Bianca Palala

www.linkedin.com/in/bpalala 646-267-5195 bpalala@fordham.edu

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
School counselor with experience in technology, community organizing, college and socio-emotional counseling, test preparation,
program coordination, and managing a caseload.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Fordham University, New York, NY, May 2016
Master of Science in Counseling and Personnel Services, GPA: 3.8
Honors: Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society
State University at New Paltz College New Paltz, NY, May 2013
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology:Human Services, GPA 3.0

New York State K-12 School Counselor

Provisional, May 2016 - August 2021
New York State Teaching Assistant
Level I, August 2016 - August 2019

EXPERIENCE
Academic College Readiness Coach
Bronx, NY
CUNY Research Foundation;The Bronx Institute at Lehman College
June 2016- Present
Responsibilities include:
Managing a caseload of 317 students across both 7th and 8th grade students at IN-Tech Academy
Scheduling, planning, and independently delivering academic college readiness workshops during regular school hours on
various topics such as high school choice, graduation requirements and exam prep. Large group workshops consist of 20 to
30 students, and small groups consist of 2 to 8 students.
Researching and preparing quality materials as well as differentiating communication strategies that work best with
students and parents.

Determining students' academic standing; developing and implementing strategies to ensure that all students academic
needs are met.

Maintaining regular contact and tracking communication with all assigned students and their families

Assisting with implementing special initiatives (e.g.: after school programming, Saturday academy, and Summer
programming)
Designing and conducting parent workshops to share information regarding academic advisement
Gathering sources of data and using it to inform planning and delivery of service to students

Recording, gathering, and reporting student data for all activities in databases
College & Guidance Counselor Intern
New York, NY
Professional Performing Arts School
September 2015-June 2016
Provided one-on-one college counseling to a caseload of 50 seniors throughout the admissions cycle including but not
limited to, creating college list, writing and revising the personal statement, advising on financial aid, writing letters of
recommendations, and assisting students with making final matriculation decisions
Tracked and ensured progress of all students in regards to the college admissions process
Assisted in coordinating and overseeing on-time FASFA/TAP, CSS Profile, and (H) EOP eligibility filing
Gained expertise of online admissions processes using SUNY, CUNY, the Common Application, and individual college
websites
Presented pre-college informational sessions to high school juniors, seniors, and parents
Facilitated college transition groups to 25 high school seniors
Provided weekly socio-emotional and academic counseling to a student with an individualized education plan

New York, NY
Instructional Technologist Assistant
Fordham University-Lincoln Center
September 2014 - June 2016
Assisted faculty in production of instructional materials for online delivery
Provided telephone and email support for users of Fordham Blackboard learning management system
Managed computing and technology issues which arose from-walk-in user queries
New York, NY
Community Organizer
Childrens Aid Society-Carrera Program
August 2013 - August 2014
Promoted school attendance and improved academic performance of participants at Opportunity Charter School
Tracked scholar attendance,behavior,achievements and infractions using Skoodat Sales Force software

Collaborated with school officials to create community events, parent outings, school and program functions
Provided academic counseling to a caseload of 15 high school students

Bronx, NY
Youth Coordinator and Work Site Supervisor
Summer Youth Employment Program
Summers 2009 - 2013
Placed a total of 65 participants aged 14-24 years old at work sites based on career interest, goals, and ability
Accurately monitored daily participant attendance and work experience for weekly reporting to Site Director
Met with participants in group settings and individually to assist them in their career and academic goals
Served as a liaison between management and employees by handling questions, administrative concerns and resolving
work issues
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE AND MEMBERSHIPS
New York, NY
School Counselor Student Association
Member and Student Mentor
September 2014 - May 2016
Mentored and advised incoming first year students in adjusting and acclimating to graduate student life and work load
New York, NY
Immigrant Paradox Research Project
Researcher
August 2015
Conducted qualitative interviews and managed data analysis for poster featured at the American Planning Association
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Naviance
Career
Assessments

Microsoft Office
(Excel,
PowerPoint, Word)

Skoodat Exodus
SUNY Application
Manager

The Common
Application

Blackboard Learn
(Administration)