Kendyl Wilson

As a Group Leader at Pathway, I worked directly with at-risk youth transitioning into foster homes through the Department of Human Resources (DHR). My role was to provide emotional support, guidance, and a structured environment to help these youth navigate a critical period in their lives. I facilitated group discussions, activities, and individual support sessions aimed at helping youth process their experiences, build coping skills, and adjust to the challenges of their new living situations. I played a key role in assisting youth with the emotional and psychological adjustments that come with foster care, while also promoting their personal growth, safety, and well-being.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitating Group Activities & Discussions:
  I led structured group activities designed to foster trust, communication, and teamwork among the youth. These activities were aimed at helping them process their emotions and begin building positive coping mechanisms as they transitioned into their foster homes. I created a safe space where they could express themselves and share their experiences, helping them build resilience and develop a sense of community.
• Individual Support & Mentorship:
  I provided one-on-one mentorship to youth, offering personalized emotional support and guidance during their transition. I helped them understand the changes they were facing, addressed their concerns, and provided coping strategies to deal with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about their future in foster care. Through active listening and positive reinforcement, I built trusting relationships with the youth, which helped them feel more comfortable in their new environments.
• Collaboration with DHR & Foster Families:
  I worked closely with the Department of Human Resources (DHR) and foster families to ensure that the needs of the youth were being met during their transition. I facilitated communication between youth and their foster homes, providing feedback to both DHR and foster families to ensure that each youth’s emotional and psychological needs were addressed. I also worked with case managers and social workers to develop personalized plans for each youth.
• Crisis Management & Conflict Resolution:
  I was trained to manage and de-escalate crises that arose within the group, using conflict resolution strategies to ensure a safe and supportive environment. I provided immediate intervention and support in situations of stress, behavioral issues, or emotional outbursts, helping youth feel safe and understood.
• Life Skills Development & Goal Setting:
  I helped youth set achievable goals and worked with them to develop life skills such as communication, emotional regulation, and decision-making. Through workshops and individual sessions, I encouraged them to focus on their strengths and aspirations, helping them build a sense of hope and purpose for their future.
• Monitoring and Documentation:
  I maintained accurate records of each youth’s progress and well-being, documenting key interactions and milestones. I provided detailed reports on their emotional and behavioral progress and collaborated with the team to adapt their plans as needed to support their successful integration into foster homes.

As a Youth Advocate at The Child Center of NY, I played a critical role in supporting at-risk youth by providing guidance, advocacy, and comprehensive services that addressed their immediate needs while fostering long-term growth and success. My role required a deep commitment to understanding the unique challenges that youth faced and working collaboratively with families, schools, and community organizations to create a positive impact in their lives. I acted as a resource and mentor to ensure that the youth I worked with were empowered, informed, and had access to the necessary tools and opportunities to build a brighter future.

Key Responsibilities:

• Individualized Case Management & Support:
  I managed a caseload of youth, conducting thorough assessments to understand their emotional, educational, and social needs. I developed personalized action plans, setting both short-term and long-term goals to help guide each youth toward success. Throughout the process, I provided ongoing support and advocacy, assisting youth in overcoming barriers to education, mental health services, housing, and employment. I also worked closely with families to resolve challenges within the home, ensuring a strong support system for the youth.
• Educational Advocacy & Academic Support:
  I acted as an advocate for youth within school settings, ensuring that they received appropriate educational accommodations, such as IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), and other academic support services. I provided academic mentorship, helping youth with homework, study strategies, and planning for college or vocational paths. I also collaborated with school staff to address any behavioral issues, ensuring that each youth had access to a supportive and effective learning environment.
• Crisis Intervention & Conflict Resolution:
  In crisis situations, I provided immediate emotional support, using trauma-informed approaches to de-escalate conflicts and offer guidance. I helped youth navigate difficult life situations, such as homelessness, involvement in the juvenile justice system, or family-related crises. I used conflict resolution techniques to mediate disputes, fostering healthy communication between youth, families, and peers to promote positive change.
• Resource Coordination & Referral Services:
  I identified and connected youth and their families with a variety of external resources, such as mental health services, legal aid, housing, job training, and after-school programs. By maintaining strong relationships with community organizations and service providers, I ensured that youth had access to the tools and support they needed. I continuously assessed their evolving needs and made sure they received timely referrals to the appropriate services.
• Group Programming & Mentorship:
  I facilitated group workshops on topics like self-esteem, leadership, goal-setting, and conflict resolution, aiming to empower youth with the skills to navigate their lives successfully. In addition to group programming, I provided one-on-one mentorship, helping youth build decision-making and life-planning skills. My goal was to create a trusting environment where youth could openly express themselves and work on personal growth.
• Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams:
  I worked closely with social workers, counselors, educators, and legal professionals to ensure that the needs of the youth I served were met. I actively participated in case conferences and team meetings, providing updates on progress and helping align services to best support each individual. By fostering collaboration with families and community partners, I helped create a comprehensive support system that addressed the various aspects of the youth’s well-being.
• Documentation & Reporting:
  I maintained detailed and accurate case records, documenting progress, service plans, and any changes in circumstances. I ensured that all documentation adhered to confidentiality guidelines and agency policies. I also prepared regular reports for stakeholders, keeping them informed about the youth’s progress and ensuring that all actions were tracked and aligned with our goals.

As a Team Lead at Walmart, I was responsible for overseeing daily operations within my department, ensuring smooth and efficient processes while driving productivity and maintaining high customer satisfaction standards. My core responsibilities included managing a team, providing guidance, coaching, and training to ensure that all associates met company expectations for performance and customer service. I also played a key role in inventory management, maintaining stock levels, and ensuring that merchandise was properly organized and displayed.

Additionally, I worked closely with management to execute strategic goals, resolve customer concerns, and ensure compliance with company policies. I contributed to creating a positive and collaborative work environment, fostering teamwork, and motivating associates to achieve individual and team targets. My ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and handle operational challenges helped ensure a high-functioning department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership & Development:
  Led, coached, and mentored a team of associates, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and collaboration. I conducted performance reviews and provided actionable feedback to ensure the growth and improvement of team members. I trained new associates on company policies, product knowledge, and customer service best practices, resulting in improved performance and quicker ramp-up times. I Identified high performers and provided them with growth opportunities, increasing team morale and retention.
• Customer Service Excellence:
  Ensured the highest levels of customer satisfaction by consistently addressing customer inquiries, resolving complaints, and assisting with product selection, returns, and exchanges. I Implemented strategies to exceed sales goals while maintaining operational standards, contributing to both customer satisfaction and revenue generation.
  I worked closely with management to resolve complex customer issues, ensuring a smooth shopping experience and fostering customer loyalty.
• Collaboration with Management:
  Worked closely with store management to implement company policies, programs, and promotions, ensuring their successful execution on the floor. I provided insight and feedback to upper management regarding team performance, customer trends, and inventory needs.
• Operational Problem Solving:
  Quickly identified operational challenges and implemented practical solutions to ensure business continuity. This included handling customer complaints, staffing shortages, and operational inefficiencies. I coordinated with other departments to streamline workflows and ensure timely product availability and optimal store layout.