Amy Ross
Summary
Proactive Middle Years School Counsellor and Psychologist with extensive experience in individual and group counselling, crisis intervention, and collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams. Skilled in cognitive and academic assessments, developing individualized behaviour plans, and conducting workshops. Strong rapport-building abilities and a deep understanding of child and adolescent development.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Middle Years School Counsellor
Melbourne Girls Grammar
01.2018 - Current
- Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counselling sessions.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.
- Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
- Work collaboratively with teachers and other school personnel in providing service to students.
- Coordinated with outside agencies to determine students receive appropriate services and resources.
- Developed and implemented individualized behaviour plans to assist students with achieving academic and behavioural goals.
- Consulted with multidisciplinary teams to address complex issues related to student learning and development.
- Developed and conducted workshops and seminars to educate students on relevant topics in field.
- Assisted students in developing individualised learning profiles by conducting a comprehensive review of their strengths, weaknesses, and goals.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive student records, ensuring confidentiality and accurate tracking of student progress and interventions.
Director and Psychologist
Brainy Assessments
07.2016 - Current
- Supporting young people by conducting comprehensive psychological assessments to develop a better understanding of them as learners and individuals.
- Delivering cognitive, academic and behavioural assessments.
- Consultations with multidisciplinary teams to address complex issues related to student learning and development.
- Participation in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of assessment.
Psychologist
Mandy Biancucci Psychology
01.2015 - 12.2017
- Provide individual counselling to children and adolescents addressing a wide range of challenges including, anxiety, depression, interpersonal challenges, grief and loss and emotion regulation difficulties.
- Educate and empower parents to support their child throughout challenging times, and to build awareness of their strengths and resilience.
- Conducting cognitive and academic assessments to ascertain a child's intellectual abilities and develop a better understanding of their learning profile.
- Liaise and work alongside professionals in planning how to best support the client and their families, including schools and allied health professionals.
- Keeping up-to-date of developments in theory and research and undertaking continuing professional development.
- Write reports and professional letters.
- Active participation in peer supervision.
- Conduct risk assessments to identify individuals at risk and implement strategies.
School Psychologist
Marymede Catholic College
10.2013 - 12.2017
- Provide individual counselling to children and adolescents addressing a wide range of mental health challenges such as, anxiety, depression, social challenges, body image concerns and emotion regulation difficulties.
- Design and implement programs to support students with their wellbeing and resilience (e.g. social skills programs and meditation/mindfulness programs).
- Responsible for conducting cognitive and academic assessments to ascertain a child's intellectual abilities and assist educational staff in tailoring learning plans to meet the child's individual needs.
- Establish strong relationships with school staff, students and families.
- Conduct risk assessments and recommend appropriate programs of support.
- Maintain accurate student records and confidential case information concerning students.
- Regularly attend Professional Development relevant to the position and the needs of students.
- Participate in regular meetings with a range of stake holders to discuss the wellbeing of students.
Respite and Recreation Coordinator
Alpha Autism
09.2012 - 09.2013
- Organising outbound events for adults enrolled in the respite and recreation programs including, transportation, facilities, finances and staffing.
- Scheduling and facilitate quarterly planning meetings for clients and carers.
- Developing a calendar of events for the upcoming quarterly, based on suggestions and feedback from staff, clients and families.
Replacement Counsellor
Catholic Ladies College
09.2012 - 06.2013
- Experience working alongside the College Psychologist supporting secondary school students.
- Providing 1:1 counselling to students experiencing a range of difficulties including; anxiety,depression, eating disorders, grief and loss and social/interpersonal challenges.
- Balancing the needs of confidentiality against the need to keep relevant people informed.
- Group counselling.
Education
Masters of Psychology (Counselling) - Psychology
Monash University
Melbourne, VIC11.2013
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) - Psychology
La Trobe University
Melbourne, VIC11.2011
Bachelor of Psychological Science - Psychology
La Trobe University
Melbourne, VIC11.2010
Victorian Certificate of Education -
St Monica's College
Epping12.2006
Skills
- Strong rapport/relationship building skills with children, adolescents and their families
- Strong understanding of child and adolescent development
- Supporting parents to empower their children and to build resilience
- Delivering risk assessments
- Developing and facilitating group programs
- Conducting cognitive and academic assessments
- Strong report writing skills
- Strong understanding of mental health screeners
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Positive Psychology, Mindfulness Therapy and Strength based training
- AHPRA Board approved supervisor
Accomplishments
Ross, A., Paxton, S. J., & Rodgers, F. (2013). Y's Girl: Increasing body satisfaction among primary school girls. Body Image.
REFEREES
Mrs. Sally Hill
Director of Middles Years, Melbourne Girls Grammar (2021)
Phone: 0404 082 720
Mrs. Mandy Biancucci
Employer (Educational and Developmental Psychologist), Mandy Biancucci Psychology, Moonee Ponds
Phone: (03) 9372 0631
Email: m_biancucci@yahoo.com.au
Timeline
Middle Years School Counsellor
Melbourne Girls Grammar
01.2018 - Current
Director and Psychologist
Brainy Assessments
07.2016 - Current
Psychologist
Mandy Biancucci Psychology
01.2015 - 12.2017
School Psychologist
Marymede Catholic College
10.2013 - 12.2017
Respite and Recreation Coordinator
Alpha Autism
09.2012 - 09.2013
Replacement Counsellor
Catholic Ladies College
09.2012 - 06.2013
Masters of Psychology (Counselling) - Psychology
Monash University
Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) - Psychology
La Trobe University
Bachelor of Psychological Science - Psychology
La Trobe University
Victorian Certificate of Education -
St Monica's College
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