Cindy Garcia
Palm Desert,CA
Summary
Adaptable professional in caregiving, peer support, and administrative assistance. Experience working in behavioral health, residential, and community-based care settings, including high-stress environments, in both independent and team-based support roles.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
In-Home Care Provider
Riverside County IHSS
Palm Desert, CA
08.2025 - Current
- Provide in-home care for multiple clients across a wide age range, ensuring health, safety, and emotional well-being.
- Assist with grooming, dressing, bathing, toileting, diapering, lifting, and transfers.
- Prepare meals, manage errands, and provide transportation to school, libraries, and community activities.
- Administer prescribed comfort medications and offer compassionate end-of-life support.
- Deliver trauma-informed care to isolated or behaviorally challenging clients, fostering confidence, critical thinking, life skills, and social connections through verbal de-escalation and emotional regulation strategies.
Remote Assistant to Owner
Nikki B. Allen, Attorney At Law
Palm Desert, CA
01.2023 - 07.2025
- Met via videoconference to determine priorities, set agendas, and organize weekly tasks.
- Arranged personal and professional calendars, appointments, and meeting schedules.
- Managed digital filing systems for company operations and financial documentation.
- Maintained confidentiality and discretion with sensitive information.
Peer Support Specialist
Riverside City College
Riverside, CA
01.2021 - 06.2021
- Supported incoming high school seniors in their transition to college, including academic and personal preparation.
- Managed a caseload of 300+ students, providing individualized support and tracking progress.
- Co-facilitated workshops focused on academic success, wellness, and student resources and support programs.
- Assisted students with FAFSA completion, enrollment, and registration.
- Managed referrals for tutoring and academic and personal counseling.
- Promoted student engagement and integration through clubs, sports, and campus events.
Office Assistant Volunteer
New Beginnings Residential Care Facility
Riverside, CA
06.2020 - 07.2020
- Handled calls, filing, application screening, and interview scheduling.
- Assisted with food bank grocery and supplies pick-up.
- Delivered donation proposals to local businesses.
Homeless Outreach Volunteer
Wesley United Methodist Church
Riverside
10.2019 - 06.2020
- Helped coordinate holiday events providing free meals for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
- Managed donations and logged participants using shower and clothing services.
- Designed physical layouts, safety protocols, and implemented a drive-up pantry during COVID-19.
In-Home Care Provider
Riverside County IHSS
Perris, CA
05.2014 - 03.2016
- Provided general supervision to ensure client health and safety.
- Assisted with activities of daily living and administered prescribed medications.
- Facilitated safe outdoor exercise and mobility.
- Completed meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, and light housekeeping.
Peer Support Specialist
Mitchica McNeair
Perris, CA
09.2013 - 04.2014
- Co-facilitated anger management, substance abuse, and domestic violence education groups for foster youth.
- Administered and documented client urinalysis results, notifying administrators of positive findings.
- Collaborated with administration and counselors in weekly meetings to review client progress and develop group curriculum.
- Assisted LCSW with preparing court report drafts.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences
California State University, Chico
Chico, CA12.2024
Skills
- Child welfare systems knowledge; mandated reporting and HIPPA compliance
- Case documentation and confidential records management
- Trauma-informed care; SAMHSA Creating Safe Scenes training — Crisis aware de-escalation
- FEMA emergency preparedness and response — 6 trainings
- Stop the Bleed training — Emergency bleeding control and lifesaving response
- CPR — Adult, child, infant
Affiliations
Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society
Alpha Lamda Delta
Relevant Trainings (In Progress)
- ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) — Jan 2026
- Trauma and Resilience — Jan 2026
Timeline
In-Home Care Provider
Riverside County IHSS
08.2025 - Current
Remote Assistant to Owner
Nikki B. Allen, Attorney At Law
01.2023 - 07.2025
Peer Support Specialist
Riverside City College
01.2021 - 06.2021
Office Assistant Volunteer
New Beginnings Residential Care Facility
06.2020 - 07.2020
Homeless Outreach Volunteer
Wesley United Methodist Church
10.2019 - 06.2020
In-Home Care Provider
Riverside County IHSS
05.2014 - 03.2016
Peer Support Specialist
Mitchica McNeair
09.2013 - 04.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Social Sciences
California State University, Chico