Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Training
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Alissa Messina

Summary

Executive Director and Educational Specialist with 20+ years in nonprofit management and education. Expertise in school counseling, behavioral interventions, and fostering community collaborations. Demonstrated ability to enhance educational outcomes and drive organizational success. Strong communicator with a proactive approach and a commitment to continuous learning.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Executive Director

Cradle of Hope
Glenside, PA
01.2024 - Current
  • Coordinated oversight of three transitional houses for mothers and babies experiencing homelessness as well as a Pregnancy Resource Center serving the community.
  • Organized board meetings to review initiative progress and gather feedback.
  • Supervised and supported a staff of 8 employees to optimize operational efficiency.
  • Developed and executed strategic plans for organizational growth.
  • Secured funding from diverse sources through collaboration with grant writers and fundraising efforts.
  • Increased public awareness of mission through outreach, advocacy, and online initiatives.
  • Evaluated existing programs for enhancement opportunities while generating new program concepts.
  • Managed daily administrative tasks related to personnel files and staff oversight.
  • Fostered relationships with stakeholders, including board members, donors, partners, and community leaders.
  • Conducted risk assessments to proactively identify operational issues.
  • Provided oversight of all departments to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.
  • Assessed clients' needs, developed service plans and monitored progress towards goals.

Owner/Operator Parent Coach

Anchored Heart Parent Coaching, LLC.
01.2024 - Current
  • Collaborated with families to assess parenting challenges and develop personalized plans.
  • Facilitated weekly virtual sessions to build relationships and enhance parenting skills.
  • Partnered with parents to navigate unique needs in child-rearing processes.

EC-8 School Counselor

Dock Mennonite Academy
Souderton, PA
08.2007 - 06.2022
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive school counseling program tailored to student developmental needs.
  • Created and led career exploration program emphasizing vocational paths and skills assessment.
  • Facilitated group and individual discussions to boost student engagement and learning experiences.
  • Conducted cognitive assessments to evaluate student abilities and career interests.
  • Assisted families in accessing community resources for educational support.
  • Provided individual and group counseling sessions to students in order to discuss academic, social and emotional issues.
  • Served as liaison among schools, families, and agencies to coordinate essential student supports.
  • Participated in initiatives fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all learners.
  • Formulated individualized learning plans for students with special educational needs.
  • Coordinated crisis interventions for students facing difficult life situations.
  • Created referral networks with outside mental health professionals for additional support services when needed.
  • Worked collectively with education professionals to deliver in-school counseling support for identified students.
  • Followed-up with outside mental health service providers to coordinate in-school support.
  • Collaborated with teachers to develop strategies for improving student performance in the classroom.

Career Break for Childcare

12.2002 - 08.2007

Behavior Specialist, Mobile Therapist, and Therapeutic Support Staff

Northwestern Human Services of Montgomery County
Lansdale, PA
09.2000 - 12.2002
  • Developed and implemented behavioral intervention plans for children facing mental health challenges.
  • Collaborated with mobile therapists, therapeutic staff support workers, education teams, and community agencies to support client needs.
  • Engaged families in treatment processes to foster understanding and commitment.
  • Managed comprehensive treatment strategies addressing developmental disabilities effectively.

Education

B.A. - Sociology, Concentration in Social Welfare

University of Delaware
Newark, DE

M.A. - School Counseling

Eastern University
PA

Skills

  • Program evaluation and monitoring
  • Stakeholder engagement and relations
  • Team leadership and development
  • Conflict resolution strategies
  • Solutions-focused
  • Career exploration
  • Active listening
  • Social and emotional health
  • Maintaining confidentiality
  • Policy and procedure improvements
  • Community outreach and engagement
  • Crisis management and response
  • Resident satisfaction initiatives
  • Fundraising and resource development
  • Case management practices
  • Project management methodologies
  • Relationship building and networking
  • Client services excellence
  • Coaching and counseling techniques
  • Social work principles
  • Recruitment
  • Needs assessment

Affiliations

The American School Counseling Association (ASCA), 2000

Training

  • Basic Mediation
  • Responsive Classroom
  • Restorative Practices (IIRP)
  • Student Assistance Program (SAP)
  • Mental Health Specialist Certification (ASCA U)
  • Implicit Racial Bias Trainings
  • Certified Parent Coach, Jai Institute for Parenting - 06/01/23

Certification

  • Basic Mediation, Responsive Classroom, Restorative Practices (IIRP), Student Assistance Program, Mental Health Specialist Certification (ASCA U), Implicit Racial Bias Trainings.
  • Jai Institute for Parenting, Certified Parent Coach - June 2023

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Executive Director

Cradle of Hope
01.2024 - Current

Owner/Operator Parent Coach

Anchored Heart Parent Coaching, LLC.
01.2024 - Current

EC-8 School Counselor

Dock Mennonite Academy
08.2007 - 06.2022

Career Break for Childcare

12.2002 - 08.2007

Behavior Specialist, Mobile Therapist, and Therapeutic Support Staff

Northwestern Human Services of Montgomery County
09.2000 - 12.2002

B.A. - Sociology, Concentration in Social Welfare

University of Delaware

M.A. - School Counseling

Eastern University

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