1. 1 Undergraduate Studies ePortfolio Jo Lyons Bachelor of Arts inPsychology, 2010

2. Personal Statement My interest in guidance counseling is a combination of the fascination that I have in the fields of education and psychology. Learning and education is the key to life. Yet, various forms of behaviors may prevent children from learning, or affect the way that they learn. When I started the completion of my undergraduate degree, I had been working with special needs students on the elementary level, which encouraged me to seek further education in a field that deals with the counseling of students in an academic setting. I have been exposed to students of all academic levels; some with learning disabilities such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and others with medical disabilities like cancer. My exposure to diverse groups of students has made my mind open to new challenges and knowledge dealing with different cultures and disabilities. Often, I have been an understanding individual regardless of how immoral the situation may be with the ability to remain objective. On the other hand, I am also a very empathetic individual who can be authentic, and warm. I would make sure that I am aware of any biases I would have towards different cultures of individuals, and be sure to educate myself on the different aspects of my students’ cultures, disabilities, and abilities. Upon obtaining my MS in School Guidance I will be determined to guide and shape students K-12 for their future.

3. Resume EXPERIENCE Special Education Paraeducator Rockwell City-Lytton Elementary, Rockwell City, Iowa August 2005 - present Assists students with learning disabilities in a general education setting Assists in behavior management of classrooms Communicates between classroom teachers and special education teacher on student’s modifications, and achievements Assists students in organizing assignments Corrects and grade papers/assignments Fills in for teachers during meetings Provides medications for students who take medication during school hours Production Manager/ Graphic Designer Printers Market Place, Fort Dodge, Iowa September 1994 - 2004 Managed and coordinated pre-printing/layout/design of printing publication Clerical duties Designed advertising for printing equipment Designed/maintained basic web site Mailed publication subscriptions Desktop Publisher Heartland Communications, Fort Dodge, Iowa September 1992 - 1994 Coordinated pre-printing/layout/design of contractor publication Designed advertising Clerical duties Printed pages to film, checked film to send to printer Desktop Publisher/Paste-Up Artist Ogden Newspapers, Fort Dodge, Iowa June 1990 - 1992 Pasted print advertising/news for local newspaper Designed grocery advertising for newspaper inserts Designed advertising for newspaper Stripped film for printer Jo Lyons 729 Main Street Rockwell City, IA 50579 EDUCATION Bachelors of Arts, Psychology Argosy University Online, December 2010 Associates of Arts, Psychology/ Education Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge May 1990 OTHER EXPERIENCE Tutor Summer - 2010 Provide extra assistance over summer vacation for students who may need extra practice in a particular subject (i.e. math)

4. Reflection Throughout my academic studies at Argosy University Online I matured both academically and expressively. The more psychology courses I took, the more I grew to love the field even more. The one course that I especially enjoyed was Abnormal Psychology, because it pertained to the types of individuals and students that I would like to help in my future career. I even enjoyed the Statistics and Algebra courses that I shed many tears and sweat over. These classes made me realize that I can conquer just about anything that I put my mind to and that I am willing to take on any type of challenge. I will continue to futher my education for as long as I am able. I have a little saying that I preach to my children and the students that I work with: “You can never have too much knowledge…”

5. Table of Contents Cognitive Abilities: Critical Thinking and Information Literacy Research Skills Ethics and Diversity Awareness Foundations of Psychology Applied Psychology Interpersonal Effectiveness My Future in Learning Contact Information

6. Critical Thinking • Able to select and evaluate a wide range of psychological perspectives and theories within various types of presentations. • When presenting written work, can illustrate many views of a given topic. • Able to explore the difficulties of a given issue.

7. Research Skills Research Skills • Able to understand the research design, data analysis, statistical and other evaluative tools, and the findings of the article.

8. Ethics & Diversity Awareness • Engages in ethical thinking and multiculturally-sensitive thought and action, with the ability to express views pertaining to case examples and other specific issues related with the field. • Is aware of personal biases and subtle forms of discrimination, and works to increase awareness and respect for diverse populations. • Works to promote ethical decision-making and act appropriately.

9. Foundations of Psychology • Able to recognize the major concepts, theories, empirical findings, history, and applications of psychology. • Able to evaluate different psychological theories, and apply them to clarify everyday experiences.

10. Applied Psychology • Able to utilize psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues. • Continually applies psychological principles in everyday decision-making and interactions with others, students, co-workers, and at home.

11. Interpersonal Effectiveness • Able to recognize the importance of effective nonverbal communications skills in developing strong interpersonal relationships that are culturally sensitive and respectful of diversity. • Able to create strategies by utilizing feedback in interpersonal relationships. • Promotes the growth of others by using effective communications and relationship skills.

12. My Future in Learning I envision myself as a lifelong learner especially because of the field I have chosen. Psychology, Guidance, and School Psychology are fields of study that are constantly growing and require continued education. Working with children is a constant learning tool in itself, and we learn so much from them individually on a daily basis that we are not able to find in any textbook or course.

13. Contact Me Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio. For further information, please contact me at the e-mail address below. tslyons@iowatelecom.net