Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Professional Development
Timeline
Generic

Gisel Morales

Hesperia,CA

Summary

Higher education leader with 15+ years of progressive experience in financial aid and student services, including over a decade as a Senior Financial Aid Specialist. Skilled in administering federal, state, and institutional aid programs; ensuring full compliance with Title IV and state regulations; managing budgets; and supervising staff. Demonstrated success in streamlining operations, developing and implementing policies, and improving student access to financial resources. Bilingual (English/Spanish) with a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and advancing student success.


Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Financial Aid Specialist

Victor Valley College
01.2015 - Current
  • Direct and support comprehensive financial aid operations serving diverse student populations.
  • Supervise, train staff; implement professional development initiatives that improved audit compliance and reduced processing delays.
  • Manage awarding, packaging, disbursement, and reconciliation of multi-million-dollar federal, state, and institutional aid programs.
  • Collaborate with faculty, student services, and community organizations to expand financial aid access and promote student retention.
  • Develop and implement policies, audit reports, and compliance measures in alignment with institutional goals.
  • Present financial aid workshops and outreach sessions in English and Spanish for students, parents, and community partners.

Financial Aid Technician

Victor Valley College
01.2011 - 01.2015
  • Processed and awarded federal, state, and institutional aid, including Pell, Cal Grant, loans, scholarships, and veteran benefits.
  • Counseled students on eligibility, application procedures, and financial literacy.
  • Conducted outreach presentations and FAFSA/Dream Act workshops in English and Spanish for high schools and the community.
  • Reviewed petitions, dependency overrides, and special condition appeals.
  • Supported financial aid disbursement and reconciled awards with accuracy and compliance.

Office Assistant – Counseling Department

Victor Valley College
01.2007 - 01.2010
  • Provided clerical and administrative support for counseling and student services programs.
  • Assisted students with financial aid and admissions forms, including translations in Spanish.
  • Maintained records, scheduled appointments, and supported staff and faculty.

Admissions & Records Technician

Victor Valley College
01.2006 - 01.2007
  • Assisted students with admissions, residency, and transcript processing.
  • Reviewed applications, maintained student records, and ensured compliance with district policies.
  • Provided bilingual support at the service window and over the phone.

Education

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Psychology

Brandman (Chapman) University
12.2013

Associate of Science (A.S.) - Business Education Technologies

Victor Valley College
12.2006

Associate of Science (A.S.) - Computer Information Systems

Victor Valley College
06.2006

Associate of Science (A.S.) - Liberal Arts

Victor Valley College
06.2006

Skills

  • Financial Aid Administration (Title IV, Cal Grant, SSCG, Pell, SEOG, Loans, Work-Study)
  • Leadership, Supervision & Staff Training skills
  • Strategic Planning & Policy Development
  • Compliance and Audit Preparation
  • Budgeting, Reconciliation & Reporting
  • Policy interpretation
  • Regulatory requirements
  • Funding maintenance
  • Financial auditing and reporting

Accomplishments

  • Documented and resolved Cal Grant in Experience (Insides), resulting in measurable outcome such as improved efficiency, .
  • Resolved product issues through testing, ensuring quality assurance and increased satisfaction.
  • Collaborated with multiple departments to streamline processes, improve communication, and meet project deadlines.
  • Developed and maintained spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel, enhancing accuracy and accountability.
  • Achieved [result] by completing [task] with a high degree of accuracy and efficiency.
  • Improved [process/area] by introducing [software/tool] for [type] tasks, saving time and resources.
  • Contributed to institutional reporting by assisting with the preparation and submission of IPEDS reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal.

Languages

Spanish
Full Professional

Professional Development

  • CCCSFAA, CASFAA, NASFAA Conferences
  • FSA (Financial Aid Professionals Conference)
  • Multiple Title IV/Financial Aid Trainings

Timeline

Senior Financial Aid Specialist

Victor Valley College
01.2015 - Current

Financial Aid Technician

Victor Valley College
01.2011 - 01.2015

Office Assistant – Counseling Department

Victor Valley College
01.2007 - 01.2010

Admissions & Records Technician

Victor Valley College
01.2006 - 01.2007

Associate of Science (A.S.) - Business Education Technologies

Victor Valley College

Associate of Science (A.S.) - Computer Information Systems

Victor Valley College

Associate of Science (A.S.) - Liberal Arts

Victor Valley College

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Psychology

Brandman (Chapman) University