Christina Cuevas

Dynamic professional with experience and knowledge acquired across various sectors - consumer finance industry, social services, and most recently in elementary education. Strengths include research and analysis, conducting complex financial investigations, listening, interviewing, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. Utilization of these skills allows for careful evaluation of circumstances, information, and situations leading to well developed plans that result in measurable results while remaining in alignment with agency protocols and standards. Known for capacity to learn new concepts and procedures, utilizing interpersonal skills for developing relationships with key stakeholders, outside of the box problem solving, and achieving high standard results. Reliable team player who is adaptable, collaborative, able to embrace changes, new initiatives, and able to perform efficiently & productively under minimal supervision and stressful situations.

• As the first Deputy Public Guardian hired for the Elder & Dependent Adult Protection Team (EDAPT) in San Mateo County, I developed important and effective relationships between APS and law enforcement that previously did not exist and remain in place today.
• Investigated an elder financial abuse case that involved complex issues of isolation, family dynamics, and a large financial taking by a caregiver. This case was successfully prosecuted by the District Attorney's office due to a collaborative effort initiated by myself that included the victim's care team, witnesses, local law enforcement, and the district attorney's office. This case remains a highlighted example that illustrates the complexity of issues that elder and dependent adults face along with the power of collaboration between various agencies. This case is featured on the International Association of Chiefs of Police website, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine (Elder Abuse Guide for Law Enforcement), and many others.
• In collaboration with the school principal and the Positive Behavior Implementation Team areas of need were identified for at risk students. Utilizing relevant data, I created a "safe haven" for students during unstructured times such as recess and the lunch period when incidents of conflict typically arise. In this environment, students are able to engage with peers and mentors in a calm and inviting setting. In order to adequately staff this environment, I recruited and coordinated community volunteers. This program is producing measurable results and is lowering the caseload of the school counselor.
• Creation of community engagement efforts with a focus on underserved parents and students; socio-economically disadvantage families, newly immigrated families, and disengaged families with an emphasis on inclusion and understanding to support both family and student growth and success. I have connected many families with social services, support groups, etc. which has led to marked improvement in attendance, social-emotional growth, and academic achievement.
• Collaboration with county level partners such as CPS, Kids First, Lighthouse Family Resource Center, and others to bring relevant training to staff regarding issues that impact student learning and social-emotional development.

Certificate of Completion San Diego State APS Workforce Innovations

Lichtenberg Family & Friends Interviewing Certification (Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology)

Lichtenberg Financial Decision Tracker

(Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology)

Lichtenberg Financial Vulnerability Assessment

(Wayne State University Institute of Gerontology)