Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Brenttia ClaytonBuchanan

Vandenberg AFB

Summary

Student-centered education professional with experience in academic advising, career readiness, curriculum development, and program coordination. Proven ability to support diverse student populations through advising, mentoring, and structured programming. Strong background in student retention and collaborative engagement with families, faculty, and community partners. Passionate about helping students navigate academic pathways, career exploration, and personal development in education settings.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Academic and Financial Counselor

National University
Remote
03.2026 - Current

• Advise undergraduate and graduate students on degree requirements, academic planning, course selection, and strategies for successful degree completion.

• Provide comprehensive academic and financial counseling to support student persistence, retention, and achievement of educational goals.

• Guide nontraditional adult learners, including working professionals, military-affiliated students, and students balancing employment, family, and academic responsibilities.

• Communicate with students through phone, email, virtual appointments, and case management platforms to address academic, financial, and enrollment-related concerns.

• Utilize Salesforce CRM to manage student communications, document interactions, track outreach efforts, and maintain accurate student records.

• Navigate student accounts and academic records using SOAR and support implementation and training initiatives related to the Anthology student information system.

• Collaborate with Financial Aid, Registrar, Admissions, Credentialing, and Academic Departments to resolve student issues and facilitate timely progress toward degree completion.

• Assist students pursuing teaching credentials by coordinating with credentialing and academic departments to ensure completion of program and licensure requirements.

• Interpret and explain university policies, procedures, degree requirements, and financial aid processes to help students make informed educational decisions.

• Maintain detailed case documentation while managing a high-volume student caseload in a fast-paced higher education environment.

Family Child Care Provider

United States Air Force (USAF FCC PROGRAM)
Lompoc, CA
01.2023 - 2026
  • Delivered licensed, in-home child care in accordance with USAF FCC standards.
  • Managed enrollment documentation, attendance records, and compliance paperwork in accordance with FCC program requirements.
  • Supported child development through structured routines and age-appropriate activities.
  • Ensured safety, compliance, and consistent parent communication.
  • Demonstrated cultural responsiveness and inclusivity while supporting diverse military families.

Curriculum Writer/Consultant

Practice Benefit Corp.
Remote
07.2022 - 12.2022
  • Supported student success by ensuring instructional materials were clear, accessible, and aligned to program outcomes.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to revise content based on learner feedback and assessment data.
  • Applied equity-centered practices to support diverse learning needs in online and digital learning environments.

Student Success Coach/Mentor

Teachable Moments Academy
Remote
06.2020 - 06.2022
  • Provided individualized academic and career support to students and families from program enrollment through completion.
  • Led on-boarding activities for new and returning participants, ensuring understanding of program expectations, schedules, and resources.
  • Maintained proactive, ongoing communication with students and parents through phone, email, and virtual check-ins to support engagement and success.
  • Responded promptly to student and family inquiries, resolving academic, programmatic, and logistical concerns.
  • Identified at-risk students and implemented targeted outreach strategies, coaching, and referrals to support persistence.
  • Guided families toward appropriate financial resources and payment options, answering questions and escalating issues when needed.
  • Maintained working knowledge of internal policies, procedures, and program requirements to ensure consistent support delivery.
  • Tracked student participation, progress, and follow-up actions to ensure accountability and completion.

After-School Program Planner (Capstone Project)

Carter's Crew
Little Rock
08.2021 - 05.2022
  • Conducted best-practice research to redesign an after-school program serving at-risk youth.
  • Collaborated with leadership to implement a life skills and personal development curriculum.
  • Supported student engagement initiatives, family programming, and community outreach efforts.
  • Applied data-informed strategies to support positive behavioral and academic outcomes.

Program Development Specialist Summer Intern

Give & Surf
Bocas Del Toro, Panama
06.2021 - 08.2021
  • Supported evaluation of academic and enrichment programs through pre- and post-assessment tools.
  • Assisted with grant writing and program documentation to support funding and compliance efforts.
  • Collaborated with local and international staff to strengthen STEM and English curriculum delivery.
  • Coordinated program schedules and instructional planning.

Graduate Student Researcher

Zuni Learning Tree
Little Rock, AR
08.2020 - 05.2021
  • Collected and analyzed student engagement data to identify risk indicators and success trends.
  • Facilitated communication between stakeholders to improve student experience and learning outcomes.
  • Supported virtual learning initiatives aligned with student success and retention goals.

Educator

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, North Star Academy
Jacksonville, Arkansas & Newark, New Jersey
01.2018 - 07.2020
  • Supported student academic progress through goal-setting, progress monitoring, and individualized interventions.
  • Communicated consistently with families and support teams to address academic and behavioral challenges.
  • Utilized digital learning platforms to support instruction and student engagement.

Education

Master of Public Service -

University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service
Little Rock
05-2022

Bachelor of Science - Education

University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock
12-2017

Skills

  • Student Success & Retention
  • Academic & Career Advising
  • First-Year Student Support
  • Financial counseling
  • Customer service
  • Problem-solving
  • Time management
  • Public Speaking
  • Program Planning
  • Workshop Design
  • Case Management
  • Data Collection

Timeline

Academic and Financial Counselor

National University
03.2026 - Current

Family Child Care Provider

United States Air Force (USAF FCC PROGRAM)
01.2023 - 2026

Curriculum Writer/Consultant

Practice Benefit Corp.
07.2022 - 12.2022

After-School Program Planner (Capstone Project)

Carter's Crew
08.2021 - 05.2022

Program Development Specialist Summer Intern

Give & Surf
06.2021 - 08.2021

Graduate Student Researcher

Zuni Learning Tree
08.2020 - 05.2021

Student Success Coach/Mentor

Teachable Moments Academy
06.2020 - 06.2022

Educator

Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, North Star Academy
01.2018 - 07.2020

Bachelor of Science - Education

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Master of Public Service -

University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service