Social Emotional Counselor (Grades 8-10)

• Aug 2022 - Present

At SCIS, Sophia works in conjunction with the counseling department, grade level pastoral teams, student support, students, parents, teachers, and administrators to support student learning and wellbeing, as she recognizes that school counselors are responsible for supporting students holistically as they navigate through their personal and social competencies to enable them to learn to their full potential. Sophia meets with individual students to highlight their social, emotional, academic and/or behavioral needs and meet with parents as needed; fosters positive school-home partnerships; and makes referrals to external providers to support students and their families. Sophia also assists in the development of the advisory programme for Grades 8-10 by creating lessons on topics relevant to students’ academic and wellbeing needs by liaising with grade level leaders and the counseling team. Show less

College Counselor

• Aug 2017 - Present

As a member of SSIS’ Academic Counselling team, Sophia collaboratively works with her college and wellbeing counselling colleagues to ensure students have access to counsel on academic, personal, career and post-secondary education matters to effectively support their current and future development and achievement; counsels and advises curricular programmes that are supported by SSIS’ documented policies and procedures; brings awareness and understanding to all key stakeholders of the College/Career Prep programmes as well as the manner in which to access services. As well as keeping up to date with post secondary options and informing students, parents, and the school’s wider community of such options and processes, Sophia is also responsible to organize relevant student and staff training and workshops; plus, liaise in the coordination and administration of the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and other similar examinations. Show less

Social Emotional Highschool Counselor and Wellbeing Programme Coordinator

• Aug 2019 - Jun 2022

As the High School Social and Emotional Counsellor, Sophia’s main role is to provide counsel and social and emotional support by ensuring students are in a safe learning environment and promoting a culture of belonging and healthy wellbeing. Sophia works closely with the Secondary Assistant Pastoral and Academic Principals, Student Assistance Teams, and Learning Support focusing on prevention, intervention, and support such as facilitating restorative justice sessions and transitions, consulting data, and making referrals if need be in accordance with students and families. Sophia also holds workshops with the Social and Emotional Counselling Team by providing informative workshops for the SSIS community on various topics of interest. In the Wellbeing Programme Coordinator position, Sophia collaboratively works with the Grades 6-12 Heads of Grades and Wellbeing teachers to deliver a comprehensive Wellbeing Program on topics including but not limited to: transitions; relationships; learning styles and strategies; balance; values; and future planning. Show less

School Counselor and Director of Academic Advising

• Aug 2016 - Jul 2017

At Suzhou Industrial Park Foreign Language School (SIPFLS) in the British Columbia Offshore School Program, Sophia is the School Counselor and Director of Academic Advising who is responsible to provide emotional, social, and academic support for students in grades 10-12. As part of the administration team, she assists in the management of student data and communication with the BC Ministry of Education; develops and assigns student timetables and exam schedules; provides high school course selections and post-secondary institution information to students, guardians, and staff; and collaboratively works with teaching staff in the planning and delivery of the BC curriculum. Show less

School Counselor Intern

• Sep 2015 - Apr 2016

After living abroad for 11 years, Sophia completed the final stage of her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology in British Columbia, Canada, on the Sunshine Coast. She provides individual and group therapeutic support to a diverse population of students from Kindergarten to Grade 7. She is able to work closely with and learn from an experienced and knowledgeable Student Services' team and school staff that focuses on students’ emotional well being and mental health. After living abroad for 11 years, Sophia completed the final stage of her Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology in British Columbia, Canada, on the Sunshine Coast. She provides individual and group therapeutic support to a diverse population of students from Kindergarten to Grade 7. She is able to work closely with and learn from an experienced and knowledgeable Student Services' team and school staff that focuses on students’ emotional well being and mental health.

University Guidance Counselor

• Aug 2015 - Feb 2016

As a University Guidance Counsellor, Sophia privately consults and develops personalized programs for high school and university students in preparation for their university and college application submissions. She guided students through the application process, advises on areas of study, and edits personal statements and essays. As a University Guidance Counsellor, Sophia privately consults and develops personalized programs for high school and university students in preparation for their university and college application submissions. She guided students through the application process, advises on areas of study, and edits personal statements and essays.

Student Services (Success Room Coordinator, School Based Team, Counselling, and Academic Advising)

• Sep 2014 - Jun 2015

Sophia actively collaborates with her learning support team and school staff to guide and nurture “at-risk learners” to help them reach their academic goals through the use of effective assessment practices and personalized instruction. She provides opportunities to enhance student learning and academic success (e.g. organizing the credit recovery program, promoting teacher-led tutorials, and launching the peer mentoring program); plus, develop student independence and personal growth. Also, Sophia strengthens comprehensive learning by guiding staff to follow through on individualized, specific interventions and adaptations that complement students’ learning styles. Show less

English, English Literature, Psychology, Sociology, and Religious Education Teacher

• Sep 2006 - Jul 2009

As well as teaching a range of English and Humanities’ subjects from the GCSE (Years 10-11) and A/AS (university preparatory) curricula, in December 2007, Sophia obtained her British teaching qualification (QTS-OTTP) in partnership with the University of Cambridge, focusing on Religious Education. Her trusting relationships with students and staff extend beyond the classroom as she also chaperoned ski/snowboarding and golf trips, cultural outings, and team building excursions to: France, Germany, Austria, Ireland, and eastern United States. Show less

Deputy Head of Year 11

• May 2005 - Jul 2006

When Sophia was the Deputy Head of Year 11, she worked closely with the pastoral administrators, homeroom teachers, teaching and support staff, and parents to cultivate a safe teaching and learning environment for the students. She was responsible for supporting the Head of Year 11 for students' academic success, behaviour, and discipline.

English and English Literature Teacher (Years 7-11, OCR curriculum)

• Sep 2004 - Jul 2006