April Luna
San Diego,CA
Summary
Dedicated U.S. Navy counselor with over 11 years of service supporting mission readiness, personnel development, and community engagement. Experienced mentor and program coordinator with roles in suicide prevention, victim advocacy, and career counseling. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health. Passionate about mental health advocacy, mentorship, and supporting individuals navigating adversity, particularly within military and veteran communities.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Navy Counselor (E-5)
United States Navy
San Diego, CA
09.2014 - Current
• Provide mentorship and career guidance to Sailors on advancement, education, and professional development
• Serve in key leadership roles, including Suicide Prevention Coordinator and SAPR Victim Advocate, supporting crisis response and Sailor well-being
• Deliver training to 700+ personnel on mental health awareness, leadership, and prevention programs
• Facilitate Career Development Boards and mentorship initiatives to support Sailor progression
• Promote resilience, accountability, and peer support in high-tempo operational environments• Provide mentorship and career guidance to Sailors on advancement, education, and professional development
• Serve in leadership roles, including Suicide Prevention Coordinator and SAPR Victim Advocate, supporting Sailor wellbeing and crisis response
• Deliver training to +700 personnel on mental health awareness, leadership, and prevention programs
• Support Sailor development through Career Development Boards and mentorship initiatives
• Promote resilience, accountability, and peer support within high-tempo environments
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology - Mental Health Concentration
Southern New Hampshire University
03.2025 - 03.2026
Skills
- Mental Health Advocacy
Crisis Intervention
Leadership & Mentorship
Program Coordination
Trauma-Informed Support
Communication & Counseling
Community Service
Total Volunteer Service: 446+ Hours (Awarded the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal for sustained community impact)
Operation PALS – Volunteer Mentor
San Diego, CA | 2024–Present
• Mentor children of deployed service members through weekly academic support and engagement
• Provide encouragement, stability, and positive mentorship during periods of parental deployment
Surfrider Foundation – Volunteer
San Diego, CA | 2023–Present
• Participate in coastal cleanup initiatives promoting environmental sustainability and community engagement
Youth Athletics Mentor (Volunteer)
Patuxent River, MD | 2020–2022
• Contributed over 360 volunteer hours mentoring student-athletes
• Promoted teamwork, discipline, leadership, and personal development both on and off the court
Leadership And Professional Development
- Command Career Counselor (CCC)
- Suicide Prevention Coordinator
- Sexual Assault Prevention & Response Victim Advocate (SAPR VA)
- Urinalysis Program Coordinator (UPC)
- Command Pay and Personnel Administrator (CPPA)
- Second Class Petty Officer Association President
Awards
- Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM)
- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
- Meritorious Advancement to E-4 and E-5
- Good Conduct Medal (3)
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (2)
- Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2)
- Battle 'E' Award (2)
Timeline
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology - Mental Health Concentration
Southern New Hampshire University
03.2025 - 03.2026
Navy Counselor (E-5)
United States Navy
09.2014 - Current