Catherine Swanson
Berkeley,CA
Summary
Dedicated middle school educator, EMT-certified professional, and disciple of Jesus Christ with a foundation in faith-based education shaped by a Catholic upbringing and Lutheran preschool and elementary schooling (Pre-K–5th). Experienced in serving students in both faith-based and public charter school settings, supporting diverse learners and fostering social-emotional growth in structured, compassionate environments. Brings the discipline of a Division I athlete and calm decision-making from emergency medical training, with an approach shaped by caretaking and coaching experience and a commitment to nurturing, empowering, and guiding students with truth, grace, humility, and respect.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Middle School Teacher & Cross County/Track Coach
East Bay Innovation Academy - Public Charter
Oakland, CA
02.2025 - Current
- Teach four periods of a 6th-grade 21st-century skills elective , delivering project-based instruction that builds leadership, collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving. Integrate digital and financial literacy, academic success strategies, and college and career readiness to equip students with confidence and essential life skills; additionally teach one period of fitness, promoting healthy habits, teamwork, and physical well-being.
- Coach cross country and track & field, fostering resilience, discipline, goal-setting, and sportsmanship while supporting students' physical, mental, and emotional growth.
Caretaker
Various Families (Present) and FirstLight Home Care (Past)
Bay Area, CA
12.2015 - Current
- Childcare Provider, Currently provide childcare for children 6 months-12 years old, ensuring safety, adapting to developmental needs, and responding quickly in dynamic situations.
- Elderly Caregiver, FirstLight Home Care | Sept-Nov 2024: Delivered personal care, basic needs, stand-by assist, meal prep, and companionship, strengthening empathy, patience, and emergency readiness.
Substitute Teacher (Fellowship)
Scoot Education
Bay Area, CA
01.2025 - 02.2025
- Effectively led diverse K–8 classrooms, delivering engaging lessons, adapting to student needs, managing behavior, and fostering a positive, trust-filled learning environment
- Adapted quickly to new classroom environments and demonstrated growth in instructional and classroom management skills, resulting in a transition from short-term substitute to long-term teaching position at East Bay Innovation Academy after just 1.5 months
Sports Coach (K-5)
One on One Sports
Bay Area, CA
08.2024 - 11.2024
- Led basketball drills, fostered teamwork, safety, and communication.
Events Assistant
Cal Athletics
Berkeley, CA
12.2022 - 04.2024
- Supported large-scale athletic events by setting up and taking down equipment, managing logistics, and ensuring smooth operations.
- Operated technical systems, including scoreboards, sound, and timing equipment during events.
- Assisted with crowd management and coordinated with staff to maintain safety and efficiency.
Intern
The Kidney Project, UCSF
San Francisco, CA
08.2023 - 10.2023
- Supported public health outreach, education, and social media initiatives, including incentive programs, to increase awareness of kidney disease and promote innovative treatment research at The Kidney Project.
Lead Teacher
Camp Galileo Summer Program
Irvine, CA
05.2023 - 07.2023
- Led hands-on STEM and arts activities for three rotations of 25–30 K–2nd students, fostering creativity, teamwork, and curiosity.
- Managed classroom dynamics and ensured safety for all campers during high-energy, hands-on lessons.
- Built positive relationships with students, encouraging confidence, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Host & Food Expeditor
Mama's on 39
Ladera Ranch, CA
03.2021 - 07.2021
- Greeted and seated guests, ensuring a welcoming environment and managed reservation system, optimizing seating arrangements for efficient customer flow.
- Coordinated between kitchen and servers to ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality food delivery.
- Maintained order flow and organized expediting station during high-volume periods while following food safety standards and
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA | August 2022-August 2024Completed Coursework -
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA | July 2020-June 2022High School Diploma -
Aliso Niguel High School
Aliso Viejo, CA | August 2016-June 2020Certification
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), American Health Education, Berkeley, CA, 09/24, E203996, Active
- Ambulance Drivers License and Medical Examiners Form
- Basic Life Support (BLS), American Health Education, Berkeley, CA, 09/24
- FEMA ICS 100, 200, 700, 800, Incident Command System & National Incident Management System
Timeline
Middle School Teacher & Cross County/Track Coach
East Bay Innovation Academy - Public Charter
02.2025 - Current
Substitute Teacher (Fellowship)
Scoot Education
01.2025 - 02.2025
Sports Coach (K-5)
One on One Sports
08.2024 - 11.2024
Intern
The Kidney Project, UCSF
08.2023 - 10.2023
Lead Teacher
Camp Galileo Summer Program
05.2023 - 07.2023
Events Assistant
Cal Athletics
12.2022 - 04.2024
Host & Food Expeditor
Mama's on 39
03.2021 - 07.2021
Caretaker
Various Families (Present) and FirstLight Home Care (Past)
12.2015 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of California, Berkeley
Completed Coursework -
University of California, Irvine
High School Diploma -
Aliso Niguel High School
Volunteer Experience
Sunday School Teacher & Young Adult Leader, Our City Center Church — Berkeley, CA | 08/25–Present
Serve biweekly as a Sunday School teacher (K-5th) and weekly as a Young Adult Bible study leader (ages 18–30), fostering spiritual growth, mentorship, and meaningful community connection.
Youth Leader (Buddy), Mission Church — Walnut Creek, CA | 04/25–Present
During Sunday School, serve children with special needs by guiding faith-based activities that support their individual growth, learning, and engagement.
Team Rubicon Volunteer (Occasional) — Cohasset, CA | 07/25–Present
Supported fire mitigation and recovery efforts following the Park Fire of 2024.
Teen Esteem Volunteer — Danville, CA | 09/24–10/24
Presented on mental health, personal growth, and decision-making in middle and high schools.
Athletes in Action — Mission Trip — Zagreb, Croatia | Spring 2024
Served on an international mission team in Zagreb, Croatia, spreading the Gospel. Engaged local youth and communities by fostering faith, mentorship, and teamwork through outreach and discipleship, building lasting cross-cultural connections.
Educarte AIM — Mission Trip — Puerto Peñasco, Mexico | Winter 2022
Supported youth with special needs in underserved communities by helping build an accessible playground and facilitating inclusive activities.
Event Volunteer — Los Angeles, CA | 2019–2021
Assisted with logistics and guest services for events including the LA Firefighter Valor Awards, American Red Cross blood drives, and events at The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding.
Professional Goal
Aspiring school counselor pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling, a Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) School Counseling credential, and licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), with plans to enroll by Summer/Fall 2026. Grounded in personal testimony and lived experience, called to counseling through faith, healing, and resilience. Experienced in education, sports, youth mentorship, and emergency response. Inspired by Dr. Henry Cloud’s Changes That Heal, committed to trauma-informed, compassionate, and student-centered counseling that fosters academic success, emotional well-being, and personal growth.