Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
GED Test Administrator of the Year 2005
Timeline
Generic

Kenneth Sanford

Rio Rancho,New Mexico

Summary

Dynamic counselor with a proven track record at ESI - Chinle Unified School District #24, enhancing client well-being through expert application of cognitive behavior therapy and motivational interviewing. Skilled in crisis intervention and building rapport, I've significantly improved client satisfaction and empowerment. Adept in both mental health support and fostering strong, supportive relationships, My approach is Culturally Sensitive, with results being fully data driven, Supportive seeking Positive and Relevant outcomes.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Counselor

ESI - Chinle Unified School District # 24
08.1990 - Current
  • Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
  • Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and self sufficiency.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
  • Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counseling field.
  • Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Designed culturally-sensitive interventions tailored to each client''s background and experiences.
  • Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
  • Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
  • Facilitated group counseling sessions to support and encourage client growth.
  • Worked closely with families to support clients in their recovery process and strengthen relationships among family members.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
  • Coordinated referrals between agencies to ensure seamless transitions for clients receiving multiple services.
  • Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
  • Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
  • Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
  • Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
  • Supervised meetings with family members to help create support system for clients.
  • Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
  • Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
  • Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
  • Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
  • Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Improved client self-esteem and communication skills through targeted therapeutic techniques.
  • Advocated for clients' needs, connecting them with community resources to support their well-being.
  • Enhanced family dynamics by providing family counseling sessions.

Education

Ph.D. - Adult Transitional Education

Suffield University
Online
05-2008

Master of Arts - Educational Leadership And Management

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ
05-2005

Master of Arts - Counseling ( Drug And Alcohol Abuse )

Western New Mexico University
Silver City, NM
05-1990

Bachelor of Science - Education

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ
05-1980

Skills

  • Counseling
  • Public speaking ability
  • HIPAA
  • Mental Health Support
  • Self-care strategies
  • Building rapport
  • Client Advocacy
  • Crisis Intervention Techniques
  • Career Counseling
  • Behavior monitoring
  • Crisis Response
  • Anger Management
  • Adolescent Counseling
  • Empathy Development
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Multicultural Competence
  • Peer Counseling
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Client Counseling
  • Grief counseling
  • Sexual Health Education
  • Learning disability awareness
  • Substance Abuse Counseling
  • Behavior Modification
  • Social skills teacher
  • Life Transitions
  • Suicide risk assessments
  • Parenting skills educator
  • Outreach programming specialist
  • Psychology
  • Decision-Making
  • Emotional Support

Accomplishments

  • Authored a highly successful peer-mentorship program to partner international and American students which fostered cultural awareness, competency, and greater appreciation of diversity.
  • Managed a high-volume caseload of [ 94 ] students, including [ 6 ]% with IEP and 504 plans.

Certification

  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Certificate (ASIST)- LivingWorks Education.
  • [ Arizona ] Driver's License
  • First Aid Certification
  • CPR/AED Certification
  • Multicultural Counseling Competency Certificate – Various Training Institutions.

GED Test Administrator of the Year 2005

I was allowed to Open Up a General Educational Equivalency Diploma Test Center before in went into the Computer Based Testing format.


I would Test in a number of Communities near the Chinle area because many of My Students were intelligent but had poor attendance to home issues. I would Axminster and Test in Chinle once a month on Sunday's. My other sites where in Pinon, Tuba City and Monument Valley, Arizona. Before, I closed I added Greasewood and Kinlichee F.A.C.E. Program Students as well.


We would Host Graduations in the Spring of each Year and I assisted over 200+ Navajo / Dine' People get their High School Diploma's. In Partnership with Northland Pioneer College, N.P.C.  / Dine' College D.C. It was of the Most Enjoyable Jobs I had ever undertook.


Other Accomplishments I have been fortunate enough to have earned:


New Mexico Air National Guard ( 1983 - 1993 )   Air Force Achievement Medal

NAACP Member

American Indian Science and Engineering Society - Counselor of the Year  /  Sequoyah Fellowship Recipient " 2024 "

Arizona School Counselors Association Northern Arizona Outreach Coordinator

Arizona Community College LifeTime Teaching Certificate

Co Baseball Coach of The Year Northern Arizona 3A Division

Wrestling Coach Of The Year 4A Grand Canyon Region

Arizona All - State Wrestling Coach    /  AAU Wrestling Coach - Camp Director

Indigenous Games Wrestling Coach / Team Administrator

Air Force Academy Recruiting Liaison Officer

Science Knowledge Bowl Coach - Event Coordinator

Student Council Sponsor

Gifted Coordinator

Navajo Nation Career Center of The Year Director

ESS Counselor - LEA Administrator - 504 Coordinator

College Dual - Enrollment Coordinator / Facilitator

University of Phoenix Professor - Counseling

Northern Arizona University Professor - Counseling

Prescott College  Professor - Counseling

Dine College - Professor

Navajo Technical University - Professor

American College ( A.C.T. ) Test Supervisor

Scholastic Aptitude ( S.A.T. ) Test Supervisor

National Education Association Member - Parliamentarian

AZNEA Delegate Member


Timeline

Counselor

ESI - Chinle Unified School District # 24
08.1990 - Current
  • Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Certificate (ASIST)- LivingWorks Education.
  • [ Arizona ] Driver's License
  • First Aid Certification
  • CPR/AED Certification
  • Multicultural Counseling Competency Certificate – Various Training Institutions.

Ph.D. - Adult Transitional Education

Suffield University

Master of Arts - Educational Leadership And Management

Northern Arizona University

Master of Arts - Counseling ( Drug And Alcohol Abuse )

Western New Mexico University

Bachelor of Science - Education

Northern Arizona University
Kenneth Sanford