Luisa D. Vargas
Waterbury
Summary
Dedicated leader with experience supervising staff, developing programs, and working with youth. Passionate about creating positive change through strong leadership, effective communication, and teamwork. Committed to helping others grow while building supportive environments that promote success. Known for developing innovative solutions and leading with integrity, compassion, and a focus on continuous improvement.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Classification and Program Officer
State of Connecticut
Waterbury, CT
11.2024 - Current
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and community providers to support treatment and placement.
- Complete assessments, reports, and documentation while ensuring compliance with state policies.
- Utilize DBT principles, motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, and behavior management techniques.
- Support quality improvement and program development.
REGIONS Program – Youth Mentor
Connecticut Junior Republic
02.2025 - Current
- Supervise youth in a secure residential treatment program using trauma-informed, strengths-based practices.
- Provide leadership and support to youth during daily operations.
- Facilitate therapeutic programming under the supervision of the Rehabilitation Therapist.
- Reinforce the youth's individual treatment plan and assist with discharge planning as part of the REGIONS treatment team.
- Facilitate groups and reinforce individualized treatment plans.
- Utilize program behavior motivational procedures as needed.
- Use DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) Coaching with the youth and conduct groups to eliminate negative behaviors.
Juvenile Detention Officer
State of Connecticut
12.2021 - Current
- Supervise daily care, safety, and security of juvenile detainees.
- Implement DBT interventions and support positive behavior change.
- Maintain accurate documentation and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Provide crisis intervention in a safe, therapeutic environment.
Founder & Executive Director
Lil' Fredly Memorial Foundation
06.2011 - Current
- Founded and oversee nonprofit operations and strategic planning.
- Coordinate community events, volunteers, partnerships, and budgets.
- Lead fundraising, outreach, and program development initiatives.
Case Manager
R' Kids Family Center
11.2020 - 12.2021
- Collaborated with DCF, schools, courts, and community providers to coordinate services.
- Developed individualized action plans and family reunification strategies.
- Complete intake assessment for clients referred from Department of Families and Children
- Supervise weekly visits between parents and children
Mandated reporter - Complete all required Therapeutic Family Time notes, Reunification reports, as well as closing summary once cases have been completed
- Work with individuals and children who have a history of substance abuse, mental health and disabilities
Lead Case Manager
St. Vincent de Paul Mission
02.2015 - 01.2018
- Supervised and mentored six Case Managers.
- Review team communications to ensure quality and consistency
- Hold weekly one-on-one check-ins/ supervision with care managers
- Manage vacation coverage and scheduling for your team
- Shared periodic on-call rotation for after-hours client needs
- Managed a caseload of 30–40 individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
- Worked with community agencies to develop housing solutions and supportive services.
- Assisted with program development, community outreach, and fundraising.
- Provided crisis intervention, advocacy, and case management.
Intern
Department of Emergency Services
09.2012 - 02.2013
- Obtained security clearance.
- Assisted with monitoring registered sex offenders and maintaining records.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Leadership Concentration
Post University
Waterbury, CT05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Post University
Waterbury, CT01-2014
Skills
- Leadership & Staff Supervision
- Program Development
- Strategic Planning
- Fundraising
- Public Speaking
- Crisis Intervention
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Community Partnerships
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
Timeline
REGIONS Program – Youth Mentor
Connecticut Junior Republic
02.2025 - Current
Classification and Program Officer
State of Connecticut
11.2024 - Current
Juvenile Detention Officer
State of Connecticut
12.2021 - Current
Case Manager
R' Kids Family Center
11.2020 - 12.2021
Lead Case Manager
St. Vincent de Paul Mission
02.2015 - 01.2018
Intern
Department of Emergency Services
09.2012 - 02.2013
Founder & Executive Director
Lil' Fredly Memorial Foundation
06.2011 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Post University
Master of Business Administration - Leadership Concentration
Post University