EDUCATION
C.A.S., School Counseling 2016
Syracuse University
M.S., School Counseling 2015
Syracuse University
B.A., Psychology 2013
Le Moyne College
CERTIFICATIONS
New York State Teaching Certification Permanent School Counselor, #2699252
National Board for Certified Counselors National Certified Counselor No. 816271
National Council for Behavioral Health Mental Health First Aid
Google for Education Educator Level 1 Certification
Magic School AI AI Educator Certification Level 1-4
AI for Students Certification Level 1-2
AI Image Generator
The American School Counselor Association School Counseling Leadership Specialist
School Counseling Data Specialist
College Admissions Specialist
SCHOOL COUNSELING & RELATED EXPERIENCE
School Counselor
Center for Instruction, Technology & Innovation 2024-Present
● Served as a school counselor in the career and technical education department working with students
enrolled in our CTE and Advantage programs. Additionally served as faculty advisor for our school’s chapter
of SkillsUSA.
School Counselor
Solvay Union Free School District 2018-Present
Solvay Elementary (K-4), Solvay Middle (5-8, PreK)
● In addition to my role as school counselor I also served as the department lead and representative for
our student support teams. I was also the leader facilitator for our school based MTSS team as well as the
building union representative. I also took part in several committees including our RtI and Data committees.
New York State Master Counselor - Central Region 2024-2028
The State University of New York
Selected Master Teachers and Master Counselors engage in NYSMTP professional learning opportunities that are
co-created by network members and their SUNY counterparts. The professional learning program is grounded in
the local context and designed with local expertise to address challenges and provide new opportunities for students.
School Counselor
Syracuse City School District
PSLA High School (9-12) 2015- 2018
College and Academic Coach
College Access Challenge Grant Program
Lyme Central School District 2014-2015
TEACHING AND SUPERVISION EXPERIENCE
Practicum & Internship Site Supervisor
Syracuse University
School of Education - CHS Department 2022-2024
Instructor
SUNY Oswego - Counseling and Psychological Services
CPS 391 Introduction to Family Systems Fall 2023
Graduate Teaching Assistant
University of Rochester – Warner School of Education
EDF 450 Practicum in Counseling Spring 2018
Doctoral Supervisor
University of Rochester – Warner School of Education
Counseling and Human Development Spring 2018
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
NYSSCA - Region 6 Governor 2025-Current
New York State School Counselor Association
● Regional Governor serves as a key liaison between school counselors in their region and the statewide
leadership of the association.
School Counselor Standard Setting Committee Member April 2024
NYSTCE (New York State Education Department - Teacher Certification Exam)
● The purpose of this Standard Setting Committee is to discuss the performance standards and to
provide recommendations for passing scores (cut scores) for this NYSTCE Content Specialty Test (CST).
Committee participants will serve the Department in an advisory capacity during the conference.
Graduate Student Mentor
Syracuse University
School of Education - CHS Department 2020-Present
● Provided mentorship and guidance to students in their Masters Counseling program at Syracuse University.
Guest Lecturer
Syracuse University
School of Education - CHS Department
COU 749 - Leadership and School Counseling Program Implementation Spring 2025
● Spoke to the School Counseling Leadership class regarding collection and use of data in school
counseling and the K-12 schools.
School of Education - CHS Department - COU642 Career Development Fall 2020-2024
● Spoke to the Career Development class regarding career counseling in the K-12 setting each Fall
semester.
Technology/Social Media Committee Member 2016-2020
New York State School Counselor Association
● Tasked with assisting the development and maintenance of various technology and social media
platforms on behalf of the New York State School Counseling Association.
Chi Sigma Iota Professional Development Chair
Sigma Upsilon Chapter – Syracuse University 2014-2015
● Organized professional development opportunities for students of Syracuse University’s Counseling
and Human Services Department.
Department Ambassador
Counseling and Human Services Department – Syracuse University 2014-2015
● Represented the CHS department at university wide events, open houses, and during prospective
student visits and interviews.
Conference Volunteer
New York State School Counselor Association Annual Conference Fall 2014
● Assisted with several tasks to help organize and maintain order for the annual conference including
handing out materials to attendees, running various booths, and introducing presenters.
AWARDS
North Atlantic Region for Counselor Education and Supervision Emerging Leader 2018
● The Emerging Leaders program identifies new professionals and graduate students who have
demonstrated aptitude and interest in leadership within the counseling profession. This opportunity
provides you with a stipend to help in paying for conference expenses, and the opportunity to attend a
special Emerging Leaders training
New York State School Counselor Association Leadership Grant 2017
● NYSSCA Leadership Grants are awarded to current members who have an interest in a leadership
position in the professional organization. Awardees attended the Leadership Session and met with
NYSSCA board members to discuss possible leadership positions.
PUBLICATIONS
Benedict, W. G. (2018). Alumni Spotlight. Syracuse City School District Good News, (7).
Benedict, W. G. (2018). Using Social Media as a Professional School Counselor. New York State School
Counselor Association EDGE, (2).
Benedict, W.G. Youth in Poverty (2018). In C. Cox & J. Jordan (Eds.). Clinical Interventions for Counseling
Children & Adolescents: A Toolbox for School-Based Therapists & School Counselors. Columbia, SC: CreateSpace Publishing.
Benedict, W. G. Preparing Mental Health Professionals to Work with Children of Parents with Mental Illnesses
(2015). In M. Luke & K.M. Goodrich (Eds.). Group Work Experts Share Their Favorite Activities for Supervision.
Alexandria, VA: Association for Specialists in Group Work.
PRESENTATIONS
Benedict, W., & Dan Lupa (November 2025). NYS Inspires and Future Focused Comprehensive School Counseling Plans. Oswego County Collective Care Teams Conference. Mexico, NY.
Benedict, W., & Corsette, B. (June 2025). The Bridges that Connect Our Worlds. SUNY New York State Master Teacher Program Professional Learning Forum (Virtual).
Benedict, W. (November, 2024). Starting with Self: Harnessing the Power of Adult SEL. New York State School
Counselor Association Conference. Albany, NY.
Benedict, Walter. (May, 2024). Adult Social and Emotional Learning: Strengthening and Leveraging Your Skills
for a Better Life. Solvay Union Free School District Annual Wellness Day. Solvay, NY
Benedict, Walter. (November & December, 2022). Mental Health, SEL, and Trauma for Classroom Teachers and
Teaching Assistants. Solvay, NY
Benedict, W., & Castillo, J. (November, 2016). Applying Strategies for Creating Inclusive Groups for Students
with Disabilities in Schools. New York State School Counselor Association Conference. Tarrytown, NY.
Castillo, J.H., & Benedict, W.G. (November, 2014). Strategies for Creating Inclusive Groups for Students with
Disabilities in Schools. New York State School Counselor Association Conference. Albany, NY.