Araceli De Los Santos
San Antonio
Summary
Retired U.S. Army professional with extensive experience in career counseling, peer support, and resilience training. Certified Peer Support Specialist and Master Resilience Trainer with a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, mentorship, and leadership development. Proven ability to support individuals through transition, build trust, and connect them with meaningful opportunities for growth. Dedicated to empowering others and making a lasting impact through service, structure, and empathy.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Army Reserve Career Counselor
United States Army Reserve
11.2003 - 05.2025
- Provided career counseling and retention support to Soldiers across the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR), Troop Program Unit (TPU), Active Guard and Reserve (AGR), and Individual Mobilization Augmentee (IMA) programs
- Advised Soldiers on continued service opportunities, education benefits, and professional development to enhance readiness and career progression
- Contributed to U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) end strength goals by retaining qualified personnel and filling priority vacancies across reserve units
- Prospected and evaluated candidates for officer commissioning programs and AGR Career Management Field (CMF) 79 positions, supporting leadership growth
- Partnered with unit commanders to implement the U.S. Army Reserve Retention Program in accordance with Chief, Army Reserve (CAR) policy directives
- Maintained confidentiality while fostering trust, motivation, and informed decision-making among servicemembers
- Counseled clients one-on-one regarding current situation, desires, aptitudes, education, and employment history.
Education
Associate of Science - General Studies
08-2026
- Completed interdisciplinary coursework with emphasis on psychology, human behavior, and interpersonal communication
- Gained foundational knowledge in cognitive processes, emotional regulation, and developmental psychology
- Developed critical thinking and analytical skills to support effective peer counseling and mental health advocacy
- Applied psychological concepts to enhance understanding of trauma-informed care and resilience building
Skills
- Trauma-Informed Peer Support
- Crisis De-escalation & Intervention
- Active Listening & Reflective Communication
- Mental Health & Wellness Advocacy
- Group Facilitation & Workshop Leadership
- Empowerment & Strengths-Based Coaching
- Cultural Competency & Inclusive Practice
- Resilience Training & Coping Strategy Development
- Ethical Boundaries & Confidentiality
- Suicide Prevention & Risk Assessment
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation
- Veteran Support & Civilian Transition Coaching
Accomplishments
Completed Core Training for Mental Health Peer Support Specialist, meeting all prerequisite requirements for certification and field readiness- June 2025
Affiliations
- Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
- American Legion
Certification
- Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS)- Texas Veteran's Commission, April 2025
- Basic Life Support (BLS)- American Heart Association, February 2025
- Texas Food Handler- Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), October 2024
Languages
Spanish
Elementary
Interests
- Animal Welfare Advocacy
- Volunteering at local animal shelters and rescue organizations
- Video Gaming
- Continuing Education
- Peer to Peer Support
- Personal Development and Self-Improvement
Timeline
Army Reserve Career Counselor - United States Army Reserve
11.2003 - 05.2025
Mt. Hood Community College - Associate of Science, General Studies
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