Elizabeth Raaff
Los Lunas,NM
Summary
Dynamic student success specialist with established history of fostering academic achievement at UNM Valencia. adept at enhancing student retention through personalized academic advising and data analysis. Skilled in conflict resolution and relationship building. Empower empower diverse student populations to achieve their educational goals and navigate their pathways to success.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Student Success Specialist Sr.
UNM Valencia
Los Lunas, NM
07.2025 - Current
- Provide holistic, student-centered academic advising to diverse cohorts, including students pursuing certificates, associate degrees, and transfer pathways to four-year institutions. Support students in developing individualized academic plans that align with career goals and higher education aspirations.
- Guide students through the course selection, registration, and degree planning processes, ensuring timely progression and academic success.
- Monitored academic standing through proactive outreach, enhancing student retention and connecting them with campus and community resources.
- Collaborated with faculty, staff, and campus departments to strengthen student persistence, optimize transfer preparation, and improve career planning.
- Offer targeted support for first-generation, low-income, and non-traditional students.
- Facilitated orientation sessions, workshops, and one-on-one coaching to enhance college readiness, time management, and goal-setting skills.
- Maintain detailed student records, track progress toward graduation or transfer, and assist with academic petitions and paperwork.
Student Success Specialist Sr.
UNM Valencia, TRIO SSS
Los Lunas, NM
11.2025 - 07.2025
- Advised and supported first-generation, low-income, and disabled students to navigate academic challenges.
- Guided students through graduation by providing personalized support and strategic advice.
- Developed academic success plans and monitored student progress to enhance student outcomes.
- Supervised peer mentors and student workers, enhancing their effectiveness in delivering support to students.
- Lead workshops on study skills, financial literacy, and personal growth.
- Assist with program evaluation, planning, and grant writing.
- Tracked data and prepared reports for grant compliance, ensuring alignment with funding requirements.
Substitute Teacher
Kelly Services
Albuquerque, NM
11.2021 - 11.2024
- Led in-person classrooms of 30+ scholars, fostering an engaging learning environment.
- Led virtual classes of up to 30+ scholars.
- Substituted at 15+ schools within APS Albuquerque Public School District, quickly adapting to diverse classroom environments.
- Substituted across K-12 subjects, including special education, to ensure seamless educational continuity for students.
- Adapted lesson plans quickly to meet changing needs, maintaining instructional quality.
- Addressed diverse needs of students and staff by providing tailored support.
- Collaborated effectively with diverse students and staff, fostering an inclusive learning atmosphere.
- Maintained student confidentiality according to FERPA regulations. in accordance with FERPA regulations and school policies, and other State and Federal laws.
- Demonstrated knowledge of ADA regulations and guidelines in academic and workplace settings.
UNM Work Study - After School Program Leader
Southwest Learning Center
Albuquerque, NM
08.2021 - 11.2021
- Designed engaging lesson plans tailored to meet diverse needs of K-12 students.
- Conducted one-on-one tutoring sessions for students in various subjects and grade levels.
- Adapted lesson delivery to accommodate diverse learning styles of students.
- Monitored and evaluated student learning progress to guide instructional strategies.
- Supported teachers in delivering effective virtual and in-person lessons.
Server
Hayashi Hibachi and Grill
Albuquerque, NM
03.2019 - 06.2019
- Served food and beverages to 45+ guests simultaneously, ensuring efficient and precise service.
- Provided high-quality customer service and tableside assistance, enhancing overall guest satisfaction.
- Request and record customer orders, and compute bills using cash registers and a POS system.
- Supervised and trained staff, improving team skills and elevating service quality.
Server
Denny's
Los Lunas, NM
03.2017 - 06.2019
- Served food and beverages to over 45 guests during peak hours, ensuring timely and attentive service.
- Engaged with patrons to assess satisfaction and address concerns, fostering positive dining experiences.
- Recorded customer orders and computed bills using cash registers and multi coating machines to ensure accurate billing.
- Monitored inventory levels and ordered supplies to maintain stock availability and minimize disruptions.
- Supervised staff and implemented training programs to improve service quality and enhance team performance.
Crew Member
Macdonald
Los Lunas, NM
04.2016 - 10.2016
- Provided attentive customer service, addressing patron issues to enhance overall satisfaction.
- Requested customer orders at the counter.
- Receive payments by cash, check, credit cards, and promotion codes.
- Maintained clean workstation and prepared station for next shift to ensure smooth operations.
- Greeted customers upon entry, establishing positive first impressions.
Education
BA - English, Psychology
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM05.2023
Associate of Arts - Secondary Education
University of New Mexico Valencia
Los Lunas, NM12.2021
Diploma -
Los Lunas High
Los Lunas, NM05-2017
Skills
- Student records management
- Retention strategies
- Career coaching
- Data analysis
- Learning development
- Student advocacy
- Collaboration skills
- Effective communication
- Cultural competency
- Active listening
- Time management
- Multitasking ability
- Conflict resolution
- Relationship building
Projects
Writing Portfolio, Website Ms. Raaff's Teacher Toolbox, Website
Languages
- Spanish
- English, 5
- Spanish, 2
Licensures Certifications Publications
- State of New Mexico Level 1 Pre K-12 Substitute Teacher, 07/01/21, 06/30/24
- Certified Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, American Red Cross
- Featured Artwork - Against The Grain Magazine, March/April Issue Vol.10, 04/21
- Certified Nursing Assistant, 05/17
- Certified Home Health Aid, 05/17
Timeline
Student Success Specialist Sr.
UNM Valencia, TRIO SSS
11.2025 - 07.2025
Student Success Specialist Sr.
UNM Valencia
07.2025 - Current
Substitute Teacher
Kelly Services
11.2021 - 11.2024
UNM Work Study - After School Program Leader
Southwest Learning Center
08.2021 - 11.2021
Server
Hayashi Hibachi and Grill
03.2019 - 06.2019
Server
Denny's
03.2017 - 06.2019
Crew Member
Macdonald
04.2016 - 10.2016
BA - English, Psychology
University of New Mexico
Associate of Arts - Secondary Education
University of New Mexico Valencia
Diploma -
Los Lunas High