Monica Linden
Ma Wan
Summary
Knowledgeable Primary School Counsellor with solid background in fostering student well-being and emotional growth. Developed and implemented effective programs to support students' social and emotional development. Demonstrated excellent communication and problem-solving skills while working collaboratively with teachers and parents.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary School Counselor
American International School Hong Kong
08.2023 - Current
- Created a safe space for students within the school community where they felt comfortable discussing their concerns or seeking guidance from counselors or staff members.
- Implemented comprehensive guidance curriculum that addressed the and social-emotional development of all students.
- Collaborated with teachers to identify students in need of additional support, providing tailored counseling services.
- Collaborated with external mental health professionals to provide comprehensive support services.
- Facilitated teacher and parent consultations, improving collaborative support network for students.
- Revitalized the small group counseling program upon joining the school, which had been dormant since 2019, beginning with students in Grades 1-4 and focusing on social skills development.
- Currently maintaining a schedule of 10-12 small group sessions weekly with an expanded curriculum that encompasses anger management strategies, academic success skills, and self-concept enhancement to empower individual growth.
- Conducted individual counseling sessions to improve student emotional well-being.
- Successfully advocated for and facilitated the adoption of Orah Mood Checks™, advancing the school's capability to track student well-being metrics and support emotional intelligence development through digital innovation
- Participated in selective pilot cohort for a six-month The Learner First™ Contributive Learning Design Workshop Series, and learn to create more responsive and inclusive learning environments that support both academic excellence and social-emotional development.
- Familiar with the Child Protection and Safeguarding Procedures within a school setting.
- Managed crisis situations effectively, providing timely intervention and referrals to outside agencies when necessary.
- Maintained confidential behavioral data, special education reports and services reports.
- Improved parental involvement by organizing informative workshops and maintaining open lines of communication between home and school environments.
Pastoral Care Group Teacher
Hong Kong International School
08.2020 - 12.2022
- Taught homeroom class of 11-12 middle school students between ages 11-14 years old
- Conducted sessions 2-3 times per week to foster social-emotional competencies through open sessions and group activities, and monitor student well-being
- Conducted sessions over Zoom during periods of Home Learning
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications
- Adaptable to new situations and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently
- Registered student progress and attendance on database to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
Middle School Drama and Choir Teaching Assistant
Middle School Drama and Choir Programs, Hong Kong International School
08.2018 - 12.2022
- Monitor and instruct students during breakout sessions of self-study
- Give constructive feedback, motivate and encourage students on their classwork
- Tutored students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts
- Assisted in maintaining engaging and respectful educational environment by promoting discipline and cooperation
- Collaborate with teachers on designing and delivering class activities
- Assisted teachers with classroom management in classes of 12-35 students to maintain positive learning environment
- Delivered lessons under guidance of senior instructors
- Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by class teacher
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Worked effectively in team setting, providing support and guidance, even in fast-paced environments
- Demonstrated high level of initiative, creativity and resourcefulness through development of innovative solutions.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Completed daily reports on attendance, course participation, and disciplinary performance
- Developed materials for classroom teachers to support instruction or in-class activities
NLP Trainer
TrainStation Hong Kong
02.2016 - 06.2017
- Delivered bespoke Neuro-Linguistic Programming-based training programs to regional leadership in group sizes varying from 50-200 participants
- Monitored participant workflow and behaviors throughout training process
- Implemented diverse instructional methods, optimizing trainee engagement
- Implemented new training courses after assessing corporate data and identifying employee weaknesses
Professional Vocalist
Hong Kong International Themeparks (HK Disneyland)
10.2009 - 01.2016
- Performed in various shows and events as vocalist and actor
- Delivered high quality, physically challenging performances 3-7 times per day.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement
- Volunteered at local community organizations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environment.
- Self-motivated, with strong sense of personal responsibility.
Education
Master of Counseling -
Monash University
Australia07.2023
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Ateneo De Manila University
Philippines03.2003
Skills
- Self-esteem building
- Creative Student Engagement
- Group counseling
- Motivating students
- Individual counseling
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Cultural Awareness
- Referral coordination
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Self-Motivated
- Collaborative teamwork
- Excellent Communication
- Active Listening
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Creative problem-solving aptitude
- Solution-Focused Counseling
Additional Information
- Permanent Hong Kong Resident
- Apple Certified Teacher
- Member: Hong Kong Society of Counselling and Psychology
- Certified Neuro-Linguistic Program Practitioner (March 2017, Philippines)
- Habitudes Certification Course (2011, Hong Kong)
Timeline
Elementary School Counselor
American International School Hong Kong
08.2023 - Current
Pastoral Care Group Teacher
Hong Kong International School
08.2020 - 12.2022
Middle School Drama and Choir Teaching Assistant
Middle School Drama and Choir Programs, Hong Kong International School
08.2018 - 12.2022
NLP Trainer
TrainStation Hong Kong
02.2016 - 06.2017
Professional Vocalist
Hong Kong International Themeparks (HK Disneyland)
10.2009 - 01.2016
Master of Counseling -
Monash University
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Ateneo De Manila University
Languages
English, Tagalog
Native language
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