RENEE SPEED 8005 ASMARA DRIVE * Austin, TX 78750

(512) 736-4433 * rs56010a@westpost.net

EDUCATOR/ INSTRUCTOR
* Proven commitment to student development regardless of challenges in learning
capacity, primary language difference or the limitation of resources.
* Keen ability to analyze a learning challenge and determine the best teaching m
ethods for student empowerment and growth.
* Skillful in the design and implementation of curriculum and programs that reso
lve the needs and problems of learners and their individual contexts.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Saint John's UMC, Austin, TX 2006 - 2009
Worship Coordinator
* Scheduled speaking opportunities for lay persons and clergy at worship service
s, ensuring all service activities proceed on time.
* Educated volunteers in creating and displaying artistic arrangements to draw a
ttendees into the liturgical focus of the day.
* Envisioned the artistic strategies and coordinated church design to spotlight
the worship topic.
* Establish community-based gatherings to open conversation, encourage cooperati
on, and facilitate connections in the church community.
Saint John's UMC, Austin, TX 2004 - 2006
Director, Congregational Care
* Trained and mentored 20+ volunteers in providing appropriate care, communicati
on, and support for 25- 30 homebound members.
* Collaborated with cross-departmental organizations to ensure the newsletter an
d outbound communications were on-track with various campaigns.
* Guided volunteer staff to meet the social needs of the homebound community thr
ough personal contact, letters, and cards. Recognized volunteer appreciation in
regular staff meetings.
* Provided support to the congregational career fair, assisting with sign creati
on, brochures development, and floor layout design.
* Purchased supplies on a grassroots annual budget of $2,000.
LendaHand Inc., Austin, TX 1998 - 2001
Founder & Owner
* Researched and assessed the local Austin market, defined the business strategy
and project plans to enter a growing residential reseller market.
* Purchased, designed, and remodeled 6 residential properties valued at $525k+.
Arranged financing and sold homes for $900k+, earning $126K.
* Directed operations to ensure clear alignment with business plan timeline, exp
ectations, and milestones.
* Identified qualified vendors, negotiated business contracts, and monitored ven
dor quality issues.
* Developed relationships with subcontractors, enabling the company to run at ma
ximum efficiency.
* Forged strategic partnerships with banks and investors to support clients in a
ccessing financing.
*
Renee Speed, LPC., Austin, TX 1997 - 2004
Private Practice Therapist
* Instructed and counseled clients and patients, individually and in group sessi
ons, to assist in overcoming life changes and dependencies.
* Mentored clients though analysis of personal issues regarding disability, divo
rce, and pathological problems utilizing Carl Roger's theory of unconditional po
sitive regard.
* Developed treatment plans and behavior models for various populations providin
g healthy lifestyle options for clientele.
* Provided consulting expertise and advocacy for custody placement of individual
s for trial proceedings.
* Built a private client base of individuals, couples, and groups. Managed budge
t, billing, and scheduling to ensure profitability.
Capital Area Mental Health Center, Austin, TX 1995 - 1997
Therapist (Intern)
* Utilized basic counseling skills while conducting individual sessions, includi
ng listening, paraphrasing, noting discrepancies in emotions/thoughts/behaviors,
clarifying, observing behavior and body language.
* Provided verbal and non-verbal feedback to clients to help them reach their de
sired goals.
* Prepared progress notes and reports during Texas State University practicum an
d internships, ensuring full compliance with agency requirements and deadlines.
* Assisted colleagues with literature reviews for classroom research studies. Pr
esented research findings to fellow students and faculty.
Holy Name of Jesus, New Orleans, LA 1989 - 1992
Teacher
* Provided Social Studies instruction and guidance to middle school students by
establishing clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communic
ated these objectives to students.
* Modified curriculum in the inclusive classroom setting to provide effective pr
oblem-solving instruction to 5th-7th grade students.
* Conducted activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and
work time that provided students with opportunities to observe, question, and i
nvestigate.
* Counseled students on time management and life skills, and directed to appropr
iate community resources for assistance.
Cunningham Middle School, Austin, TX 1985 - 1989
Teacher
* Taught Gifted and Talented 7th and 8th grade students and Language Arts 7th gr
ade students, selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures
as appropriate for high-level students.
* Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying
needs and interests.
* Planned and designed curriculum for a variety of subjects, created weekly/mont
hly lessons plans and assessments for classrooms and labs to achieve learning ob
jectives.
* Established and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, and
colleagues, fostering an environment of open communication and support.
* Maintained accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district
policies, and administrative regulations.
EDUCATION
M. Ed in Counseling and Guidance, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
B.A in History, Texas A&M, College Station, TX
CERTIFICATIONS
Texas Provisional Secondary English (Lifetime)
Texas Provisional Secondary History (Lifetime)
Licensed Professional Counselor (1995 - 2004)