Mandi Smith,
MA School Counseling, Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling Track
About Me:
About Me:
Welcome to my professional portfolio website! My name is Mandi Smith and I will be completing my MA in Counseling (Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling Track) program at Chapman University in May of 2024. I chose to transition into the field of school counseling after three years of teaching high school and coming to the conclusion that our students deserve educational equity and mental health support.
Welcome to my professional portfolio website! My name is Mandi Smith and I will be completing my MA in Counseling (Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling Track) program at Chapman University in May of 2024. I chose to transition into the field of school counseling after three years of teaching high school and coming to the conclusion that our students deserve educational equity and mental health support.
After earning my animal science degree and spending several years in zoological education and outreach with Disney's Animal Kingdom, my classroom teaching career began with my role as a CTE Veterinary Science high school instructor, where students would ultimately earn a Veterinary Assisting Certification through my course. I also acted as an FFA advisor, running a working animal husbandry farm on our high school campus and taking my students to "career development event" competitions that allow students to use skills they learn in class through practical application that directly models what they would be doing in an agriculture career.
After earning my animal science degree and spending several years in zoological education and outreach with Disney's Animal Kingdom, my classroom teaching career began with my role as a CTE Veterinary Science high school instructor, where students would ultimately earn a Veterinary Assisting Certification through my course. I also acted as an FFA advisor, running a working animal husbandry farm on our high school campus and taking my students to "career development event" competitions that allow students to use skills they learn in class through practical application that directly models what they would be doing in an agriculture career.
In response to the pandemic in the following year, I was recommended to shift into a new position as a Research/Critical Thinking Instructor working with 9th grade students. Here, I was asked to support our lowest quartile learners in a Title I high school through individual instruction and curriculum design with the goal of increasing academic performance and interest in school. Ultimately, I was able to aid 85% of my students in increasing their standardized testing score level, contributing to their matriculation.
In response to the pandemic in the following year, I was recommended to shift into a new position as a Research/Critical Thinking Instructor working with 9th grade students. Here, I was asked to support our lowest quartile learners in a Title I high school through individual instruction and curriculum design with the goal of increasing academic performance and interest in school. Ultimately, I was able to aid 85% of my students in increasing their standardized testing score level, contributing to their matriculation.
After moving to Los Angeles, I accepted a long-term substitute teaching position as a College Preparation instructor at a public charter school, where I acted as a college advisor for a student body of first-generation college students. I used my prior teaching experience to create a curriculum highlighting topics such as financial preparedness, university logistics and conduct, as well as career exploration. Every student I served was admitted into a California four-year university.
After moving to Los Angeles, I accepted a long-term substitute teaching position as a College Preparation instructor at a public charter school, where I acted as a college advisor for a student body of first-generation college students. I used my prior teaching experience to create a curriculum highlighting topics such as financial preparedness, university logistics and conduct, as well as career exploration. Every student I served was admitted into a California four-year university.
As a school counselor, I aim to support the whole child: their emotional well-being, their academic goals, career exploration, and hopes for their future.
As a school counselor, I aim to support the whole child: their emotional well-being, their academic goals, career exploration, and hopes for their future.
Photos of my Journey in Education
Photos of my Journey in Education
I firmly believe that all of my experiences led and shaped me to become the advocate that I am today. These photos represent my time from my formative years with Disney Education to my time as a teacher, and finally as a Counseling Intern.
Get in touch at thatmandismith@gmail.com
Get in touch at thatmandismith@gmail.com