Denise Mesta
Youth And Family Engagement Specialist
Faribault,MN
Summary
Bilingual health promotion and prevention specialist with a strong track record of developing and leading culturally competent programs in school, campus, and community settings. Experienced in supervising peer and youth educators, implementing evidence-based prevention strategies, and building collaborative partnerships to support student and community well-being. Fluent in Spanish, with demonstrated expertise in substance use prevention, mental health outreach, and wellness education. Adept at aligning programming with institutional goals, managing data and evaluation processes, and fostering inclusive environments that promote equity and health. Recognized for strategic thinking, relationship-building, and ability to lead initiatives independently or as part of a cross-functional team.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
3
3
Certificates
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Youth and Family Engagement Specialist
Healthfinders Collaborative
Faribault, MN
08.2024 - Current
- Led 4 bilingual youth affinity and recovery groups, integrating sessions into EL curriculum for course credit.
- Co-developed 3 SEL-informed substance use prevention and recovery groups for high school students.
- Coordinated youth referrals to LADC and mental health treatment, navigating school and clinic schedules.
- Created trauma-informed, culturally responsive lessons tailored to real-time youth needs.
- Facilitated staff trainings and classroom-based prevention education sessions to increase awareness of SUD and mental health.
- Mentored students on health, relationships, academic success, and self-advocacy.
- Streamlined referral processes, connecting students to resources such as mentorship, hygiene, transportation, and activities.
- Contributed to multidisciplinary case review meetings, aligning care with student attendance and wellness goals.
Community Health Worker
Rice County Public Health
Faribault, MN
03.2023 - 08.2024
- Provided trauma-informed support to Maternal & Child Health and Family Planning clients.
- Delivered health education, case management, and referrals to public health nurse services.
- Developed and maintained updated health and social service resource lists.
- Advocated for clients and addressed barriers to healthcare access within a culturally competent framework.
- Successfully completed a 1-year Community Health Worker certification program.
- Partnered with Public Health Nurses to develop and advance the agency’s cultural literacy initiatives, strengthening staff capacity to serve diverse communities.
- Successfully reinstated regular outreach visits to partner organizations by coordinating material distribution and maintaining consistent, collaborative communication.
- Researched existing agency policies and identified gaps in trauma-informed practices, advocating for the development and implementation of written, evidence-based trauma-informed policies to improve client care and staff consistency.
Academic Specialist
Faribault Public Schools Dist. 656
Faribault, MN
06.2018 - 02.2022
- Co-taught core 9th-grade subjects (English, Physical Science, World History, Freshman Seminar) for at-risk students as part of 9th Grade Academy.
- Designed and facilitated lesson plans, small group interventions, and student success strategies.
- Supported students academically and socially, fostering resilience and engagement.
- Led a makerspace STEM club that encouraged collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving through engineering challenges.
- Collaborated with teachers, counselors, and administrators to develop individual student support plans.
Conexiones/Connections Mentor
Faribault Public Schools - FHS
Faribault, MN
09.2018 - 08.2020
- Provided culturally responsive mentorship to students navigating personal and academic challenges.
- Advised students on coping strategies, building positive peer and adult relationships, and accessing school resources.
- Promoted inclusion and equity through advocacy and engagement activities.
Education
Associate of Arts - General Studies (In Progress)
Minnesota West Community And Technical College
Granite Falls, Minnesota 07.2025 - Current
Certificate - Community Health Worker
Minnesota West Community And Technical College
Granite Falls, Minnesota 08.2023 - 06.2024
Skills
Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English - skilled in culturally responsive communication and outreach
Health promotion & prevention expertise - experienced in developing and implementing evidence-based wellness education and behavior change strategies
Program planning & evaluation - able to design, implement, and assess health initiatives aligned with institutional goals
Leadership & team development - proven ability to mentor, supervise, and empower peer educators and diverse staff
Public speaking & facilitation - dynamic presenter and trainer for diverse audiences on sensitive and complex topics
Data management & confidentiality - skilled at maintaining accurate records, ensuring data integrity, and protecting sensitive information
Adaptability & strategic thinking - excels at managing competing priorities, responding to evolving needs, and aligning work with broader organizational objectives
Certifications & Credentials
- Mental Health First Aid - most recently completed in 2024
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) Training - completed as part of CHW certificate
- Substance Use Disorder CEUs - including: Preventing Overdose Deaths with Naloxone, Harm Reduction Strategies, Vicarious Trauma & Resiliency, De-escalation Techniques & Advanced De-escalation, Stages of Change & Practitioner Tasks, Professional Boundaries & Ethics, Managing Ethical Dilemmas, and Understanding Trauma
- HS First Aid Training - June 2024
- BLS CPR/AED Training - June 2024
- Mandated Reporter Training - June 2024
- Bilingual: Fluent in Spanish & English
- Eligible to sit for CHES® exam (upon bachelor’s completion, in progress)