MARIELLE RIVERA
Milwaukee,WI
Summary
Dedicated and resourceful educator with nearly 20 years of experience in Milwaukee Public Schools, specializing in the integration of educational instruction and psychological support. Expertise in trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning (SEL), and restorative practices has resulted in a proven track record of creating equitable, culturally responsive environments for diverse student populations. A solid background in psychology enhances the ability to implement tailored teaching strategies that effectively address varied student needs. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, combined with strong oral and written communication skills, fosters collaboration among students, families, and staff to promote inclusive learning environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bilingual Teacher / Instructional Leader
Milwaukee Public Schools
Milwaukee, WI
08.2006 - Current
- Served at Allen-Field, Milwaukee Spanish Immersion, Longfellow, and Milwaukee School of Languages.
- Prioritize the emotional safety of students by building strong, empathetic connections with families through a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach.
- As classroom teacher, plan and facilitate standards-based lessons that are engaging, challenging and culturally responsive and relevant.
- As Spanish Dept lead, support fellow Spanish teachers in the use of best practices that support the mission and vision of the language program.
- As Learning Team member, analyze data and instructional practices in order to enhance student achievement and implement effective intervention strategies.
- As Equity and Discipline Team member, collaborate with stakeholders to ensure equitable and culturally-responsive environments.
Trauma Support Specialist
Milwaukee Public Schools
Milwaukee, WI
08.2022 - 06.2025
- Serve as a spokesperson and clearly articulate the benefits of trauma informed care to school staff, parents and community members.
- Cultivate deep, trust-based relationships with students and families by applying a trauma-sensitive lens to all interactions and support plans.
- Provide professional development, guidance and coaching support for school and staff in the areas of social and emotional learning (SEL), restorative justice practices, mindfulness, anti-bullying efforts and crisis prevention/intervention.
- Assist with youth focus groups to analyze data related to mental health needs in the school and work with school teams to develop an action plan.
- Participate on school/district work teams to define/develop policies, procedures, practices and safety planning as it related to creating a trauma informed school.
- Coordinate activities to increase awareness and reduce stigma around mental health and develop strategies to link school and community resources.
- Comply with health confidentiality standards in accordance with HIPAA and FERPA.
Education
Master of Science - Educational Psychology
Alverno College
Milwaukee, WI05.2026
Master of Arts - Teaching
Rockford University
Rockford, ILBachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Skills
- Bilingual fluency in English & Spanish
- BIT academic & behavior teams
- MTSS framework: PBIS, RtI
- Multicultural competence
- Collaboration & advocacy
- Trauma-aware practices
- Crisis intervention skills
- Microsoft Suite, Infinite Campus, Data Warehouse
Certification
- Certified Not A Number/Love146 Facilitator: Trained to provide child trafficking prevention education in both English and Spanish.
- Certified in Group Crisis Intervention: International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF).
- Trauma-Informed Care (In-Depth Training): Completed comprehensive professional training through Daniel Educational Services focused on supporting students impacted by adverse childhood experiences.
Timeline
Trauma Support Specialist
Milwaukee Public Schools
08.2022 - 06.2025
Bilingual Teacher / Instructional Leader
Milwaukee Public Schools
08.2006 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Master of Science - Educational Psychology
Alverno College
Master of Arts - Teaching
Rockford University
AWARDS
WIABE Teacher of the Year, 2022., MMABSE Teacher of the Year, 2020., Collaborating Teacher; Mathematical Quality of Instruction (MQI) research study, Harvard Graduate School of Education.
PREVIOUS PSYCHOLOGICAL & CASE WORK
- Mental Health Case Manager, Milwaukee Center for Independence.
- Financial and Employment Planner for Wisconsin Works, UMOS.