Miriam Castillo

Profile

Licensed school counselor with 11 years of experience across Title I middle and high school settings, specializing in college access programming, crisis intervention, and social-emotional learning curriculum design. Reduced chronic absenteeism by 22% at current site through targeted early-alert case management and family outreach. Holds LPC licensure and is a certified College Board AP Potential advisor.

Work Experience

Senior School CounselorAug 2018 - Present

Riverside Independent School District, Austin, TX

Built and launched a 9th-grade transition program serving 340 students annually, increasing on-track graduation rates from 71% to 89% within three years.
Managed a caseload of 420 students, coordinating individualized academic plans, 504 accommodations, and mental health referrals that reduced disciplinary incidents by 31%.
Secured a $48,000 GEAR UP grant to fund dual-enrollment advising and college visit programming, resulting in a 40% increase in first-generation college applicants.

School CounselorAug 2014 - Jun 2018

Pinecrest Middle School – Hays CISD, Kyle, TX

Delivered weekly SEL lessons to grades 6–8 using evidence-based Second Step curriculum, contributing to a 17-point improvement in school climate survey scores over two years.
Coordinated crisis response for 12 student incidents per year on average, partnering with community mental health providers to ensure 100% of referred students received follow-up services within 5 business days.
Advised 180 students annually on high school course selection, increasing enrollment in advanced coursework by 24% among historically underrepresented groups.

Counseling Intern / Graduate PracticumJan 2013 - May 2013

Del Valle High School – Del Valle ISD, Del Valle, TX

Completed 600 supervised clinical hours delivering individual and small-group counseling sessions focused on anxiety management and academic motivation.
Co-facilitated a six-week college readiness workshop for 45 seniors, with 91% completing FAFSA applications before the state deadline.
Shadowed lead counselor in IEP and 504 meetings, documenting accommodation plans for 38 students across general and special education settings.

Education

M.Ed. in School Counseling2011 - 2013

Texas State University, San Marcos, TX

Counselor Education & Supervision track; GPA 3.9; CACREP-accredited program

B.A. in Psychology2007 - 2011

University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX

Minor in Sociology; Dean's List 4 semesters

Skills

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) – TexasASCA National Model implementationCrisis intervention & threat assessment (SafeTALK certified)504 & IEP coordinationFAFSA & college access advisingSecond Step & MindUP SEL curriculaNaviance / Scoir student planning platformsTrauma-informed care practicesGoogle Workspace & PowerSchool SIS

Links

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/miriamcastillo-counselor · License: Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council — LPC #74821 · Portfolio: miriamcastillo.counselorfolio.com