Maria Mendoza

In my current role as a MERTY Family Specialist with the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, I provide behavioral health–related support services to children, youth, and families who are experiencing significant stressors, including trauma exposure, housing instability, family conflict, and co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges. The populations I serve include low-income families, parents and caregivers, and school-aged children and adolescents, many of whom are involved in or at risk of involvement with multiple systems such as education, social services, juvenile/probation, foster care, and community-based supports.

My work primarily takes place in community-based and school-linked settings, including family homes, schools, and community partner sites. In these settings, I provide trauma-informed, strengths-based support focused on early intervention, stabilization, and prevention. While I do not provide clinical treatment, I regularly support individuals and families impacted by behavioral health conditions by conducting outreach and engagement, providing psychoeducational, assisting with goal setting, and coordinating referrals to behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment providers.

Additionally, I collaborate closely with school staff, mental health clinicians, case managers, and community agencies to ensure continuity of care and appropriate service linkage. Through this role, I have developed experience working with culturally diverse populations and responding to behavioral health needs within a multidisciplinary, community-based service delivery model.

• Facilitated enhanced educational experiences at Monterey Bay Charter School through dedicated contributions as an ELO Program Assistant. Achieved high levels of customer satisfaction by delivering exceptional service. Fostered a nurturing atmosphere that encourages student growth and achievement.
• The Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Program Assistant at Monterey Bay Charter School plays a vital role in supporting the school's after-school programs. Key responsibilities include:
• Student Supervision: Overseeing students during after-school activities to ensure their safety and engagement.
• Activity Facilitation: Assisting in organizing and leading various educational and recreational activities that promote student development.
• Homework Support: Providing guidance and assistance to students with their homework assignments.
• Behavior Management: Implementing positive behavior strategies and addressing any disciplinary issues in accordance with school policies.
• Communication: Collaborating with ELO Program Coordinators, teachers, and parents to support student progress and program effectiveness.

• At Love's Travel Stops, gas station positions are typically part of the Store Team, where employees are central to delivering exceptional customer service. Responsibilities often include:
• Customer Service: Greeting customers warmly, assisting with inquiries, and ensuring a positive experience.
• Sales Transactions: Operating cash registers efficiently to process purchases accurately.
• Merchandise Management: Stocking shelves, organizing displays, and maintaining inventory levels.
• Store Maintenance: Keeping the store clean and organized, including restrooms and common areas.
• Love's offers benefits for both part-time and full-time team members, flexible work schedules, career advancement opportunities, development programs, and comprehensive training.

• A Flex Driver at FedEx Express is responsible for ensuring the timely delivery of packages to customers along predetermined routes. This role offers flexibility, allowing drivers to select shifts up to 8 hours in length over a 7-day period, with a maximum of 40 hours per week.
• Key Responsibilities:
• Package Delivery: Safely operate a company vehicle to transport packages to residential and business locations.
• Customer Service: Provide exceptional service by interacting professionally with customers during deliveries.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Conduct daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections to ensure the vehicle's safety and report any issues promptly.

• As an Assistant Manager at The Hertz Corporation, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient operation of a rental location. This position involves a combination of customer service, team leadership, and operational management. Key responsibilities include:
• Customer Service Excellence: Delivering high-quality service to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Team Leadership: Supervising, training, and motivating staff to achieve performance goals.
• Operational Oversight: Managing daily operations, including vehicle inventory, rental agreements, and ensuring compliance with company policies.
• Sales and Revenue Management: Implementing strategies to meet sales targets and optimize revenue streams.
• Problem Resolution: Addressing and resolving customer issues promptly and effectively.

• As a Men's Department Sales Associate at Macy's, your primary role is to provide outstanding customer service and drive sales within the men's apparel section. Key responsibilities include:
• Customer Engagement: Assist customers in selecting men's clothing items, offer fashion advice, and ensure a welcoming shopping experience.
• Sales Performance: Meet or exceed sales goals by actively promoting products and utilizing effective selling techniques.
• Merchandising: Maintain an organized and visually appealing sales floor by arranging merchandise displays and replenishing stock as needed.
• Product Knowledge: Stay informed about the latest trends and product details to effectively assist customers and suggest complementary items.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues to achieve store objectives and contribute to a positive work environment.
• Qualifications:
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Enthusiasm for fashion and retail.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Prior retail or customer service experience is advantageous.
• This position offers an opportunity to develop sales skills and gain experience in a dynamic retail environment.

• As a Women's Shoes Sales Associate at Macy's, your primary responsibility is to provide exceptional customer service and drive sales within the women's footwear department. Key duties include:
• Customer Engagement: Greet and connect with customers in a friendly and genuine manner, assisting them in selecting shoes that meet their needs and preferences.
• Sales Performance: Utilize effective selling techniques to meet or exceed personal and department sales goals.
• Product Knowledge: Maintain a thorough understanding of the products, including features, benefits, and current trends, to provide informed recommendations to customers.
• Merchandising: Ensure the sales floor is well-organized, stocked, and visually appealing by arranging displays and replenishing inventory as needed.
• Operational Tasks: Perform cashiering duties, manage stockroom upkeep, and maintain overall store cleanliness.
• Qualifications:
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Enthusiasm for fashion and retail.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Prior retail or customer service experience is advantageous.
• This role offers an opportunity to develop sales skills and gain experience in a dynamic retail environment.

• At Target, seasonal employees are integral to providing an exceptional shopping experience during peak periods, such as the holiday season. These temporary team members support various store operations, ensuring guests receive efficient and friendly service.
• Key Roles and Responsibilities:
• Guest Advocate: Engage with guests, answer questions, and assist with services like Order Pickup and Drive Up.
• Fulfillment Expert: Process online orders, ensuring timely and accurate preparation for pickup or delivery.
• General Merchandise Expert: Stock shelves, maintain inventory accuracy, and ensure products are presented well.
• Food and Beverage Expert: Oversee food items, ensuring freshness, proper labeling, and compliance with safety standards.
• Front of Store Attendant: Assist guests at the front end, manage carts, and maintain cleanliness in high-traffic areas.

• As a Sales Associate at Finish Line, my primary responsibilities include:
• Customer Service: Engaging with customers to provide a positive shopping experience, addressing inquiries, and assisting with product selection.
• Sales: Actively promoting and selling products, such as shoes, socks, and cleaners, to meet or exceed sales targets.
• Cashiering: Processing sales transactions accurately and efficiently, handling various payment methods.
• Stockroom and Store Upkeep: Maintaining organized stockrooms, replenishing merchandise on the sales floor, and ensuring the store remains clean and presentable.
• Qualifications:
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Enthusiasm for athletic footwear and apparel.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Previous retail or customer service experience is advantageous but not required.

• As a Theatre Team Member at Cinemark, your primary role is to create a welcoming environment for guests by providing exceptional customer service across various functions within the theater. This position offers opportunities to develop skills in guest relations, customer service, and management.
• Key Responsibilities:
• Guest Engagement: Greet guests with a smile in a timely and professional manner, ensuring a positive moviegoing experience.
• Ticket Sales: Sell movie tickets, provide information about showtimes, pricing, and promotions, and ensure tickets are sold in accordance with company policies.
• Concessions: Prepare and serve food and beverages, including popcorn, candy, and soft drinks. Maintain cleanliness in the concessions area and operate cooking, warming, and popping equipment.
• Ushering: Lead guests to their seats, maintain order in and out of the auditoriums, and ensure the cleanliness of the theater.
• Theater Maintenance: Conduct theater inspections to monitor movie presentation and sound quality, watch for film and content theft, and help maintain a safe environment within the auditoriums.
• Qualifications:
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Prior customer service experience is advantageous but not required.