Cassandra Olaya
Summary
Highly skilled Program Specialist with proven expertise in project management, program coordination, and strategic planning. Demonstrated strength in problem-solving, decision-making, interpersonal communication, and leadership. Noteworthy impact in previous roles includes successful implementation of numerous programs leading to improved operational efficiency and goal achievement. Compassionate professional with many years of experience coordinating community programs and allocating resources. Dedicated to excellent service through an empathetic approach. Thrives in team-based or independently-motivated settings.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Playspace Program Specialist
Horizons for Homeless Children
Roxbury
08.2024 - Current
- Manage placement of trained volunteers into playspaces in family shelters across Massachusetts.
- Provide supervision, training, and ongoing support to a team of 30+ volunteers, empowering them to provide trauma-informed care to children experiencing homelessness.
- Develop resources and implement strategies to maximize service delivery and volunteer satisfaction.
- Monitor volunteer attendance and performance; resolve issues promptly to align service delivery with mission goals.
Program Manager
Good Neighbors
East Providence
02.2023 - 08.2024
- Led daily operations for meal service program, serving food to vulnerable communities.
- Managed, trained, and supported a team of community volunteers, developing team leaders to aid service delivery.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with stakeholders, donors, and community members.
- Coordinated schedules, delegated responsibilities, and maintained inventories to maximize resources and control expenses.
Site Director
KinderCare Education LLC
05.2019 - 01.2023
- Managed all aspects of center operations, from staffing and financial oversight to policy compliance and service delivery.
- Led and mentored a team of education and care providers, developing future leaders within the organization.
- Fostered strong relationships with families, regulators, and stakeholders while delivering a safe and supportive environment for children.
- Spearheaded initiatives to maximize enrollment, revenue, and service delivery through strong leadership and community engagement.
Behavioral Counselor
Child and Family Services
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Coordinated care plans and progress reports, reflecting strong organizational and supervision skills.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Women’s Studies
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, MA01-2023
Skills
- Operations in nonprofit sector
- Program oversight and delivery
- Recruitment and training of volunteers
- Supervisory skills for teams
- Development of collaborative culture
- Strategic planning and implementation
- Communication proficiency
- Resolution of conflicts
- Trauma-informed approaches
- Adaptability and multitasking abilities
- Initiative-driven mindset
Nonprofit Management Highlights
- Managed daily operations, programs, and service delivery for community organizations.
- Recruited, trained, and supported large teams of volunteers and employees.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with stakeholders, funders, community groups, and regulators.
- Spearheaded process improvements to maximize resources and service delivery.
- Implemented training programs, policy compliance, and best practices across organizations.
- Led initiatives to empower team members, foster collaboration, and align operations with mission goals.
Timeline
Playspace Program Specialist
Horizons for Homeless Children
08.2024 - Current
Program Manager
Good Neighbors
02.2023 - 08.2024
Site Director
KinderCare Education LLC
05.2019 - 01.2023
Behavioral Counselor
Child and Family Services
08.2018 - 05.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Women’s Studies
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Similar Profiles
Cassandra OlayaCassandra Olaya
Playspace Program Specialist at Horizons for Homeless ChildrenPlayspace Program Specialist at Horizons for Homeless Children
Dounegere FanfanDounegere Fanfan
Program Coordinator at Horizons for Homeless ChildrenProgram Coordinator at Horizons for Homeless Children
Carolina ManzanaresCarolina Manzanares
Program Coordinator/Mobile Market Manager at Homemade Hope for Homeless ChildrenProgram Coordinator/Mobile Market Manager at Homemade Hope for Homeless Children
Jason R. CanarelliJason R. Canarelli
Contract Specialist, Agency/Organization Program Coordinator Government Purchase Card Program at Air Force Research LaboratoryContract Specialist, Agency/Organization Program Coordinator Government Purchase Card Program at Air Force Research Laboratory
MIKAL HAILEMIKAL HAILE
PROGRAM OPERATIONS SPECIALIST INTERIM DEPUTY PROGRAM MANAGER at Department of Defense (DoD)- DHAPROGRAM OPERATIONS SPECIALIST INTERIM DEPUTY PROGRAM MANAGER at Department of Defense (DoD)- DHA