Counselor Education

Post Office Box 751 Portland, Oregon 97207-0751 503-725-4253 tel aasheim@pdx.edu

April 30, 2013 To Whom It May Concern: It is with great confidence that I recommend Dan Blumhardt for your school counseling position. I have known Mr. Blumhardt for three years as his program advisor and professor and have been continually impressed with his professional demeanor, maturity, and breadth of experience and knowledge specific to the education field. Mr. Blumhardt possesses a unique set of qualities that will serve his students and colleagues well. First, he is a team player and understands how collaboration, innovation, and strong communication impact the effectiveness of his performance. Next, he understands his role in supporting the academic, social, and psychological success of each student and has the potential to impact all students on a macro and micro level. His ability to translate theory into practice was demonstrated in both of his internship experiences and through his action research project. He clearly understands the importance of creating demonstrable change in a students achievement and he is clearly aware of the multiple barriers to optimal academic achievement. Mr. Blumhardt is especially adept at working with underrepresented and diverse student populations. He has broad experience working with students of different cultural backgrounds and from different socioeconomic positions. Additionally, his own history as a low-achieving Junior High and High School student (who went on to earn a 3.92 GPA as a graduate student) has given him a personal understanding of the nature of the achievement trajectory and how to overcome such barriers. Mr. Blumhardt views himself as a lifelong learner and has a passion for working with all types of students. His past 10 years of experience working directly with Elementary, Junior High and High School students in non-profit organizations inside and outside of the school context demonstrate a true commitment to helping this population. He has worked as a mentor for high school students and a teacher and coach in a local S.U.N. school program. He is known for his reliable and dedicated performance, and he undoubtedly would make a strong, impactful addition to your school staff. Please contact me if you have any questions about Mr. Blumhardt. I can be reached by email or phone, 503.725.4253.
Sincerely,

Lisa Aasheim, PhD, LPC, LMHC, NCC, ACS Coordinator, School Counseling Program Director, Community Counseling Clinic