Dyer resident Amanda Perniciaro is well on her way to becoming a school guidance counselor, having finished an internship in December at Thornton Fractional North High School in Calumet City.
A 2006 TF North graduate, Perniciaro earned her Family and Consumer Sciences degree at Eastern Illinois University in 2010, and plans to graduate in May with a master’s in School Counseling from Lewis University.
“I changed my major several times and it was not until I graduated that I realized that individuals need guidance at a young age to help them become more successful in their career choices,” she said.
During her internship, Perniciaro was a member of the Response to Intervention Committee, an early intervention program used to assist students who show possible signs of academic failure.
“I provided support to students regarding their academics, career and personal life,” she said.
“I had the opportunity to help students prepare for college, attended administrative meetings and helped develop curriculum programs for incoming freshmen.”
In addition to her schooling, Perniciaro will receive an extra endorsement to become a licensed professional counselor.
“An LPC enables me to provide counseling services outside the school in community settings. Receiving it will better prepare me to work with individuals in all aspects of life, especially in mental health and addictions,” she said.
“My internship taught me how to take on roles such as leader, advocator, and counselor. I also learned through collaboration and communication. I can continue to grow successfully within the counseling profession,” she said.
Perniciaro is employed part-time as a caseworker at North Star Services, providing services to families in need and helping parent establish reunification with their children.
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