Open to opportunities

Elizabeth Bearden

@elizabethpercifield

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Licensed school counselor specializing in SEL, advocacy, and student well-being.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I’m looking to use my passion for student advocacy in a more in-depth environment, continuing to support academic success, emotional well-being, and career readiness through SEL counseling, student-centered programming, and strong family collaboration.

I’m a licensed School Counselor with three years of experience supporting students from Pre-K through 6th grade. I’m currently an SEL Counselor at Sugar Grove Elementary, where I teach SEL and guidance lessons (conflict resolution, kindness, regulation, and bullying) and lead groups focused on executive functioning, regulation skills, conflict resolution, and middle school readiness for grades 3rd–5th.

I advocate for student success by managing and running 504 meetings, Safety Plan meetings, Student Support Team (SST) meetings, lunch groups, and individual sessions—while communicating with families and colleagues to support attendance, mental health, and academic concerns. I also value whole-school wellness programming and community outreach, and I stay actively involved with ASCA for ongoing professional development; previously, I served as a School Counselor Intern and worked as a lead teacher and kindergarten teacher while building skills in progress monitoring, coping strategies, and problem-solving to help students adapt and thrive.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

SEL Counselor

Current

Sugar Grove Elementary

Aug 2024 - Present (1 year 11 months)

Currently serves as an SEL Counselor supporting grades K-5 with SEL and guidance lessons. Runs groups and meetings (including 504, safety plan, SST) and partners with families to support attendance, mental health, and academic needs.

Guidance Lessons Conflict Resolution Kindness Bullying Support Middle School Readiness Classroom Push In Lessons Lunch Groups Individual Sessions Attendance Support Mental Health Support Community Outreach ASCA Membership

School Counselor Intern

Pleasant Grove Elementary School

Aug 2023 - May 2024 (9 months)

Provided counseling support as a school counselor intern, including running groups and teaching guidance lessons. Collaborated with teachers, parents, and staff and assisted grieving families at Brookes Place.

Group Facilitation Conflict Resolution Kindness Bullying Support Guidance Lessons Collaboration With Teachers Grief Support (Volunteer)

Kindergarten Teacher

Phalen Leadership Academy

Jan 2022 - Jan 2023 (1 year)

Taught kindergarten, delivering whole class and group lessons plus one-on-one progress monitoring. Supported whole school programming and helped students build foundational skills in reading, writing, and memorization while collaborating with families and the community.

Whole Class Lessons Writing Instruction Memorization Support Whole School Programming Support Family Collaboration Collaboration

Lead Teacher

Kid City USA

Jul 2024 - Present (2 years)

Served as a part-time Lead Teacher, running guided instruction in small groups and helping students adapt to new environments. Supported students with coping skills and problem-solving techniques while collaborating with teachers, parents, and administration.

Small Group Instruction Problem Solving Family Collaboration

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Butler University

Master's in School Counseling, School Counseling

Grade: GPA: 3.9

Activities and societies: Fast-Tracker course; volunteered at Brookes Place Grief Center; ASCA and ISCA member.

Earned a Master’s in School Counseling (Fast-Tracker) at Butler University, graduating in May 2024. Completed related volunteer experience at Brookes Place Grief Center and maintained professional involvement with ASCA/ISCA.

Franklin College

Bachelor of Education, Education

Grade: GPA: 3.8

Activities and societies: Student Congress member; Zeta Tau Alpha, Beta Theta; Panel Delegate Leader.

Earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Franklin College, graduating in May 2021. Participated in leadership and campus activities including Student Congress and Zeta Tau Alpha/Beta Theta.