Janette Aguilar

Ensuring a supportive environment for children in under-resourced areas of East Oakland, San Leandro, and the broader Bay Area. Instrumental in the design and execution of enjoyable and purposeful programs accentuating skill development through play. Contributed significantly to the positive mental health of numerous children by implementing emotional regulation techniques and adopting a composed demeanor Overseeing weekly athletics practices for children aged 5-10, with a focus on imparting FUNdamentals and upholding program safety and reliability.\

• SPORTS COACH ROLE: Customizing coaching methodologies for K-5th-grade students, tailoring approaches to their unique needs. Focus extends to establishing and maintaining a team-oriented and enjoyable environment, promoting collaboration and a positive experience in sports. As well as supervising a team of coaching staff, ensuring a cohesive and effective approach to athletic development for our young athletes.
• DEVELOPMENT OF FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS: Overseeing the meticulous development of fundamental skills, while employing a refined and non-competitive approach to skill enhancement. Providing a structured methodology that prioritizes individual progress, allowing athletes to develop their abilities at their own pace. Aligning with the goal to cultivate a foundation that builds proficiency while fostering a collaborative sports environment.
• LEADERSHIP AND PROGRAM INITIATIVES: Initiating comprehensive programs aimed at accelerating personal and physical growth. Spearheading dedicated initiatives with a focus on facilitating a positive impact on individuals' development. Engaging actively in mandatory in-person orientations, and fostering positive interactions with parents, teachers, and school staff while efficiently managing the logistics of the programs.
• INFLUENCE AND INSPIRATION: Exerted influence and inspiring students through meticulously crafted training sessions, and implementing motivational initiatives designed to instill discipline and dedication. Upholding the solemn mission at ANTS Sports to enrich the lives of youth through sports. Dedicated to not only fostering physical development but also instilling enduring healthy habits and an unwavering love for sports.

Contribute to steering a comprehensive program supporting previously incarcerated students affected by the criminal justice system. Responsibilities include cultivating collaboration among Underground Scholars chapters, leading monthly Statewide Coordinator meetings, and refining the Ambassador Program for optimal effectiveness. Dedication extends to policy advocacy, empowerment endeavors, and collaborating professionally with other universities. Assume a crucial role in advancing the program's mission of advocacy, empowerment, and fostering positive societal impact.

• PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT: Assist in the supervision of ambassador recruitment across University of California campuses and community colleges. Ensuring the seamless implementation of the Ambassador Program, serving as a central touchpoint for program engagement. Contributed to continuous innovation and improvement through monthly check-in meetings and consistent communication with ambassadors statewide, aiming to maximize the program's impact.
• STRATEGIC COLLABORATION AND NETWORKING: Engaged in fostering advanced cooperation among Underground Scholars chapters across UC and community college campuses. Contributed by orchestrating and actively participating in monthly Statewide Ambassador meetings, sharing insights to enhance the overall effectiveness of initiatives. Cultivated leadership opportunities through workshop training, community organizing, financial literacy, for students within the Berkeley Underground Scholars Initiative, spanning UC Berkeley and other academic campuses connected to previously incarcerated or system-impacted scholars. Provided logistical support and managed communication for comprehensive training and leadership opportunities for students within BUS, USI, and the broader community. Offered technical assistance and consultancy to educational institutions statewide for the development of programs catering to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students. Participated in strategic expansion of collaborative networks nationwide..
• ADVOCACY, EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT: Advocated for equitable access to higher education involving a comprehensive discussion of policies targeting the removal of barriers for individuals impacted by the criminal justice system. Communicate with UC Berkeley’s office of admissions staff and university faculty to eradicate obstacles faced by students affected by the criminal justice system. Beyond policy advocacy, a commitment to the educational landscape is demonstrated through active contributions to the provision of comprehensive training and leadership opportunities for students within the Berkeley Underground Scholars Initiative and the broader academic community. Additionally, the provision of technical assistance and consultancy to educational institutions on a national scale supports the development of programs specifically tailored for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students… communication with other programs on campus: eop, financial aid, transfer center on campus, creating date and times to attend their events, meetings for collaboration.
• PROMOTION, DOCUMENTATION AND STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT: Executed strategic social media marketing campaigns to promote the Ambassador Program and increasing awareness of Berkeley Underground Scholars' mission. Responsibilities involve the development and implementation of campaigns carefully tailored to engage the target audience effectively and convey the program's objectives. Integral program documentation which includes the analysis and transcription of video content, extracting valuable insights that contribute to the ongoing assessment of the program's impact and progress. Ensuring consistent and rigorous program oversight through detailed bi-weekly check-ins with BUS administration and founders by providing updates on various program agendas. Leveraged US Department of Education national recognition, with efforts strategically aligned to advance the overarching goals of the Ambassador Program.

Applying established advocacy and support principles, played a pivotal role in empowering incarcerated scholars with the tools and guidance essential for successful educational journeys. This contribution extends to fostering their rehabilitation and eventual reintegration into society, ensuring meaningful educational opportunities for individuals behind bars.

• ACADEMIC ADVISING: Provided personalized guidance on course selection, major exploration, and the development of educational and career plans for incarcerated scholars. Ensured informed decision-making aligned with the academic goals of individuals in the program.
• TRANSCRIPT ANALYSIS: Conducted meticulous examination of transcripts, identifying transferable courses and evaluating fulfillment of general education and major-specific requirements. Facilitated a seamless transition for incarcerated scholars pursuing higher education.
• IGETC/ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARATION: Recommended and facilitated adherence to the IGETC Plan for transfer eligibility. Assisted individuals requiring Essential Skills preparation, ensuring a comprehensive approach to academic success.
• COLLEGE APPLICATION SUPPORT: Provided unwavering support throughout the application process, offering guidance on crafting compelling Personal Insight Question statements. Simplified the application journey, enabling incarcerated scholars to effectively present their achievements and aspirations.
• LETTERS OF SUPPORT FOR PAROLE HEARINGS: Established specific criteria for issuing letters of support, including the completion of at least one semester of college coursework. Utilized mail correspondence to ensure the submission of required documents, fostering meaningful understanding of academic goals and progress.

Facilitated direct interaction with adults experiencing intellectual disabilities in Buenos Aires, Argentina while being a part-time international student and working abroad. Initiated and developed specialized projects, actively contributing to multifaceted efforts. Played a key role in independent and collaborative project development, showcasing a commitment to driving impactful initiatives, particularly in human rights and gender diversity, with a global perspective that was solely inclusive to a Spanish-speaking environment.

• GLOBAL INCLUSIVE PROGRAMS ADVOCACY: Led the conception and execution of inclusive programs for adults with intellectual disabilities. Engaged in extensive dialogues addressing disability and gender equality acts and rights in diverse countries, fostering a nuanced comprehension of global perspectives. As well as collaborating with facilitators across the United States and Argentina to cultivate a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with diverse abilities. This collaboration transcended borders and communities, employing strategic approaches and shared expertise.
• HUMAN RIGHTS LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY: Assumed a lead role in initiating and steering human rights discussion with a nuanced focus on gender diversity within an international context. Orchestrated and led impactful workshops for disabled adults, strategically designed to garner attention and support for the cause within the broader global program. Conducted in-depth comparisons and contrasts of gender rights in different countries, adding a critical international dimension to the discourse. Integrated insights from various countries to shape inclusive advocacy strategies and policies on an international level.
• CROSS BORDER COLLABORATION AND DIPLOMACY: Fostered diplomatic relationships and collaboration on an international scale, contributing to the success and expansion of inclusive programs. Participated in high-level discussions to facilitate the seamless integration and acceptance of innovative methodologies within the disability community in Argentina.

Selected for the competitive Research Experience Pathways Program, and acquired proficiency in statistical analysis using R and Python. Collaborated with graduate students and postdoc mentors, diving into research exploring the etiology, symptoms, and long-term effects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Executed research initiatives, conducting quantitative analyses for the Psychology department at the University of California, Berkeley, collaborated with esteemed university faculty researchers. Facilitated the dissemination of evidence-based information about ADHD to broader audiences, contributing to educational outreach and addressing empirical gaps in our understanding of the disorder.

• RESEARCH ASSISTANT AT HINSHAW LAB: Investigated the etiology, symptoms, long-term effects, and empirical gaps of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Developed easy-to-digest infographics addressing ADHD understanding, diagnosis, protective factors, prevalence rates, and dispelling myths to combat associated stigmas in society. Provided thorough literature reviews and shared key findings with the research team.
• CONTRIBUTIONS TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION: Advanced the dissemination of empirically based knowledge about ADHD to wider audiences, contributing to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in higher education. Positioned as a first-generation transfer student and Latina in STEM, navigating and addressing multifaceted inequities that often hinder those pursuing goals in the face of social and structural obstacles.
• LEADERSHIP IN ACADEMIC SETTINGS: Emerged as a leading voice in critical literature discussions and peer assessments within the REP program. Demonstrated a strong commitment to amplifying and centralizing voices with similar backgrounds within the academic arena.Collaborated in creating presentations, actively contributing to the dissemination of research findings among fellow researchers, fostering a collaborative and informed academic environment.

Specialized in comprehensive support for individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral needs, particularly in Enhanced Behavioral Support Homes (EBSH) in California. Focused on adults aged 18-59 with severe challenging disabilities, including bipolar I and II, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Responsibilities encompassed menu planning based on dietary needs, filing, preparing daily plans, and implementing activities based on psychiatric treatment charts and recommendations. Ensured residents' physical care, training, supervision, and recreation, while complying with regulatory policies and promoting a safe, therapeutic environment.

• PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION AND DOCUMENTATION: Executed individual program plans for patients with diverse challenging disabilities, including detailed documentation of behavioral data, statistics, and patient records. Recorded significant issues, conditions, and behaviors in resident records, contributing to the assessment and understanding of individual needs. Provided direct care, training, and supervision to individuals as outlined in each Individual Program Plan (IPP) and the Facility Program Design and Training Schedule. Administered treatments and special diets as ordered by physicians. Assisted and encouraged patience in developing self-reliance in activities of daily living.
• TREATMENT TEAM COLLABORATION AND PLANNING: Collaborated with multidisciplinary treatment teams consisting of psychologists, psychiatrists, dietitians, nurses, and doctors to actively contribute to the evaluation, assessment, treatment planning, and discharge planning for each individual under our care. Actively engaged in discussions, shared insights, and leveraged the expertise of each team member to develop comprehensive plans tailored to the unique needs of patients. Emphasized a patient-centered approach by actively seeking and utilizing cultural strengths, ensuring interventions and resources were culturally sensitive and relevant. Aimed to enhance the effectiveness of treatments and support the overall well-being of individuals in a manner that respected and aligned with their cultural backgrounds and preferences.
• COMMUNITY INTEGRATION AND CONSUMER ACTIVITIES: Promoted special and individual events for individuals, such as birthdays, dances, community outings, and cultural celebrations. Assisted and planned coordination of and participation in activities, including individual and specific group activities outlined on the monthly calendar. Escorted consumers to medical, health, or other community services and program outings, fostering community engagement and integration.

Multifaceted role that included assisting students in effective communication and participation within classroom settings, assisted in facilitating intensified learning experiences for those with special needs, and providing support to students exhibiting aggressive behaviors. Involved specialized functions to care for and support students with cognitive and emotional challenges, ensuring their successful participation in the educational environment and learning process. Contributed to creating a flexible and inclusive program that met the diverse needs of students, fostering success and happiness in various activities and academic settings.

• EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT: Assisted students in effective communication and participation within classroom settings. Worked alongside school personnel to facilitate intensified learning experiences for students with special needs. Offered specialized functions to care for and support students with cognitive and emotional disabilities, ensuring their successful participation in the educational environment. Assisted and taught emotional regulation to enhance overall well-being.
• BEHAVIORAL DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Collected data on observable behaviors of students. Utilized behavioral analysis and data collection to inform strategies and interventions, contributing to personalized support plans for students.

Collaborated closely with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to assess and set goals for observed mental health deficits. Engaged actively with school staff to deliver behavioral services, implementing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques, including positive and negative reinforcement. Collectively assessed, implemented, and monitored progress, ensuring the effectiveness of intervention strategies with interventionists and supervising clinicians Focused on studying emotional dysregulation behaviors and psychosocial challenges in K-12 students, conducting comprehensive studies to measure influences and working individually with students to collect, summarize, and evaluate behavioral data in diverse settings.

• BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT TOOLS: Utilized the Functional Behavior Inventory (FBI) and Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) to assess undesirable behaviors. Applied a more formal Functional Analysis (FA) when necessary, based on individual learner needs. Employed standardized developmental assessments such as The Battelle Developmental Inventory, Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (ABAS), Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS), and VB-Mapp to identify learner skills and deficits.
• TEAM BASED INTERVENTION: Worked closely with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) including interventionists and supervising clinicians, to assess and outline goals based on observed deficits. Actively engaged with school staff to deliver behavioral services, incorporating Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques.
• ASSESSMENT REPORTING: Generated comprehensive written reports and behavioral data detailing assessment tool findings. Included specific details and recommendations for service hours in the assessment reports. Developed individualized goals based on assessment results, ensuring a tailored approach and most appropriate intervention strategies for each learner.
• INDIVIDUALIZED STUDENT SUPPORT: Applied evidence-based recommendations derived from current research and best practices. Emphasized the benefits of providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in the natural environment for children on the autism spectrum, highlighting improvements in communication, social, adaptive, and cognitive skills. Worked one-on-one with students in both school and personal home settings.