Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Adam Gracia

Rocklin,CA
Adam Gracia

Summary

Skilled in program management, teaching and counseling. Bringing a strong understanding of youth-related concerns, social media proficiency, and leadership development. A natural born leader, organizer and problem-solver with a compassionate nature.

Overview

23
years of professional experience

Work History

The Diff

Leadership Coach
06.2021 - 12.2023

Job overview

  • Inspired culture of continuous learning and improvement by modeling best practices in leadership behavior and decision making.
  • Mentored students ages 15 to 18 one-on-one, helping them set and achieve personal goals related to their development as effective leaders.
  • Designed and implemented activities to help students explore and develop interests.
  • Developed strong rapport with participants through active listening skills and genuine interest in their personal growth as leaders.
  • Utilized innovative teaching strategies to effectively engage students in learning.

El Torreon Community Center

Director of Youth Services
10.2017 - 06.2020

Job overview

  • Led development and implementation of strategic plans aimed at guiding organization toward long-term sustainability and success in meeting its mission to empower young people in need.
  • Created safe and supportive environment for youth participants, promoting personal development and growth.
  • Developed educational curriculum for students ages 14 through 18 to develop critical thinking skills, ability to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
  • Observed students individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
  • Fostered culture of innovation within organization by encouraging students to share ideas for continuous improvement.
  • Maximized student productivity through effective delegation of tasks, performance evaluation feedback loops, and personal development opportunities.

Bridgeway Community Church And Youth Center

Director of Student Development
01.2011 - 08.2017

Job overview

  • Created student internship program that graduated 120 students in 5 years.
  • Requirements for acceptance: letter of intention from potential student, letter of endorsement from Pastor or Teacher, face to face interview, valid passport, 6 month commitment signed by both student and parent, $2,000 internship fee (Money for fee had to be raised by student)
  • Requirements for completion of internship; weekly service in ministry or community outreach program, complete reading assignments and submit reports on time, memorize scripture, work together with other student interns to develop and lead fundraisers, use money raised to complete project while on mission, write 1000 word essay detailing internship, complete exit survey, attend graduation ceremony.
  • Reading requirement; must read 10 books from list of 100 books on approved reading list, submit report detailing what they learned, how it can be applied, and what they did not agree with or disliked.
  • Classroom Requirements: Active participation in open forum discussions during bi-weekly classes, each class lasted 2 hours, and covered topics like: problem-solving and communication skills; stress management and peer pressure; taking ownership of their personal growth; conflict resolution and fair negotiation; self-esteem and team building; discovering your calling and defining your interests, how to properly question authority and foster continual learning, servant leadership and Christ like humility, owning mistakes and learning from failure, debating tough subjects and learning to listen; developing principles and articulating personal beliefs, apologetics and articulating your defense; honoring parents and establishing good habits.
  • Led group counseling sessions, developed and implemented curriculum used for student interns, taught all student and adult classes, supervised interns, volunteers, and leadership team for entire youth program in small group atmosphere to cultivate safety, independence, and structure.

Cornerstone Fellowship After-School Program

Non-profit After-School Program Director
04.2009 - 07.2013

Bridgeway Church And Community Center

Director of Children's and Youth Ministries
01.2008 - 06.2012

Job overview

  • Revitalized youth ministry by developing engaging programs and activities focused on spiritual growth.
  • Increased youth group attendance by creating dynamic worship services tailored to engage younger audience.
  • Taught and counseled over 300 elementary, junior high, and high school students ages 6 to 21.
  • Supervised associate pastors and staff leading education, youth, pastoral care, and older adult ministry programs.
  • Utilized various teaching techniques to effectively communicate biblical truths to young people in engaging and relevant manner.

U-Turn Student Center

Director of Educational Services
09.2003 - 07.2008

Job overview

  • Enhanced curriculum development by incorporating innovative teaching strategies and technology integration.
  • Organized and allocated resources required to meet needs of 500-1000 students, 18 full-time staff members and over 100 volunteer instructors.
  • Developed partnerships with community organizations to enrich school programming and provide additional resources for students and families.
  • Collaborated with 20-30 faculty members from 22 local schools to design interdisciplinary programs that promoted critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Established culture of continuous learning, student lead activities, and personal improvement by establishing clear performance expectations for faculty members, based on student success metrics.

Pacific Christian Center

Youth Pastor
02.2001 - 05.2006

Job overview

  • Oversaw administration and management of all areas of student ministry.
  • Facilitated collaboration among different age groups within congregation through joint service projects and shared learning experiences.
  • Supported young adults during times of transition by offering guidance, resources, and encouragement for pursuing their faith journey outside context of formal youth ministry programming.

Youth For Christ USA

Director of Youth Ministry
09.2000 - 01.2006

Job overview

  • Enhanced youth engagement by implementing innovative programs and activities tailored to their interests.
  • Partnered with local schools and organizations to create outreach programs that address relevant issues affecting young people in the community.
  • Built a culture of inclusivity within the ministry by celebrating diverse perspectives and encouraging active participation from all members.
  • Created a safe space for open dialogue on challenging topics such as mental health or peer pressure, fostering trust within the youth community.
  • Hired, mentored and supervised instructors and volunteer staff to carry out program goals.

Education

Epic Bible College And Graduate School
, Sacramento, CA

Bachelor of Arts from Christian Counseling
06.2016

University Overview

  • Honor Roll 2010-2016
  • Dean's List 2011-2016
  • 3.8 GPA
  • Ranked in Top 10% of class
  • Elected to President for Associated Student Body in 2015 and 2016
  • Elected Captain of Community Outreach
  • Capstone Project: Implementing a peer mentoring program to develop and enhance student Success, Project Creator, The purpose of the project was to discover new innovations in learning, and the development of study habits that work on an individual level, through peer leadership. Results: 88% completion rate, a 94% participation rate, and a 98% positive impact rate on verified student body during duration of project.
  • Awarded Most Innovative Capstone Project 2016

Bethany University
, Scotts Valley, CA

Bachelor of Arts from Christian Education And Discipleship Ministries
05.2011

Skills

  • Clear Communication
  • Training Method Development
  • Authenticity
  • Influencing Others
  • Public Speaking
  • Personal Development

Timeline

Leadership Coach

The Diff
06.2021 - 12.2023

Director of Youth Services

El Torreon Community Center
10.2017 - 06.2020

Director of Student Development

Bridgeway Community Church And Youth Center
01.2011 - 08.2017

Non-profit After-School Program Director

Cornerstone Fellowship After-School Program
04.2009 - 07.2013

Director of Children's and Youth Ministries

Bridgeway Church And Community Center
01.2008 - 06.2012

Director of Educational Services

U-Turn Student Center
09.2003 - 07.2008

Youth Pastor

Pacific Christian Center
02.2001 - 05.2006

Director of Youth Ministry

Youth For Christ USA
09.2000 - 01.2006

Epic Bible College And Graduate School

Bachelor of Arts from Christian Counseling

Bethany University

Bachelor of Arts from Christian Education And Discipleship Ministries
Adam Gracia