Avery Rivera
Puyallup,WA
Summary
Youth development and mental health professional with a decade of experience supporting at-risk adolescents (ages 13–17) in therapeutic, residential, and community-based settings. Skilled in crisis intervention, mentorship, and social-emotional development, creating safe, empowering environments and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to achieve positive youth outcomes.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Recreation Coordinator
Pierce County Parks and Recreation
Tacoma, WA
04.2024 - Current
- Design, coordinate, and facilitate engaging programs for at-risk youth that promote personal development, teamwork, and social-emotional growth.
- Provide consistent mentorship, guidance, and crisis intervention while maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive environment.
- Develop original, youth-centered programming that resonates with participants, and increases engagement and participation.
- Collaborate with community organizations and partners to strengthen programming and improve overall youth outcomes.
Youth Engagement Specialist
Tacoma Boat Builders
Tacoma, WA
07.2022 - 04.2024
- Built professional connections with youth programs nationwide through travel, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices, while representing the program at a national level.
- Served as a program ambassador by strengthening interagency relationships and expanding opportunities for youth through cross-program partnerships.
- Mentored at-risk youth through hands-on programming, fostering personal responsibility, teamwork, and leadership skills.
- Facilitated skill-building activities that supported career exploration, workforce readiness, and long-term goal development.
- Created a positive, structured environment that promoted confidence, self-esteem, critical thinking, and social-emotional growth.
Mental Health Technician
Pearl Youth Residence
Tacoma, WA
12.2021 - 07.2022
- Provided direct care for youth with mental health challenges, ensuring emotional well-being and safety.
- Implemented individualized care plans, monitored progress, and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams.
- Maintained professional boundaries while fostering empathy and therapeutic relationships.
Youth Facilitator
BRAVE Trailblazers
Kent, WA
02.2021 - 12.2021
- Led social-emotional and community engagement programs, developing leadership and civic awareness.
- Designed and facilitated workshops tailored to diverse youth populations.
- Managed youth-led projects that promoted confidence, responsibility, and social skills.
Youth Counselor - Supervisor
Benchmark Behavioral Hospital
Woods Cross, UT
08.2018 - 04.2020
- Supervised and supported direct-care staff while ensuring safety, compliance, and consistent implementation of treatment plans.
- Led crisis intervention and behavioral support for at-risk youth with acute mental health needs in a residential setting.
- Collaborated with clinical and nursing teams while maintaining accurate documentation and staff accountability.
Assistant Supervisor
New Haven RTC
Saratoga Springs, UT
10.2016 - 08.2018
- Assisted in supervising direct-care staff and daily operations in a residential treatment setting for at-risk youth.
- Supported crisis intervention, behavior management, and consistent implementation of individualized treatment plans.
- Helped maintain safety, documentation compliance, and communication between staff and clinical leadership.
- Oversaw female residents, monitored treatment progress, and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams.
Mentor/Staff
Alliance Youth Services
Lehi, UT
08.2015 - 08.2018
- Provided mentorship to youth with behavioral and addiction challenges through daily support, positive role modeling, and individualized interventions.
- Assisted with behavior management, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation in a community-based setting.
- Built strong, trusting relationships with youth to promote accountability, confidence, and long-term success.
Education
BA - Family And Human Services
BYU
Online04-2027
Skills
- Communication & Leadership: Connect authentically, guide youth through trust-based mentorship, and build strong relationships with peers and partner organizations nationwide
- Crisis Management: Skilled in de-escalation, safety planning, and conflict resolution
- Youth Development: Facilitate growth in therapeutic, educational, and recreational settings
- Program Facilitation: Design and lead workshops and programs promoting life skills and teamwork
- Empathy & Cultural Awareness: Foster inclusivity and understanding across diverse populations
Volunteer Experience
Missionary — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
- Led missionary efforts across multiple Canadian provinces, coordinating outreach, service initiatives, and community engagement.
- Developed strong cross-cultural communication, mentorship, and leadership skills while fostering teamwork and personal accountability.
- Demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving in dynamic, challenging environments.
- Cultivated self-discipline, time management, and goal-oriented planning through structured daily schedules and mission objectives.
Languages
Spanish, Intermediate Proficiency
Timeline
Youth Recreation Coordinator
Pierce County Parks and Recreation
04.2024 - Current
Youth Engagement Specialist
Tacoma Boat Builders
07.2022 - 04.2024
Mental Health Technician
Pearl Youth Residence
12.2021 - 07.2022
Youth Facilitator
BRAVE Trailblazers
02.2021 - 12.2021
Youth Counselor - Supervisor
Benchmark Behavioral Hospital
08.2018 - 04.2020
Assistant Supervisor
New Haven RTC
10.2016 - 08.2018
Mentor/Staff
Alliance Youth Services
08.2015 - 08.2018
BA - Family And Human Services
BYU