FAITH RISA
La Crosse,Wisconsin
Summary
Motivated psychology student at University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, graduating December 2026, with a focus on clinical psychology and neuropsychology. Experienced in psychological research, caregiving for individuals with developmental disabilities, and hospital volunteering. Passionate about advancing understanding in neuropsychology, trauma, cognitive functioning, and clinical assessment.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Teaching Assistant
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, WI
09.2025 - Current
- Guided students in understanding psychological disorders, diagnostic concepts, assessment principles, and evidence-based approaches to mental health, enhancing their comprehension and application of course material.
- Enhanced student learning by addressing questions, clarifying course material, and providing tailored academic support, which fostered a deeper understanding of psychological concepts.
- Communicated complex psychological concepts in an accessible and supportive manner to students with varying levels of academic experience.
- Cultivated mentorship, communication, leadership, and psychological education skills through ongoing interaction with undergraduate students, contributing to a supportive learning environment.
- Maintained professionalism and confidentiality while supporting students in an academic setting.
- Assisted with instruction for undergraduate Abnormal Psychology courses across three academic semesters.
- Supported the course instructor with classroom activities, assignments, and grading.
- Completed instruction over three academic semesters.
Caregiver
Comfort Keepers
06.2025 - Current
- Delivered individualized care and support to enhance quality of life for adult veterans with developmental and physical disabilities.
- Provided personalized care to address specific needs of adult veterans with developmental disabilities.
- Facilitated daily living activities to promote individual well-being and foster independence.
- Built strong interpersonal and observational skills through consistent one-on-one interaction.
- Developed greater understanding of the complex interaction between developmental, cognitive, behavioral, and social factors.
Special Needs Caregiver
Inclusa
09.2024 - Current
- Delivered direct support and caregiving to enhance quality of life for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities.
- Facilitated daily activities to promote independence and uphold dignity based on individualized care plans.
- Aided individuals with developmental disabilities in daily tasks to foster autonomy and improve overall well-being.
- Adapted communication and support strategies based on individual needs and circumstances.
- Developed experience communicating effectively with individuals with varying cognitive, developmental, and functional abilities.
- Gained firsthand experience observing the impact of cognitive and developmental differences on daily functioning.
Volunteer
La Crosse Special Needs Dream Team
09.2024 - Current
- Facilitated inclusion and community participation for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through social connection initiatives.
- Encouraged confidence and independence in participants by supporting personal growth activities.
- Fostered a welcoming and inclusive environment that emphasized friendship, teamwork, and individual abilities.
- Built positive relationships with participants through compassionate communication, encouragement, and individualized support.
- Enhanced interpersonal communication and empathy while working with individuals with diverse needs.
Respite Care Worker
MARCO
09.2023 - Current
- Provided individualized respite care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, supporting daily needs and overall well-being.
- Supported daily routines and recreational activities, enhancing independence, confidence, and quality of life.
- Maintained a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment tailored to each individual's abilities and needs.
- Utilized patience, empathy, and positive communication to foster trusting relationships and deliver compassionate care.
- Supported emotional and behavioral needs by adapting caregiving approaches to individual circumstances.
- Collaborated with families to provide consistent care and ensure individuals' needs were met.
- Facilitated social engagement, independent living skills, and active participation in meaningful activities.
Mentor/Volunteer
Best Buddies
09.2023 - Current
- Mentored an individual with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
- Cultivated supportive peer relationships that fostered social connection and inclusion.
- Engaged in activities that strengthened friendships, promoted independence, and enhanced community involvement.
- Improved communication skills through active listening and meaningful engagement with individuals.
Volunteer
Wafer Lacrosse
09.2023 - Current
- Facilitated access to essential food resources for community members in a respectful and welcoming environment, promoting inclusivity.
- Organized, sorted, and distributed food donations to individuals and families in need, ensuring timely access to resources.
- Stocked shelves and prepared food items for distribution, enhancing service readiness for community members.
- Collaborated with other volunteers to maintain an organized, efficient, and clean food pantry.
- Exhibited compassion while collaborating with team members to serve community needs.
Ski Hill Staff
Mt. La Crosse Ski Area
Mt. La Crosse
12.2022 - Current
- Promoted guest safety by monitoring ski area conditions and reinforcing established safety guidelines.
- Supported daily mountain operations to ensure a safe, organized, and positive guest experience.
- Collaborated with team members to address guest concerns, ensuring smooth operations and a positive environment.
- Provided individualized support to promote safety, confidence, independence, and skill development on the slopes.
- Maintained a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for children of varying abilities.
- Taught children with special needs how to ski and snowboard, adapting instruction to individual abilities and learning styles.
- Demonstrated patience, flexibility, and strong communication skills while supporting children and families in learning to ski.
Babysitter
Childcare
06.2020 - Current
- Delivered attentive care for children of various ages in a safe, supportive environment, fostering comfort and security.
- Monitored daily routines, keeping safety, well-being, and age-appropriate participation as top priority.
- Planned learning games and creative activities to support social, cognitive, and emotional growth.
- Assisted with meals and bedtime routines, ensuring consistency in daily care tasks.
- Communicated regular updates to parents regarding children's needs, behaviors, activities, and overall well-being.
- Adjusted care approach based on individual personalities, developmental stages, and behavior needs.
- Administered daily care for adults with dementia and Alzheimer's in a structured environment. with dementia, Alzheimer's, and other developmental disabilities.
Student Researcher
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
09.2025 - 12.2025
- Conducted an individual research project examining childhood trauma and likelihood of pursuing higher education.
- Synthesized psychological literature to create an evidence-based understanding of childhood trauma's impact on educational trajectories.
- Interpreted psychological research, exploring relationships between early life experiences and cognitive, behavioral, and educational outcomes.
- Assisted with research activities on psychological development, trauma, educational outcomes, and individual differences, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of these factors.
- Applied psychological research methods and concepts to evaluate relevant findings.
- Strengthened skills in critical thinking, research methodology, and evaluation of psychological literature.
- Collaborated with research team members and followed established research procedures.
- Presented research findings in an academic setting.
Caregiver
Stoney River
06.2022 - 08.2024
- Provided compassionate, person-centered care to residents with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other memory-related conditions.
- Monitored residents' health status, recognized changes in physical and cognitive functioning, and communicated concerns to appropriate healthcare professionals.
- Administered and managed medications to ensure residents' adherence to prescribed treatment plans.
- Supported adults with memory disabilities in daily activities to promote independence and enhance quality of life.
Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, Swim Coach & Aquatics Supervisor
YMCA
06.2022 - 08.2024
- Instructed children and adults in swimming techniques and water safety, enhancing skill development through tailored individual and group lessons.
- Provided individualized private swim lessons for children with special needs, adapting instruction to accommodate unique developmental, sensory, and learning needs.
- Developed supportive relationships with children and families to promote confidence, independence, and positive learning experiences.
- Adapted teaching and behavioral strategies to accommodate varying skill levels, abilities, and comfort in the water.
- Coached swimmers in stroke technique and endurance, fostering competitive skills while promoting teamwork and sportsmanship.
- Monitored pool activities and enforced water safety regulations, ensuring safety for all members and participants.
- Responded to aquatic emergencies and applied lifesaving and first aid skills.
- Supervised aquatics staff and pool operations, supported staff training, and ensured compliance with safety procedures.
- Communicated with parents, participants, and team members regarding progress, safety concerns, and individualized learning goals.
Hospital Volunteer
Marshfield Clinic/ Mayo Clinic
12.2021 - 08.2024
- Interacted professionally with patients, families, and healthcare professionals to support care delivery.
- Acquired knowledge about patient-centered care during volunteer experience in a hospital, into patient-centered care, emphasizing professionalism, empathy, confidentiality, and communication.
- Volunteered in a hospital setting, contributing to a multidisciplinary healthcare environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse, WI12-2026
Skills
- Psychology: Psychological Development, Trauma, Cognitive Functioning, Abnormal Psychology, Counseling Theory, Cross-Cultural Psychology
- Teaching Techniques
- Classroom Management
- Student Assessment
- Student Engagement
- Curriculum Development
- Instructional Design
- Academic Writing
- Research: Literature Review, Research Methods, Critical Analysis, Research Presentation
- Professional: Team Collaboration, Organization, Time Management, Documentation, Confidentiality
- Developmental Disabilities Support: Disabilities support experience
- Caregiving and Patient Support: Individualized care support
- Behavioral and Psychological Knowledge: Behavioral psychology knowledge
- Clinical/Interpersonal: Active Listening, Rapport Building, Individualized Support, Empathy, Professional Communication, Cultural Awareness
- Communication and Collaboration: Effective team communication
- Leadership and Supervision: Staff supervision experience
- Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Adaptive support skills
- Organization and Time Management: Detail-oriented multitasking
- Lecture Preparation
- Educational Support
- Lecture Preparation
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Anticipated Degree Completion: December 2026
- Current GPA: 3.6/4.0
- Career Goal: Doctoral training in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology
PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS
- Clinical Neuropsychology
- Neuropsychological Assessment
- Cognitive Assessment
- Psychological Assessment
- Trauma and Stress
- Developmental Disabilities
- Cognitive and Biological Psychology
- Neurodevelopment
- Adult Clinical Psychology
- Rehabilitation Psychology
- Diversity and Cross-Cultural Psychology
Timeline
Teaching Assistant
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
09.2025 - Current
Student Researcher
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
09.2025 - 12.2025
Caregiver
Comfort Keepers
06.2025 - Current
Special Needs Caregiver
Inclusa
09.2024 - Current
Volunteer
La Crosse Special Needs Dream Team
09.2024 - Current
Respite Care Worker
MARCO
09.2023 - Current
Mentor/Volunteer
Best Buddies
09.2023 - Current
Volunteer
Wafer Lacrosse
09.2023 - Current
Ski Hill Staff
Mt. La Crosse Ski Area
12.2022 - Current
Caregiver
Stoney River
06.2022 - 08.2024
Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, Swim Coach & Aquatics Supervisor
YMCA
06.2022 - 08.2024
Hospital Volunteer
Marshfield Clinic/ Mayo Clinic
12.2021 - 08.2024
Babysitter
Childcare
06.2020 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse