Christa Shippy
Elkhart,IN
Summary
High-impact high school counselor and Early College program specialist with extensive experience guiding diverse students through competitive college admissions, academic planning, and extracurricular development. Expert in personalized mentorship, essay coaching, passion project design, and family engagement. Proven ability to manage complex caseloads, deliver structured feedback, build processes, coordinate cross-functional teams, and help students develop strong, authentic application profiles. Thrives in fast-paced, mission-driven environments and is committed to empowering students to reach their full potential.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early College Program Coordinator/Counselor
Concord High School
01.2015 - Current
- Mentor 480+ students annually through academic planning, extracurricular strategy, candidacy development, and comprehensive postsecondary guidance.
- Lead Early College/dual-credit advising, supporting students in course selection, pathway alignment, transcript evaluation, and degree progression.
- Guide students through the full college admissions process, including personal statements, supplemental essays, scholarship applications, and portfolio development.
- Provide detailed, structured feedback to help students craft authentic, competitive narratives tailored to selective programs and top-tier universities.
- Coach students in identifying and executing meaningful passion projects in areas including engineering, education, health sciences, athletics, and community leadership.
- Host regular student meetings and family conferences to maintain alignment, momentum, and clarity throughout the admissions cycle.
- Develop individualized school lists (reach/target/safety) based on academic profiles, interests, and long-term goals.
- Collaborate with teachers, academic mentors, application reviewers, and community partners to ensure holistic student success.
- Coordinate 504 plans, testing accommodations, and academic supports; serve as a liaison between students, families, and internal teams.
- Lead major student events, including Senior Signing Day, college & career fairs, and Early College orientation and recognition programs.
- Maintain high parent and student satisfaction scores; consistently recognized for responsiveness, clarity, and positive relationship-building.
- Additional Experience & Leadership
- 504 Case Manager & Testing Coordinator: Manage accommodations, documentation, and multi-stakeholder communication.
- Crisis Response Team Member: Trained in QPR and trauma-informed practices to support student mental health.
- Mentor for First-Generation Students: Provide individualized college-readiness coaching for early college cohorts.
- Community & Postsecondary Partnerships: Collaborate with Ivy Tech Community College, The University of Notre Dame, Indiana University, and workforce development partners.
School Counselor/Student Assistance Coordinator
Concord Community Schools
08.2005 - 06.2015
- Mentored 320+ students' academic and social-emotional needs
- Provided crisis intervention support, ensuring students' mental health and safety needs were addressed.
- Facilitated conflict resolution sessions to enhance student relationships and the school environment.
- Developed and implemented individualized counseling plans for diverse student populations.
- Conducted workshops on social-emotional learning, promoting resilience and coping strategies among students.
- Mentored junior counselors, guiding professional development and enhancing team effectiveness in service delivery.
- Established partnerships with community organizations to provide resources and support for families in need.
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling Education/Counseling Psychology
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI08.1992
Bachelor of Science - Psychology & Special Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI08.1991
Skills
- Naviance
- PowerSchool
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft Teams
- Zoom
- Data tracking tools
- Collaborative digital platforms
- College application support
- Mental health awareness
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Parent communication
Certification
- Licensed School Counselor
- QPR Gatekeeper Certified
- Ongoing professional development in admissions strategy, essay coaching, trauma-informed practice, and project-based learning
Core Competencies
- College Admissions Strategy
- Student Mentorship & Coaching
- Personal Statement & Essay Development
- Candidacy Building & Extracurricular Planning
- Parent & Family Engagement
- School List Development (Reach/Target/Safety)
- 504 & Accommodation Coordination
- Academic Planning & Dual-Credit Advising
- Project Management & Event Coordination
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Data-Informed Student Tracking & Documentation
- Crisis Response & Social-Emotional Support
- Communication, Organization, & Timely Follow-Through
Timeline
Early College Program Coordinator/Counselor
Concord High School
01.2015 - Current
School Counselor/Student Assistance Coordinator
Concord Community Schools
08.2005 - 06.2015
Master of Arts - Counseling Education/Counseling Psychology
Western Michigan University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology & Special Education
Western Michigan University