Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteer Experience
Languages
Professional Development
Timeline
Generic
Maria Tavarez

Maria Tavarez

The Bronx

Summary

Creative and detail-oriented events and outreach professional with over a decade of experience in customer service, cultural programming, and community engagement. Proven expertise in coordinating logistics and managing communications for large-scale arts and public events, ensuring seamless execution from planning to completion. Strong background in stakeholder relations and volunteer coordination, dedicated to fostering inclusive experiences that connect diverse communities to the arts. Highly organized and self-motivated, capable of thriving in both independent and collaborative environments to support mission-driven initiatives within museum and cultural spaces.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Registered Behavioral Technician

Bright Achievements
Knightdale
09.2025 - Current
  • Part-Time 7 hours a week, Hourly rate $26 in NC
  • Implement applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment plans under BCBA supervision, using DTT, NET, and task-analyzed teaching to build communication, daily living, and social skills.
  • Collect session data in real time (e.g., frequency, duration, latency) and graph trends to inform timely program updates.
  • Run behavior intervention plans (BIPs) with high procedural integrity; track antecedents/consequences and document function-based responses.
  • Use functional communication training (FCT), prompting/fading, and differential reinforcement to reduce challenging behaviors and increase replacement skills.
  • Prepare and run skill acquisition programs (manding, tacting, listener/responding, play, group readiness); generalize across settings/caregivers.
  • Conduct preference assessments (MSWO/PA) and embed motivating operations to sustain engagement and on-task behavior.
  • Collaborate with families and school teams; model strategies and provide clear session summaries and carryover steps.
  • Maintain client dignity and safety, following HIPAA and agency policies; complete SOAP notes and incident reports within required timelines.
  • Participate in supervision, competency checks, and interobserver agreement (IOA) to ensure treatment fidelity and quality.
  • Contribute to team problem-solving; flag data patterns, propose program adjustments, and support transition planning.

Owner/Operator

The Art of Connections
Raleigh/Durham
08.2025 - Current

New Entrepreneurial venture: Operating part-time

Design and facilitate dementia-friendly, low-vision-adapted painting workshops (relaxed pacing, large-format tools, high-contrast demos).

  • Build partnerships with senior living communities across Cary, Morrisville, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Durham, and Raleigh; coordinate calendars, space, and accessibility needs.
  • Manage operations: budgeting, invoicing, inventory, scheduling, volunteer coordination, and safety/compliance (insurance/consents).
  • Create marketing collateral and sign-ups (Canva, Adobe Express, Google Forms); keep web info current (WordPress); share layouts/mockups (Figma).
  • Provide bilingual facilitation (English/Spanish) and family/staff engagement to increase participation and retention.
  • Track outcomes (attendance, satisfaction, anecdotal wellness feedback), and adjust projects to residents' abilities and interests.
  • Selected results: Launched at The Willow Independent Senior Living Facility; averaged 5-9 residents per session; once a month recurring sessions. Achieved 50% repeat participation and 50% positive feedback scores.
  • A gentle, social art program for seniors; seated, step-by-step workshops that support hand-eye coordination, memory stimulation, mood, and community.

Lead Outreach Coordinator

Vision Church
Raleigh
01.2025 - Current
  • Remote Volunteer position
  • Develop and implement outreach strategies and programs that align with the church's mission and vision.
  • Identify and cultivate partnerships with local organizations, nonprofits, and community leaders.
  • Plan and coordinate outreach events, service projects, and community engagement efforts.
  • Recruit, train, and lead volunteers for outreach initiatives.
  • Maintain records of outreach activities, participation, and outcomes.
  • Communicate regularly with church leadership to report on outreach impact and opportunities for growth.
  • Collaborate with ministry teams to integrate outreach with church events and programs.
  • Represent Vision Church at community meetings, events, and networking opportunities.

Strategic Partnerships & Communications Lead

Griot and Grey Owl
Raleigh
05.2023 - Current
  • Remote volunteer position- compensation based on year-end budget. 20 hours per week
  • Sponsorship letter writing and packet development-draft. Customize sponsorship letters tailored to potential funders and partners.
  • Design and co-create the official G&GO sponsorship packet with tiers, impact stats, and visuals.
  • Align messaging with G&GO's mission and audience to increase funding potential.
  • Community Outreach- conduct outreach to schools, universities, cultural organizations, and small businesses.
  • Help G&GO's network of local supporters and partner organizations.
  • Schedule meetings and follow up with potential collaborators and community stakeholders.
  • Social Media Marketing- Create and manage branded content calendars across IG, Twitter/X, and FB.
  • Design graphics and write captions for event announcements, speaker highlights, and sponsor shoutouts.
  • Monitor analytics to refine strategies and boost engagement.
  • Media & Publicity- write and distribute press releases for key announcements and media moments.
  • Create targeted media pitches for arts writers, editors and local journalists.
  • Set up Google Alerts and track G&GO mentions in the press.
  • Establish relationships with regional media outlets and maintain a press contact list.

Receiving Supervisor

Burlington Coat Factory
Raleigh
06.2024 - 09.2025
  • 40-45 hours a week, Rate $19.50
  • Managed store's receiving operations, ensuring timely and accurate processing of incoming inventory.
  • Managed daily receiving operations, ensuring efficient handling and logging of incoming merchandise.
  • Delivered continuous coaching and constructive feedback to enhance team productivity.
  • Inventory Management: Ensure that all incoming inventory is properly documented, labeled, and organized in the stockroom or warehouse.
  • Logistics Coordination: Communicate with store management and other departments regarding shipment schedules, special orders, and product availability.
  • Quality Control: Inspect incoming merchandise for accuracy, damages, and discrepancies. Resolve issues related to damaged or missing items.
  • Compliance & Safety: Ensure all receiving operations comply with Burlington Coat Factory's policies, procedures, and safety guidelines. Maintain a safe and organized work environment.
  • Reporting: Maintain records of receiving activities, inventory levels, and discrepancies. Prepare reports for store management as needed.
  • Evaluated receiving processes to pinpoint efficiency enhancement opportunities.
  • Collaboration: Work closely with other departments (e.g., sales, merchandising, and customer service) to ensure seamless operations between receiving and the sales floor.

Lead Summer Camp Coordinator

SmartBus Summer Enrichment Program
Raleigh
07.2025 - 08.2025
  • Summer part-time employment: 28 hours a week, rate $20.0
  • As the Lead Summer Camp Coordinator, I was responsible for the planning, coordinating, and facilitation of a dynamic, faith-based summer enrichment program for children aged 6 to 13.
  • The camp operates in two sessions—one in July and one in August—and is designed to nurture the whole child through a blend of STEM education, creative expression, physical activity, and spiritual development.

Personal Relocation Consultant

Coleman Allied
Fayetteville
07.2023 - 06.2024
  • 20 hours a week, Paid on Commission
  • Coordinate daily calendar and travel arrangements to enhance customer service.
  • Acted as liaison among customer, logistics coordinator, and administrative team to update contracts as necessary.
  • Conducted home surveys to assess moving requirements.
  • Acted as primary liaison for Client, ensuring consistent communication throughout service agreement.
  • Handled escalations while keeping management informed.
  • Enhanced collaboration between the sales manager, office coordinator, and the staff.
  • Achieved an 8 out of 10 rating in customer survey reviews.

Travel Expense Administrator

FHI360
Remote
09.2022 - 06.2023
  • Manage employee travel reimbursement, file travel advances, and review documentation for auditing purposes.
  • Contract employment completed

Compliance Analyst

Avalara
Remote
12.2021 - 07.2022
  • Managed client tax portfolios- filing business taxes bi-monthly and monthly.
  • Contract employment completed

Accounts Payable Clerk II

Telamon Corporation
Raleigh
11.2020 - 04.2021
  • Processed vendor invoices, updated vendor portal and AP files according to basic accounting principles.
  • Daily use of AP applications: concur, cost point, spendbridge.
  • Contract employment completed

Supervisor, Patient Responsibility Early Out- Service Delivery Division

nThrive
Raleigh
12.2014 - 10.2018
  • Managed day-to-day operational activities of colleagues while pursuing superior customer service, engaging clients to verify satisfaction, and collaborating immediately with team members where a potential breach of contract or level of service issues arose.

Education

Masters of Science - Health Administration with Minor in Informatics

Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA
10.2017

Business Administration - Hospitality Management

Monroe College
Bronx, NY
06.2008

Skills

  • Talent acquisition
  • Screening
  • Interviewing
  • Team encouragement
  • Client counseling
  • Strategic issue analysis
  • Employee motivation strategies
  • Operational efficiency analysis
  • Professional development
  • RBT trained
  • Coaching
  • Mentoring
  • Project coordination
  • Program planning
  • Prioritization
  • Optimized resource utilization
  • Artistic visual communication
  • Mental health awareness promotion
  • Strategic funding applications

Volunteer Experience

  • Vision Church Lead Outreach for Women's Life Raleigh, NC 5/30/25 - Present
  • Griot and Gray Owl Black Writers Conference, Durham, NC, 07/01/23 - Present
  • Art for All - NC, Raleigh, NC, 04/01/23 - 04/30/24
  • Darkness Rising Project, 05/01/23
  • Interfaith Food Shuttle, Raleigh, NC, 01/01/23 - 04/30/23
  • Habitat for Humanity, Raleigh, NC, 01/01/21 - 04/30/23
  • Dress for Success, Raleigh, NC, 11/01/17 - 12/31/19
  • Wake County Public Schools, Raleigh, NC, 03/01/18 - 12/31/19

Languages

Spanish, Fluent read, write, and speak

Professional Development

  • RBT 40 Hour Training Course, Bright Achievements, 01/01/25
  • Certification, City of Raleigh Planning, 01/01/25
  • Fellowship, Dali Cohort Diamante Arts and Cultural Center, 01/01/24
  • Public Art Cohort, Triangle ArtWorks, 01/01/24
  • Color Theory for Painters, Peter Marin, 01/01/24
  • Drawing Class, Eric McRay, 01/01/24

Timeline

Registered Behavioral Technician

Bright Achievements
09.2025 - Current

Owner/Operator

The Art of Connections
08.2025 - Current

Lead Summer Camp Coordinator

SmartBus Summer Enrichment Program
07.2025 - 08.2025

Lead Outreach Coordinator

Vision Church
01.2025 - Current

Receiving Supervisor

Burlington Coat Factory
06.2024 - 09.2025

Personal Relocation Consultant

Coleman Allied
07.2023 - 06.2024

Strategic Partnerships & Communications Lead

Griot and Grey Owl
05.2023 - Current

Travel Expense Administrator

FHI360
09.2022 - 06.2023

Compliance Analyst

Avalara
12.2021 - 07.2022

Accounts Payable Clerk II

Telamon Corporation
11.2020 - 04.2021

Supervisor, Patient Responsibility Early Out- Service Delivery Division

nThrive
12.2014 - 10.2018

Masters of Science - Health Administration with Minor in Informatics

Saint Joseph's University

Business Administration - Hospitality Management

Monroe College
Maria Tavarez