Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Catherine Thomas

Escondido,CA

Summary

Motivated professional pursuing paraeducator and behavioral technician roles while starting a Master of Education with a Single Subject Teaching Credential focused on social and emotional learning. Offers 10+ years of experience working with children, including three years in Title I K–8 classrooms. Brings strong communication, redirection, and de-escalation skills supported by a public-sector background in high-needs environments. Committed to helping students grow through consistent, relationship-centered, SEL-aligned support.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Program Manager

County of San Luis Obispo Division of Drug and Alcohol Services
01.2023 - 04.2024

• Strengthened 4 evidence-based prevention programs targeting substance abuse, aligning all operations with stringent state and federal guidelines.

• Steered a diverse team of 12 + junior managers, clerical staff, behavioral health workers, and temp staff toward achieving division goals within 1.5 years.

• Administered 3 grant portfolios, ensuring 100% compliance, reporting, and fund allocation.

• Secured >$1 million in new grants that expanded treatment capacity and enhanced community outreach.

• Implemented a 15-month, $200,000 grant that opened 5 new Oxford Houses; this initiative resulted in housing for 40+ individuals in recovery in the first year.

• Collaborated with fiscal staff to streamline the use of complex funding sources, ensuring financial integrity and resource optimization.

• Partnered with HR to spearhead a career advancement and retention workshop, focusing on professional development and staff engagement.

• Developed and presented comprehensive training modules to 50+ staff across 4 clinics and 3 divisions that centered on regulatory guidelines, tech proficiency, and career advancement.

Administrative and Fiscal Supervisor

County of San Luis Obispo Division of Animal Services
11.2015 - 01.2023

• Directed daily operations, including fiscal and budget management, contracts, vendor relations, purchasing and orders, technologies, 6 over-the-counter services, and public engagement.

• Prepared operating and capital budgets exceeding $4M, calculated fee structures, and administered city contracts, with revenues of more than $2M.

• Implemented technology-based systems, including digital recordkeeping and invoicing protocols, improving process efficiency and increasing collections revenue by 50%.

• Designed and launched an in-house licensing program, reducing costs by $100,000 and increasing revenue by 20% in 3 years.

• Reduced direct operational costs by over $100,000 annually while enhancing service delivery.

• Strengthened stakeholder and community relationships through strategic planning, outreach, and compliance with municipal and state codes, maintaining 90% customer satisfaction rate.

• Led and created staff training to 15+ staff across 3 programs on shelter management software, animal care standards, and safety protocols

Health Educator and Enrollment Spcialist

County of San Luis Obispo
09.2013 - 04.2015

• Guided a $100,000 grant to expand Medi-Cal enrollment and outreach.

• Conducting presentations and creating written materials, interpreted and communicated complex healthcare laws and eligibility to clients, staff, and the public.

• Supervised 3 enrollment counselors, completed and submitted progress reports to the State of California.

• Spearheaded the design and execution of targeted outreach campaigns, leading to a >5% reduction in uninsured populations within San Luis Obispo County in one year.

• Developed materials and conducted training sessions to ensure staff were equipped to effectively perform outreach, enrollment, and client assistance tasks.

• Improved knowledge and understanding of healthcare laws, changes, and resources for clients and County Staff by collaborating with multiple County service departments, non-profits, and community organizations.

• Created press releases, education material, information packets, and other resources intended to inform clients and staff members of the healthcare laws and the services this grant provides.

Campus Coordinator and Health Educator

CSU LA
09.2013 - 04.2015

• Educated students, faculty, and community members on the Affordable Care Act, healthcare navigation, and insurance marketplace resources.

• Planned, coordinated, and executed large-scale outreach events, workshops, and presentations reaching audiences ranging from small groups to 300 participants.

• Initiated one-on-one guidance and follow-up to connect individuals with appropriate health insurance options, improving access to care.

Youth Educator and Engagement Specialist

A Step Ahead Group & The Heidelberg Project
09.2011 - 06.2013
  • Developed and implemented engaging educational programs for youth, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
  • Facilitated interactive workshops, promoting collaboration and active learning among participants.
  • Designed curriculum materials to meet or exceed state academic standards and youth interests, ensuring relevance and engagement.
  • Delivered art, community, and environmental education workshops to K–12 students in Title I schools, linking classroom learning to real-world social issues.
  • Partnered with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations to broaden program reach and student impact.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science And Nutrition (minor)

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI
06-2012

Master of Public Policy -

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA
12-2015

Master of Education (SEL Emphasis) - Single Subject Teaching Credential

National University
La Jolla, CA
02-2027

Skills

  • Teacher collaboration
  • Writing support
  • Classroom management
  • Classroom organization
  • Positive reinforcement
  • Student engagement
  • Critical thinking
  • Data collection
  • Documentation skills

Timeline

Program Manager

County of San Luis Obispo Division of Drug and Alcohol Services
01.2023 - 04.2024

Administrative and Fiscal Supervisor

County of San Luis Obispo Division of Animal Services
11.2015 - 01.2023

Health Educator and Enrollment Spcialist

County of San Luis Obispo
09.2013 - 04.2015

Campus Coordinator and Health Educator

CSU LA
09.2013 - 04.2015

Youth Educator and Engagement Specialist

A Step Ahead Group & The Heidelberg Project
09.2011 - 06.2013

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science And Nutrition (minor)

Wayne State University

Master of Public Policy -

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Master of Education (SEL Emphasis) - Single Subject Teaching Credential

National University