Charisma Costa-Melchor
Brooklyn
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Services Intern
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts
Boston
09.2025 - Current
- Supported mentor-mentee matches through effective communication, relationship-building, and shadowing match support calls.
- Assisted with planning and execution of community events, in-person engagements, and outreach initiatives to promote youth mentorship.
- Conducted volunteer recruitment and created marketing materials to raise awareness of programs.
- Maintained accurate records of participant and staff information, ensuring organized and up-to-date program documentation.
- Developed resources including a newsletter and a “Dreampartnership” list of 20+ organizations, conducting outreach to potential partner organizations.
- Completed trainings in Sexual Assault Prevention, Child Safety, and other professional development modules.
Office Assistant
Data Office of Enrollment and Management
Boston
03.2025 - Current
- Assisted in maintaining accurate enrollment records and student information.
- Organized files and maintained a systematic filing system for easy access.
- Responded to inquiries from prospective students and provided helpful information.
- Performed data entry tasks into various computer systems accurately and efficiently.
- Answered incoming calls in a professional manner and directed callers to the appropriate personnel.
- Greeted visitors, determined their needs and directed them to the appropriate personnel.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information and documents.
- Reviewed files, records and other documents to obtain information or respond to requests.
Home Health Aide
Nurting Angels / Amazing Home Care
Brooklyn
06.2024 - Current
- Monitored client health, including vital signs, and reported changes to nursing staff or supervisors.
- Provided companionship, emotional support, and engagement in recreational activities to enhance client well-being.
- Assisted with personal care tasks, including bathing, grooming, dressing, incontinence care, and mobility support.
- Encouraged independence by teaching self-care skills and supporting daily routines.
- Prepared and served meals according to prescribed diets, assisted with cooking, and handled shopping needs.
- Maintained a safe, clean, and organized living environment, including changing bed linens and performing household chores.
- Participated in developing individualized care plans based on medical orders and patient assessments.
- Educated clients and families on proper care techniques, health conditions, and infection control.
- Provided transportation and assistance for medical appointments and community activities.
- Followed HIPAA regulations to maintain confidentiality of patient information.
- Documented care activities, patient progress, and daily notes in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Recognized and responded to emergency situations, implementing appropriate procedures when needed.
Evening Supervisor
School of Theology
Boston
02.2023 - Current
- Assisted an average of 30+ patrons daily, primarily young adults and adults, with locating materials, navigating databases, and accessing community resources.
- Maintained a welcoming and inclusive environment that encouraged learning and open communication.
- Trained new staff on circulation procedures and effective, respectful customer service.
- Managed daily circulation operations, including cataloging, check-ins, and interlibrary loans, ensuring accuracy and organization.
- Supported community outreach efforts such as author events and school partnerships to increase engagement with library resources.
- Maintained accurate and confidential records of patron accounts and overdue items.
Notetaker
Boston University Disability and Access Services
Boston
09.2024 - 12.2024
- Provided detailed and organized notes for lectures, ensuring the student had accurate and accessible information for studying and assignments.
- Adapted note-taking style to match the student’s learning needs, highlighting key concepts, definitions, and examples for easier comprehension.
- Assisted the student in staying focused during class by summarizing important points and structuring notes for clarity and retention.
- Maintained confidentiality and professionalism while supporting the student’s academic success.
- Collaborated with the student to review and clarify notes, reinforcing understanding and aiding exam preparation.
Teacher Fellow
Winship Elemetary
Boston
09.2023 - 12.2023
Assisted lead teacher in designing and implementing lesson plans for a fourth-grade classroom of 30 students, covering reading, writing, and math.
- Provided targeted instruction for a small group of 7 students with IEPs, focusing on reading comprehension, math problem-solving, and English grammar.
- Developed and led hands-on learning activities such as interactive math games, guided reading exercises, and writing workshops to enhance student understanding and engagement.
- Maintained a safe, organized, and stimulating classroom environment, ensuring accessibility of materials and resources for all students.
- Implemented positive classroom management strategies, reinforcing rules and encouraging cooperative learning.
- Collaborated with the teacher to assess student progress through quizzes, observations, and projects, providing individualized feedback and support to address each student’s needs.
Education
Bachelor Of Science (BS) - Education And Human Development
Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts, MA05-2026
High School Diploma -
Uncommon Charter High School
Brooklyn, NY 06-2022
Skills
Languages: English (Proficient), Spanish (Intermediate), ASL (Beginner), Japanese (Beginner)
Technical Skills: Microsoft Office, Database Management, Data Entry, Social Media & Promotions, Document Proofreading, Data Analysis
Clinical & Counseling Skills: Patient Care, Active Listening & Empathy, Crisis Intervention & De-escalation, Confidentiality & Ethics, Cultural Competence & Diversity Awareness, Conflict Resolution, Advocacy & Policy Awareness, Empathy & Compassionate Communication, Reflective Practice
Educational & Mentorship Skills: Youth Mentorship, Tutoring, Educational Support, Curriculum Development & Implementation, Community Outreach & Advocacy
Administrative & Organizational Skills: Scheduling, Office Administration, Event Planning, Record Keeping, Team Supervision, Procedure Compliance
Professional & Interpersonal Skills: Effective Communication, Relationship Building, Team Collaboration & Leadership, Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving, Adaptability, Time Management, Multitasking, Initiative, Patience, Morse Code
Organizations
Tri-Alpha, Gamma Iota Chapter — Member | Apr 2024 – Present
- National honor society recognizing academic achievement of first-generation college students
- Invited based on completion of 30+ credits and GPA above 3.20
C.E.C. (Conscious Educators of Color) — Secretary | Jan 2024 – June 2025
- Maintain minutes for executive board meetings and manage administrative tasks
- Coordinate event bookings and communication between board and members
- Record event attendance, distribute newsletters, and manage club email account
- Support mentorship, DEI initiatives, and justice-based education efforts at BU
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Professional
American Sign Language
Elementary
Japanese
Elementary
Accomplishments
- Boston University Scholarship, Fall 2022 – Spring 2026
- Bernard Helen Berkowitz Scholarship, Fall 2022 – Spring 2026
- Delta Sigma Theta Brooklyn Alumnae Scholarship, Fall 2022 – Spring 2026
- Dean’s List, Fall 2022 – Fall 2025
- BRIDGE Award, 12th grade
- High Honor Roll, 8th – 12th grade
Affiliations
Crisis Counselor | Crisis Text Line
Feb 2025 – Present
- Logged 200+ hours providing bilingual crisis support to individuals experiencing emotional distress.
- Utilized active listening, reflective communication, de-escalation, safety planning, and trauma-informed care.
- Supported clients navigating anxiety, depression, and acute stress, promoting mental health awareness and safe, non-judgmental spaces.
- Collaborated with supervisors and peers to maintain confidentiality, ethical standards, and best practices in virtual counseling.
- Strengthened skills in crisis intervention, emotional regulation, and advocacy for diverse populations.
Volunteer | BU Community Servings
Nov 2025 – Present
- Assisted with preparation, portioning, and packaging of nutritious meals for community members facing food insecurity.
- Maintained a clean, organized, and safe workspace while collaborating with volunteers.
- Gained hands-on experience in community engagement, teamwork, and service coordination.
Mental Health Advocate | KeepInMind
Jan 2026 – Present
- Participate in initiatives promoting mental health awareness and systemic change in the community.
- Provide peer support, share resources, and contribute to building safe, inclusive spaces for dialogue.
- Contribute to program development, communications, and resource creation to empower individuals.
- Developed skills in advocacy, mentorship, and trauma-informed approaches relevant to counseling and social work.
Transitional Mentor | Transitional Mentor Program, Boston University & BU Wheelock
Sep 2024 – Present
- Support students transitioning from high school to university with academic, social, and emotional guidance.
- Build trust with mentees using active listening, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and reflective practice.
- Enhance cultural competence by mentoring students from diverse backgrounds and connecting them with appropriate support services.
Co-Teacher / Mentor | Science Club for Girls
Feb 2025 – Present
- Lead hands-on STEM projects for K–3 students, fostering creativity, collaboration, and confidence.
- Mentor students in-person and virtually, promoting science as accessible and engaging.
- Design and implement curriculum, lesson plans, and interactive activities that encourage problem-solving and curiosity.
Research
Rethinking Trauma-Informed Care for Neurodivergent Adults
Jan 2025 – Present
- Investigates how neurodivergent adults (ASD, ADHD, SPD, dyslexia) experience psychotherapy and whether traditional trauma-informed care (TIC) effectively meets their needs.
- Examines the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and sensory processing differences on therapy engagement, highlighting gaps in TIC models designed for neurotypical responses.
- Studies barriers faced by neurodivergent individuals from marginalized communities, including limited access to services, cultural stigma, and socioeconomic constraints.
- Conducts 45–60 minute individual interviews and brief online surveys to capture lived experiences, focusing on helpful and unhelpful therapy aspects.
- Aims to inform recommendations for trauma-informed, neurodivergence-affirming, and inclusive psychotherapy practices.
Using Virtual Reality to Support Marginalized Youth
Jan 2025 – Present
- Explores VR and narrative-based interventions to promote emotional well-being, resilience, and identity affirmation among BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and low-income youth.
- Designs and implements VR platforms with customized avatars and virtual spaces for guided therapeutic activities emphasizing self-expression, connection, and identity affirmation.
- Collects qualitative data through interviews and surveys to capture participants’ lived experiences and perspectives on VR-based and narrative therapy.
- Examines culturally responsive strategies to reduce isolation, foster emotional well-being, and support marginalized youth facing systemic barriers.
- Aims to inform best practices for trauma-informed, neurodivergence-affirming, and socially equitable mental health interventions.
Certification
- Behavior Technician Certification (In Progress) – Autism Partnership Foundation
Expected completion: [January 2026]
Skills: Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavior Intervention, Autism Support, Data Collection, Social Skills Development - Certificate of Completion – Teacher Essentials, Canva
Issued Aug 2025 | Credential ID: cee2c9
Skills: Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Curriculum Planning, Instructional Design, Educational Technology - Certificate of Completion – Nursing Home Transition and Diversion & TBI, Amazing Homecare
Issued Jun 2025 | Credential ID: chcosta-6823b1b0482047e7700be38d
Skills: Traumatic Brain Injury, Adult Social Care, Patient Advocacy, Care Coordination, Rehabilitation Support - Crisis Counselor Certification, Crisis Text Line
Issued Mar 2025
Skills: Active Listening, De-escalation, Trauma-Informed Care, Ethics, Bilingual Support - Bilingual Crisis Counselor Certification, Crisis Text Line
Issued Mar 2025
Skills: Crisis Support in Multiple Languages, Cultural Competency, Active Listening, Trauma-Informed Care - Psychological First Aid (PFA), National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
Issued Jun 2024
Skills: Assessment & Evaluation, Resource Connection, Emotional Support, Trauma Response, Resilience Building - Triumph Over Trauma: Understanding & Addressing the Needs of Youth Exposed to Community Violence, NCTSN
Issued Jun 2024
Skills: Trauma Recognition, Intervention Strategies, Youth Resilience, Community Violence Awareness - Home Health Aide, Kareful and Karefree Training School
Issued May 2024 | Credential ID: 01379311
Skills: Personal Care Assistance, Household Management, Patient Support, Safety Monitoring, Communication - Human Subjects Protection Training: Social & Behavioral Focus, CITI Program
Issued Sep 2023 · Expires Sep 2026 | Credential ID: 58449041
Skills: Regulatory Compliance, Ethical Research, Collaboration, Data Privacy, Participant Protection - Teacher Certification, The GLOBE Program
Issued Sep 2023
Skills: Environmental Advocacy, Professional Collaboration, Curriculum Development, Data Collection, STEM Instruction - Protection of Minors, Boston University
Issued Aug 2023
Skills: Child Safeguarding, Identification & Intervention, Policy Compliance, Reporting Procedures, Risk Assessment
Timeline
Program Services Intern
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts
09.2025 - Current
Office Assistant
Data Office of Enrollment and Management
03.2025 - Current
Notetaker
Boston University Disability and Access Services
09.2024 - 12.2024
Home Health Aide
Nurting Angels / Amazing Home Care
06.2024 - Current
Teacher Fellow
Winship Elemetary
09.2023 - 12.2023
Evening Supervisor
School of Theology
02.2023 - Current
Bachelor Of Science (BS) - Education And Human Development
Boston University
High School Diploma -
Uncommon Charter High School