 7D license and I drive groups of students to college tours, work study opportunities. I participate in and supervise volunteer work and service learning in the community at a food pantry, senior center and dog kennel. I do vocational testing and transition assessments. I provide college and career readiness training. I help students find part-time jobs and also help them navigate the college application process.

Blackstone, Ma

I teach exploratory Spanish to 6th, 7th and 8th graders.

Worcester, Ma

Straight Ahead Ministries, Worcester MA 01610Educational/Vocational Coordinator for the Aftercare Program 8/12-4/14• Developed and taught job readiness and independent living skills program for proven-risk youth• Program partner for providing services for youth identified with the Safe Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI) grant • Case management, job placement and coaching• Responsible for managing weekly group mentoring program• Supervised interns

Upton, Ma

School Counselor 8/2007-6/2012• Managed a caseload of over 200 students in grades 9-12 for individual counseling needs, scheduling etc. • Advised students and parents through all aspects of the college and career process. • Developed curriculum to meet ASCA national standards• Teach 6-12 “Employability” classes per week to students in grades 9-12• Coordinate and chair 504 meetings, participate in IEP and student review team meetingsClass Advisor, 2008-2012• Work with class officers to coordinate fundraising events, proms, school dances and activitiesEmployability Teacher and Counseling Intern 8/2006-6/2007• Taught 6-12 “Employability” classes per week to students in grades 9-12• Managed small caseloadWork-Based Learning Counseling Program Assistant 2005-2006• Developed curriculum and prepared classroom materialsTitle I Integration Specialist 2004–2005• Coordinated the Portfolio process including managing materials, teaching reflective writing workshops and developing supportive materials Assistant to the Director of Quality Initiatives, 2003-2004 • Assisted in day to day administrative duties including managing the portfolio process Academic Substitute Teacher, 2002 -2003

Uxbridge, Ma

Substitute Teacher/Tutor Special Ed, high school and middle school, 2001 - 02 High School Intervention Counselor 9/ 2000 -6/ 01 • Counseled students at-risk for dropping out of high schoolHigh School MCAS Academy Guidance Counselor, summers 2000 & 2001Coordinator for Sky’s the Limit After School Program, 1997 – 1998• Organize enrollment, hire and supervise teachers, secure donations and handle all financial aspects of after school classes for elementary school children.

Grafton, Ma

Employability Coordinator, Home Builders Institute Tech Center 1999 – 00• Responsible for preparing students for the workforce by strengthening employability skills through employment workshops, social skills classes, resume writing and work based learning job placements. Residential Advisor, 1998 – 99• Supervisor for 30 females; ages 16-24 in a dormitory setting. Conducted social skills training classes, performance evaluations and counseling sessions.

Millbury Ma

• Developed recreational and community service programs for youth ages 12-16. • Recruited, trained and supervised employees and volunteers. • Coordinated all activities

Worcester, Ma

• Managed day to day operations and administrative duties for group of research scientists.

Belmont, Ma

• Responsible for providing secretarial support for staff members in a ¼ way house for day and residential treatment. Included extensive patient contact.

Cambridge, Ma

Director• Supervised all personnel functions for national jewelry chain.• Designed and implemented successful recruitment plans for stores and seasonal sites nationwideRecruiter,• Responsible for recruiting, interviewing and hiring staff for seasonal kiosks through advertising, and job fairs

Boston Ma

Account Representative, 1985-86• Responsible for corporate account development. • Managed annual sales volume of $1 million, reflecting an increase of 55% in 5 months.Senior Placement Coordinator, 1984-85• Responsible for interviewing, hiring and managing a large temporary workforce of clerical, light industrial and secretarial employees

M. Ed., School Counseling

B.S., Communications And Speech

Activities and Societies: Speech and Debate Team

Transition