Dana Looper
Brandywine,USA
Summary
Dedicated to making a meaningful impact by leveraging extensive knowledge to support underserved populations. Committed to accountability in the care, coordination, and implementation of services that empower families to achieve their goals. Proven ability to foster collaboration and drive positive outcomes, ensuring every individual receives the necessary support. Passionate about creating equitable access to resources and opportunities for all.
Professional with expertise in admissions advising, equipped to drive student recruitment and enrollment strategies. Proven ability in guiding prospective students, assessing applications, and facilitating admissions processes with focus on accuracy and efficiency. Strong collaborative skills and adaptability to evolving educational needs ensure reliable support for team goals and institutional objectives. Skilled in communication, counseling, and data analysis, with results-driven approach.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Admissions Advisor
Merit America
Washington, DC
09.2025 - Current
- Facilitated admissions processes for diverse student populations, enhancing enrollment strategies and outreach efforts.
- Developed and implemented targeted recruitment initiatives to attract underserved communities into training programs.
- Collaborated with academic departments to align admissions criteria with program goals and industry standards.
- Mentored junior advisors, providing guidance on best practices for student engagement and support services.
- Analyzed admission data trends to drive strategic planning and improve overall enrollment outcomes.
- Streamlined application review process, reducing turnaround time while maintaining high standards of quality assurance.
- Conducted workshops and information sessions to educate prospective students about career pathways and program offerings.
- Maintained positive relationships with students, faculty, alumni, and administration.
- Communicated regularly with faculty members regarding program updates and requirements necessary for accurate advising.
- Utilized tracking systems to monitor applicant progress, providing timely status updates and assistance as needed throughout the admission process.
- Facilitated information sessions for prospective students, addressing their concerns and providing guidance on the application process.
- Increased student enrollment by developing and implementing targeted recruitment strategies.
- Analyzed enrollment data to identify trends and adjust recruitment strategies accordingly for optimal results.
- Organized open house events that showcased campus offerings, resulting in increased interest from potential applicants.
Program Manager, FRSP (FSA)
Department of Human Services
Washington, DC
11.2024 - Current
- Lead the overall administration of the Family Re-Housing Stabilization Program (FRSP), ensuring compliance with District regulations, funding requirements, and internal operating procedures.
- Monitor provider adherence to contractual obligations, including timely case closures, accurate data entry, and compliance with program eligibility and participation requirements.
- Support DHS finance and leadership teams in developing annual FRSP budgets, projecting caseloads, and reconciling provider capacity with funding allocations.
- Prepare program performance reports, and outcome analyses for leadership, Council, and other stakeholders.
- Lead planning and implementation of new program models and enhancements for upcoming fiscal years.
- Manage project timelines and resource allocation to ensure compliance with departmental objectives.
- Developed strategic plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for the team.
- Facilitated workshops and conducted one-on-one training to educate team members.
- Oversee budget management, ensuring effective use of resources while meeting program requirements.
- Lead cross-functional teams to develop and implement program strategies enhancing service delivery.
Admissions Support Associate
Merit America
Washington, DC
05.2023 - 09.2025
- Enhanced overall student satisfaction by providing exceptional customer service and guidance throughout the admissions process.
- Maintained positive relationships with students, faculty, alumni, and administration.
- Assisted in the development of marketing materials to effectively communicate program benefits and requirements to prospective students.
- Trained new admissions staff members on department policies, procedures, and best practices, leading to a more cohesive team environment.
- Maintained accurate records of all applicant information, ensuring efficient communication between various departments within the institution.
- Organized special events such as open houses and orientation programs to welcome new students into the campus community.
- Provided technical support to users, resolving issues efficiently and ensuring minimal downtime.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance metrics, showcasing dedication to providing exceptional support services.
- Advised prospective students on admission requirements and application processes.
- Conducted informational sessions to enhance student engagement and understanding of programs.
Supervisory Homeless Coordinator (FSA)
Department of Human Services
Washington, DC
06.2020 - 11.2024
- Oversee the coordination of all services under the FRSP program and respond to policy issues and complex cases.
- Ensures the coordination of program services, including intensive wraparound supportive services and resources
- Participates in developing and implementing program plans, policies, and procedures for the FRSP program
- Provide oversight, monitoring, and evaluating the delivery of case management services for a portfolio of 400 families
- Ensure all FRSP participants who are recipients of TANF are assessed, connected, and assigned to a TEP vendor in an effort to increase income
- Supervised a team of 5 Supervisors and 27 Case Managers
Program Support Specialist
Merit America
Washington, DC
10.2022 - 05.2023
- Provide administrative and operational support to the admissions team throughout the recruitment and enrollment lifecycle.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective students, responding to inquiries via email, phone, and in-person with accurate and timely information.
- Assist with application processing, including reviewing submissions for completeness, tracking documents, and updating applicant records in the student information system.
- Coordinate admissions events such as open houses, campus tours, orientations, and information sessions, including logistics, materials, and attendee communication.
- Maintain and update applicant databases, ensuring data accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with institutional policies.
Supervisory Vocational Development Specialist (FSA)
Department of Human Services
Washington, DC
02.2019 - 06.2020
- Supervise a team of 5 Vocational Development Specialist and 1 intern
- Complete case audits monthly for all 345 families within the FRSP Program
- Exhibit expert knowledge of FRSP by training other staff on routine FRSP processes
- Manage the client count for the entire program to ensure that we are serving up to capacity consistently
- Assign cases from TCP to designated Supervisory teams which also consist of case assignments within HMIS and Quickbase
- Maintain the Master Client Sheet of all OWO FRSP clients in an effort to readily respond to program questions, client concerns, and data reports
- Correspond with TCP monthly to reconcile any data discrepancies
- Compose and submit OWO FRSP monthly report to FSA Deputy Administrator
- Attend all Administrative Hearings and Administrative Reviews for assigned team as well as prepare documentation for court proceedings
- Conduct supervision with assigned team members bi-weekly in effort to provide consistent, real time support
- Oversees all FRSP program elements, by directing activities toward the core program goals: preventing families and individuals from becoming homeless, and rapidly re-housing those who do, with a focus on long-term housing stability. This consist of successful completions of recertifications, supporting families with increasing their income, connecting families to employment programs and teaming with other network providers to best support families
Program Analyst (FSA)
Department of Human Services
Washington, DC
06.2018 - 02.2019
- Oversees, sign and execute all HAP contracts for the FRSP program
- Oversees the weekly lease ups that take place at The Community Partnership on behalf of DHS
- Supported FRSP Supervisory Case Manager with attending Administrative Hearings before Administrative Law Judges
- Composed the FRSP Client Handbook in effort to support client’s understanding of the FRSP Program
- Engage Landlords in effort to increase participation in DHS’s Rental Partnership Initiative
- Track and compose data in regards to client rental payments and HAP contracts
- Support all program elements to help District residents, who are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of experiencing homelessness enter into the FRSP program
Program Director
Community of Hope
Washington, DC
12.2016 - 04.2018
- Supervise a team consisting of 9 Case Managers, 3 Team Coordinators, 1 Program Associate and 2 Housing Specialist
- Oversees all program elements, directing all activities toward the core program goals: preventing families and individuals from becoming homeless, and rapidly re-housing those who do, with a focus on long-term housing stability.
- Ensures requirements are met for all funding sources, and ensures program compliance with HUD regulations, and DC Rulemaking.
- Provides leadership and vision in developing and managing new RRH program activities related to assessment, evaluation, administering rental assistance and other housing-related financial assistance, as well as supportive services, including case management and housing search and placement
- Oversees program budget, including monitoring prevention and re-housing funds spent. Works with President/CEO, VP of Housing Programs and Policy, and Senior Director of Housing THA Programs, to develop COH Housing Program budget.
- Attends and represents agency at administrative review meetings and grievance hearings.
- Meets with DHS, TCP and other RRH providers to ensure program compliance and excellence, as well as to develop strong working relationships with partner agencies.
- Attended all Office of Administrative Hearings before Administrative Law Judges in representation of the Agency
- Prepared all documents for court and labeled hearing exhibits
- Nan McKay HQS Inspector certified
Team Coordinator
Community of Hope
Washington, DC
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Ensure that clients have safe, stable and sanitary living environments
- Provides oversight and administration of team functions as well as supervision and guidance to team members.
- Provides information monthly, or as needed, for Community Partnership, DHCA and HUD as well as other reports
- Work closely with finance to ensure proper payments of our contract funding
- Conduct annual HQS Inspections
- Meets regularly with Senior Director, PSH Programs, for clinical supervision to ensure client services are clinically sound and strengths based;
- Conducts detailed, quarterly chart audits for each team member and provides written feedback to ensure documentation in charts, HMIS, and OCTO is complete and current;
- Serves as first point of contact for case managers in the field, and in assessing and planning how to address client crises and Unusual Incidents. Reviews Unusual Incident Reports (UIRs) from case managers prior to submission to ensure complete, clear information and any follow up needed
- Train and help new team members excel within the field
- Help clients to achieve their desired goals
- Utilize HMIS (Homeless management information system)
- Conduct F-SPDAT to ensure effective services to our families
- Oversee four different funding streams including Housing and Urban Development and Department of Human Services
- Supervise a staff consisting of four Case Managers
Housing Stability Case Manager
Community of Hope
Washington, DC
09.2011 - 01.2015
- Provides case management services to ensure that families are receiving necessary comprehensive support services.
- Helps families find and maintain stable housing and achieve family strength and stability.
- Assists families in increasing income through employment, job training and public benefits.
- Ensures that children are in appropriate daycare/school settings and are involved in enriching after-school activities.
- Meets regularly with families on caseload to develop and implement case plans and follow-up as needed.
- Networks with community resources and makes referrals as appropriate for housing, employment, medical care, substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, training, etc.
- Meets regularly with employment specialists to ensure that employment and educational needs are part of the case management plan.
- Regularly discusses wellness with clients on caseload, including but not limited to, client’s satisfaction with primary care doctor, annual visits to primary care doctor, care of specialty doctors, and client self-management of chronic health conditions.
- Ensure that clients have safe, stable and sanitary living environments
Case Manager
Sasha Bruce Youth Work
Washington, DC
11.2008 - 09.2011
- To work directly with children in need and their families in the community in order to promote, strengthen and to develop the potential of parents/careers and children in order to prevent children becoming looked after and/or suffering significant harm.
- To support the care of children where their living arrangements are at high risk of breakdown (including local authority placements).
- To support the reunification of children with their family/other careers in the community
- Provide intensive services to families in crisis and planned interventions as part of agreed plans for support.
- Keep written records and produce reports, as requested, in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
- Responsible for handling designated amounts of petty cash, receipting monies as appropriate and conducting such transactions in accordance with financial regulations.
- Assess and promote the parenting skills of parents/children.
- Assess and promote children’s development.
- Maintain confidentiality
Education
Graduate Certificate - Addictive Behavior
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN01-2014
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Virginia State University
Petersburg, VA01-2008
High School Student Diploma - undefined
Frederick Douglass High School
Upper Marlboro, MD01-2004
Skills
- Admissions expertise
- Effective leadership
- Team management
- CRM software experience
Timeline
Senior Admissions Advisor
Merit America
09.2025 - Current
Program Manager, FRSP (FSA)
Department of Human Services
11.2024 - Current
Admissions Support Associate
Merit America
05.2023 - 09.2025
Program Support Specialist
Merit America
10.2022 - 05.2023
Supervisory Homeless Coordinator (FSA)
Department of Human Services
06.2020 - 11.2024
Supervisory Vocational Development Specialist (FSA)
Department of Human Services
02.2019 - 06.2020
Program Analyst (FSA)
Department of Human Services
06.2018 - 02.2019
Program Director
Community of Hope
12.2016 - 04.2018
Team Coordinator
Community of Hope
01.2015 - 12.2016
Housing Stability Case Manager
Community of Hope
09.2011 - 01.2015
Case Manager
Sasha Bruce Youth Work
11.2008 - 09.2011
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Virginia State University
High School Student Diploma - undefined
Frederick Douglass High School
Graduate Certificate - Addictive Behavior
Capella University