Lisa Villanueva
East Brunswick,USA
Summary
Results-driven energetic higher education professional with over 14 years of experience supporting academic programs, professional development initiatives, and institutional operations. Proven ability to coordinate programs, collaborate with faculty and cross-functional teams, and support student engagement and success initiatives. Skilled in program administration, event coordination, budgeting, and strategic planning within fast-paced academic environments. Recognized for strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities, with a commitment to improving operational efficiency and contributing to institutional goals.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Assistant
East Brunswick Public School - Central Elementary School
East Brunswick, USA
02.2025 - Current
- Provide instructional and behavioral support in a self-contained classroom serving students with autism.
- Apply Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies to reinforce academic, social, and behavioral goals.
- Work individually and in small groups to support instructional objectives and student learning.
- Assist students with organization, course materials, and workload management to promote academic success.
- Support classroom instruction by preparing materials, guiding skill reinforcement activities, and encouraging student engagement.
- Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and support staff to promote a structured, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Course Notes Administrator
Cobblestone (formerly The Center for Professional Advancement)
East Brunswick, NJ
01.2020 - 06.2024
- Collaborated with course directors and production team on course development and engagement strategies, creating interactive experiences that ensured positive outcomes for attendees and instructors.
- Edit, revise, and distribute course materials across both print and digital platforms.
- Designed, input, and score assessments aligned with course content to facilitate CEU (Continuing Education Unit) credits.
- Partnered with the marketing team to enhance visibility and promote the value of professional development opportunities.
- Maintained and updated reports for IACET/ANSI accreditation compliance to support institutional standards.
- Maintained accurate records and updated databases regularly.
- Streamlined communication processes between departments and external partners to foster collaboration.
- Assisted staff members with administrative tasks to improve office efficiency.
Academic Advisor, Accelerated Studies in Associate Programs
Borough Manhattan Community College
New York, USA
02.2010 - 05.2013
- Ensured students maintained progress to complete all degree requirements and successfully graduated within three years.
- Partnered with faculty, Financial Aid, and Registrar teams to coordinate academic advising, registration, and financial support, ensuring seamless student progress.
- Guided students in setting goals and achieving educational objectives.
- Supported challenged demographic of students in Evening and Weekend Program, fostering academic engagement.
- Acted as liaison between students and professors, facilitating ongoing communication to address needs.
- Conducted individual counseling sessions to address student concerns.
- Monitored academic progress of at-risk students, implementing intervention strategies to enhance retention.
- Coordinated with campus resources to assist students in need.
- Provided essential workshops for new students, promoting engagement and familiarity with campus resources.
Academic Advisor, Student Enrollment Services
Raritan Valley Community College
Somerset, USA
08.2007 - 01.2010
- Advised students on college transition, transfer processes, and career opportunities to guide them in achieving their academic goals.
- Advised and assisted students with the registration process and degree evaluation.
- Assigned program advisor for Electric Utility Technology students at RVCC ensuring that they meet the specific program requirements.
- Participated in probation pilot program for at-risk students, providing campus referrals and resources to enhance skills for successful college careers.
- Presented at New Student Orientation and facilitate ROARS (Raritan Orientation and Registration Session).
- Advocated and liaised between students, faculty, and administration to support student needs and facilitate communication.
- Contributed to First Year Experience Committee to improve support for new students.
- Acted as liaison between Advising and Counseling services and the Department of Science and Technology.
Assistant Director, Aviation Outreach Programs
Vaughn College
Queens, USA
06.2005 - 08.2007
- Planned, developed, implemented and managed outreach support programs for middle school and high school students.
- Supervised six-week summer program for high school and middle school students, providing exposure to technical, scientific, and mathematical fields.
- Developed marketing materials and delivered presentations to students, teachers, and guidance counselors to recruit eligible students for summer programs.
- Presented at Orientation and Open House; assisted with recruitment and outreach efforts.
- Tracked program students and generated reports.
- Acted as liaison between program students and community, fostering support and engagement.
Professional Advisor, Student Advisement Center
Vaughn College
Queens, USA
05.2002 - 08.2007
- Advised students on registration processes and degree curriculums; provided targeted referrals to on and off-campus resources.
- Monitored and tracked student progress to identify barriers and develop tailored support strategies.
- Facilitated workshops to enhance student skills and engagement, promoting academic success.
- Assisted students with graduation requirements.
- Advised students on campus policies and regulations.
- Taught fifteen week freshman orientation course to first year students.
- Serve as an advocate for enrolled students focusing on evening students.
- Data reporting of specific cohorts to appropriate program personnel.
- Served on Middle States Committee focused on Institutional Resources.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Sociology, Secondary Education and Youth Service
CUNY Queens College
Queens, NY06.2004
Associates of Liberal Arts Degree -
CUNY Kingsborough CC
Brooklyn, NY06.2001
Skills
- Event Management
- Administrative Systems
- Data analysis
- Project coordination
- Software proficiency
- Collaborative communication
- Time management
Training
- Crisis Prevention Intervention Training, 02/25, Verbal Intervention Training: Learned and applied communication strategies to manage emotional responses, reduce defensiveness, and de-escalate tense situations through active listening, calm communication, and respectful engagement., Crisis Response Training: Trained in safe and effective techniques to respond to escalating behaviors, prioritize safety, follow crisis protocols, and collaborate with team members during high-stress incidents., Post-Crisis Support Training: Developed skills to support individuals and staff after crisis events through debriefing, emotional support, incident review, and identifying strategies to prevent future crises.
- National Academic Advising Assoc. (NACADA), 10/07, Baltimore, MD, I really don’t want to be here, but I am Making the Best of Second Choice Situations, First-Generation College Student Advising, What is Multicultural Advising and What Makes Advising Multicultural?
- Annual Conference on the First Year Experience, 02/05, Phoenix, AZ, Students as Teachers; exploring practices of peer leadership programs, Designing and evaluating writing assignments
- National Academic Advisement Assoc. (NACADA), 10/04, Tarrytown, NY, Academic Advising: A key to student success
- Noel-Levitz, 05/04, Flushing, NY, Best Practices in Advising for Retention
References
Furnished Upon Request
Timeline
Instructional Assistant
East Brunswick Public School - Central Elementary School
02.2025 - Current
Course Notes Administrator
Cobblestone (formerly The Center for Professional Advancement)
01.2020 - 06.2024
Academic Advisor, Accelerated Studies in Associate Programs
Borough Manhattan Community College
02.2010 - 05.2013
Academic Advisor, Student Enrollment Services
Raritan Valley Community College
08.2007 - 01.2010
Assistant Director, Aviation Outreach Programs
Vaughn College
06.2005 - 08.2007
Professional Advisor, Student Advisement Center
Vaughn College
05.2002 - 08.2007
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Sociology, Secondary Education and Youth Service
CUNY Queens College
Associates of Liberal Arts Degree -
CUNY Kingsborough CC