Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease barriers for students and strength based programs. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact student success with 16 years of experience in supporting diverse underserved populations in higher education.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Special Supports & Grants
Austin Community College - SASSR
08.2017 - Current
Develop and coordinate Student Advocacy Center, Student Care Center, Student Emergency Fund, Foster Care Alumni. and Talk About It ACC programming for all 11 Campuses.
Developed high-performing teams by providing coaching, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
Utilize data and needs of special populations to develop goals and plans for the department and the organization
Manage Perkins Basic, Perkins Equitable Access and CCAMPIS grants which includes budgeting for instructional equipment purchases and student services
Work collaboratively with other departments and workforce deans to develop Career and Technical goals and annual budgets for the Perkins Basic Grant.
Develop and organize workshops about working with special populations specifically students formerly in foster care, student parents, first generation college students and economically disadvantaged students
Introduced Texas Health and Human Services Navigator Training opportunity to better prepare Student Advocates with tools needed to support students
Collaborate with Community Based Organizations, state agencies and other colleges to plan, implement and improve programs and services.
Manager, Special Supports & Grants
Austin Community College - Special Populations Dept
07.2016 - 08.2017
Developed and coordinated Student Advocacy Center, Student Emergency Fund, and Foster Care Alumni Programs for all 11 Campuses
Worked collaboratively with community-based organizations to explore programs and opportunities
Supported and trained Special Populations Advocates
Developed training schedules for Special Populations Advocates tor provide for a more cohesive student experience
Improved and introduced case management procedures to better enhance the relationship between student and advocate.
Increased team productivity by implementing streamlined processes and effective communication strategies.
Student Advocate
Austin Community College - Austin, TX
05.2009 - 07.2016
Provided academic coaching, advising and social support to caseload of students
Case-managed 60-150 students per semester who were assigned too or applied for the Support Center program (now Student Advocacy Center)
Managed Support Center program at the campus including eligibility, tracked funding and student progress
Assisted in developing new intake and case management procedures to provide for a more cohesive experience across campuses
Developed individual or group counseling plans per the needs and goals of the students.
Enhanced student support by developing and implementing comprehensive advocacy programs.
Promoted positive school culture by addressing individual student needs and collaborating with faculty members.
Improved student retention rates by providing one-on-one guidance and assistance in navigating academic challenges.
Increased graduation rates through proactive monitoring of at-risk students and targeted interventions.
Off- Center Training Counselor and Coordinator
Gary Job Corps Center
10.2006 - 05.2009
Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities
Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
Managed crisis situations including suicidal threats and violent outbursts
Developed the Off-Center training programs by collaborating with external partners including Texas State University and Austin Community College
Developed and taught college readiness course that was focused on the needs of first-generation college students.
Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges..
Career Counselor (Practicum)
Texas State University Career Services
08.2005 - 08.2006
Developed plans and assisted students in organizing their goals and utilizing resources to help them take steps towards those goals
Enhanced student career development by conducting individual counseling sessions and group workshops.
Provided one-on-one coaching sessions focused on interview preparation, boosting student confidence during employer interactions.
Maintained accurate records of all individual counseling sessions, tracking progress towards defined goals over time.
Counselor (Practicum)
Veterans Affairs Mental Health Clinic
01.2006 - 05.2006
Worked with individuals who were managing symptoms from diverse disorders including PTSD, Depression, Bipolar and Anxiety Disorders
Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
Co-facilitated weekly groups for veterans coping with PTSD.
Enhanced client progress by utilizing evidence-based counseling techniques and individualized treatment plans.
Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients with complex needs.
Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
Education
Masters of Arts in Counseling -
St. Edward's University - Austin, TX
05.2006
Bachelors of Science in Communication Studies -
University of Texas - Austin, TX
05.2002
Skills
Strategic Planning
Budget Management
Training & Development
Program Development
Staff Development
Creativity and Innovation
Partnership Development
Grant Writing
Crisis Management
Case Management
Community Engagement
Data Interpretation
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director, Special Supports & Grants
Austin Community College - SASSR
08.2017 - Current
Manager, Special Supports & Grants
Austin Community College - Special Populations Dept
Master Area of Study Advising Specialist at Austin Community College, Round RockMaster Area of Study Advising Specialist at Austin Community College, Round Rock