Gertrudis Hernandez-Cohen

H.S School Counselor Pathways College & Careers Advisor | Bi-lingual/Spanish College & Career Advisor

Adjunct Lecturer | Career Development Expert | Advocate for Equitable Education

About

Student Pathways Counselor & Adjunct Lecturer with 20+ years of experience guiding students toward academic, personal, and professional success. My expertise lies in creating and implementing data-driven programs that bridge the gap between education and career readiness, ensuring students have the skills and confidence to thrive in higher education and beyond.

In my role with the NYC Department of Education, I collaborate with educators and leadership teams to design and deliver programs that foster academic achievement, career exploration, and social-emotional growth. Initiatives like FutureReadyNYC and Career Readiness & Modern Youth Apprenticeship empower students through hands-on experiences, including internships, workplace tours, and digital literacy training.

🎓 As an Adjunct Lecturer at the City University of New York, I teach courses such as Introduction to Psychology and Strategies for College Success. My teaching philosophy emphasizes interactive learning, critical thinking, and the practical application of knowledge to help students build a solid foundation for their future.

🌐 Fluent in English and Spanish, I am passionate about fostering equitable access to resources and opportunities for diverse communities. By combining my expertise in career counseling, program implementation, and student success strategies, I strive to create pathways that inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.

Experience

Adjunct Lecturer

Kingsborough Community College

Jan 2024 - Present

Design and teach courses focused on college planning, career exploration, and strategies for academic and personal success, equipping students with essential life and career skills.

Deliver interactive, 1-credit courses (SD10, SD11, SD12) that emphasize effective study habits, college and career planning, and life strategies, fostering both academic and professional growth.

Guide students in developing long-term success plans through skill-building activities, career exploration exercises, and personalized mentorship to enhance their academic and career readiness.

Specialization: College and career planning • Curriculum Development • Student Engagement • Academic Advising • Interactive Teaching Methods • Study Skills Development & Personal Growth Facilitation

H.S School Counselor Pathways Advisor

NYC Department of Education

Sep 2021 - Present

Lead career-readiness initiatives and student pathways programs, collaborating with NYC agencies, community organizations, and CUNY to provide students with internships, apprenticeships, and workplace learning opportunities.

Spearheaded the FutureReadyNYC program, equipping students with digital literacy, financial education, and workplace skills. Managed a portfolio of 200+ students, successfully placing them in internships and summer programs.

Coordinate recruitment and program delivery for initiatives such as Career Readiness & Modern Youth Apprenticeship, facilitating industry tours, job shadowing, and career exploration events.

Specialization: Career Readiness Programs • Internship Coordination • Community Partnerships • Digital Literacy • Student Development • Program Management

School Guidance Counselor

NYC Department of Education

Sep 2003 - Present

Implemented data-driven counseling programs designed to promote academic success, career readiness, and social-emotional well-being for high school students.

Developed and delivered personalized academic and career guidance plans, equipping students and teachers with tools to enhance study habits, test-taking skills, and overall academic achievement.

Led workshops and trainings for staff, students, and families on crisis and grief management, intervention strategies, sexual harassment prevention, and child abuse reporting protocols.

Served as the Mandated Reporter Liaison, ensuring full compliance with child abuse and neglect reporting mandates, while also acting as the Designated Liaison for key school safety initiatives.

Specialization: Academic Advising • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) • Student Advocacy • Crisis Management • Compliance Protocols • Training facilitation • Child Welfare Mandates • Inclusive School Environments

Adjunct Lecturer

The City University of New York

Sep 2013 - Present

Design and deliver college-level courses to promote critical thinking, personal growth, and academic success in diverse student populations.

Teach courses such as Introduction to Psychology and Strategies for College Success, using interactive lessons, case studies, and real-world applications to engage students and enhance learning outcomes.

Develop inclusive, student-centered learning environments that emphasize practical skills, critical thinking, and academic achievement, while providing mentorship and personalized feedback.

Specialization: Course design • Student Engagement • Curriculum Development • Psychology Instruction • Interactive Teaching Methods • Academic Advising & Mentorship

Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Institute Of Core Energetics - Private Practice

Jan 2014 - Feb 2020

Provided trauma-informed counseling services to clients, specializing in Core Energetics techniques to promote emotional healing, personal growth, and overall well-being.

Specialized in trauma-informed care as a Certified Core Energetics Practitioner, tailoring therapeutic approaches to address emotional, mental, and physical aspects of client healing.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to design and implement holistic care plans, ensuring clients received comprehensive and integrated mental health support.

Support clients through individualized counseling sessions focused on building resilience, addressing trauma, and fostering personal transformation and empowerment.

License: Charles I. Corley NYS LMHC, Therapist | Certified Core Energetics Practitioner

Education

St. John's University

MS School Counseling with Bi-Lingual Extension (Spanish)

PD Advanced Diploma in School Administration and Supervision

Years: 2000 - 2004

GPA: 3.9

Honors: National Honors Society

John Jay College (CUNY)

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Deviant Behavior & Social Control, Criminology & Latin Studies

Years: 1994 - 1999

GPA: 3.88

Honors: Dean's List, National Honors Society

Core Competencies

Higher Education

College-level instruction and curriculum development

Staff Development

Training facilitation and professional growth

Leadership Development

Guiding students and educators toward excellence

Case Management

Comprehensive student support and advocacy

Trauma-Informed Care

Holistic therapeutic approaches

Bilingual Services

English & Spanish fluency

Program Implementation

Data-driven educational initiatives

Crisis Management

Intervention and support strategies

Let's Connect

I'm open to collaborations, speaking engagements, seminars, and workshops. Let's discuss how I can support your organization or event.

info@gertrudis-hernandez.com