Elyssa Giries

My name is Elyssa Giries and I am a graduating senior at Trinity University in San Antonio. I majoring in Psychology with a focus on child development and have completed double minors in Spanish and Political Science.

For nearly four years I have worked as a legal assistant at a family law office, managing client communications, organizing case documents, assisting in court and coordinating attorney's schedules. I also assisted Dr. Norma Backs as a psychology assistant, handling documents, scheduling, and assisting with client interactions. Currently, I am a research assistant for a Trinity University psychology professor, studying emotional ambiguity and memory recall. As team leader, I oversee research projects and mentor other RAs.

Beyond academics, I have served as the Trinity University cheer captain for three years, leading the team, tracking performance, planning practices, and coordinating communication and events. This role has strengthened my leadership and teaching skills. I am also student teaching in a bilingual Spanish and English kindergarten class at Hawthorne Elementary, where I am refining my teaching abilities and deepening my passion for child development and education.

Student Teacher – Bilingual Kindergarten Classroom

Hawthorne Elementary School, San Antonio, TX | August 2024 – Present

• Develop and implement engaging lesson plans in both Spanish and English tailored to the developmental needs of bilingual kindergarten students.
• Assist in managing classroom routines, transitions, and behavior support strategies to promote student engagement.
• Support early literacy skills by guiding students in vocabulary, writing and reading comprehension activities in both languages
• Encourage language acquisition through interactive storytelling and group discussions.
• Provide individualized and small-group instruction to support students at different language and academic levels.

Classroom Assistant – Third Grade

Vaughan Elementary School, Allen, TX

• Observed and analyzed teaching strategies, classroom management techniques, and student engagement methods in a third-grade classroom.
• Assisted the teacher in delivering lessons, reinforcing concepts, and guiding students through class activities.
• Provided one-on-one and small group assistance to students needing additional support in reading and writing.
• Encouraged student participation and helped create a positive learning environment.
• Assisted in maintaining a structured classroom by helping students stay on task and managing transitions between activities.
• Engaged in discussions with the teacher to reflect on instructional methods and student learning outcomes.
• Gained hands-on experience with curriculum planning and adapting lessons to meet student needs.
  
  

Trinity University Cheer Team (Captain, 3 Years)  

• Lead the team and provide support to every member of the team.
• Teach cheers, tumbling, stunting, dancing and other skills needed.
• Plan and structure weekly practices based on team and individual skill development needs.
• Handle all communication with the team and coaches.
• Organize and plan all events and appearances.
• Create and maintain detailed schedules and calendars for the season.

Research Assistant – Cognitive Psychology Lab (Team Leader)

• Conduct research on emotional ambiguity in word and sentence recall under a psychology professor.
• Run live experiments with Trinity students as participants, test and refine study designs, and analyze data.
• Write research papers on procedures and results.
• Oversee the lab and mentor other research assistants.

Gamma Chi Delta Sorority (Recruitment Chair)

• Led the sorority’s recruitment process, planning and coordinating events throughout the semester.
• Managed data tracking and maintained relationships with potential new members.
• Organized and scheduled recruitment activities while ensuring smooth club operations.