MARLA CANALES
PROGRAM MANAGER - IMMIGRATION, REFUGEE SERVICES & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Brownsville,TX
Summary
Mission-driven Social Work professional with over six years of experience leading federally funded and community-based programs supporting immigrant, refugee, and vulnerable populations. Proven success in program coordination, compliance oversight, and trauma-informed service delivery. Skilled in managing multidisciplinary teams, interpreting complex policies, developing culturally responsive practices, and ensuring quality outcomes in alignment with humanitarian and federal standards. Passionate about fostering inclusive, equitable access to behavioral health and resettlement services.
Insightful Manager with experience directing and improving operations through effective employee motivational strategies and strong policy enforcement. Proficient in best practices, market trends and regulatory requirements of industry operations. Talented leader with analytical approach to business planning and day-to-day problem-solving.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
Work History
Lead Unification Manager
The Providencia Group
Ashburn
10.2024 - 09.2025
- Directed reunification operations for federally funded child welfare programs serving unaccompanied minors, ensuring compliance with ORR, child welfare, and federal care standards.
- Led a cross-functional team of specialists, guiding case management processes focused on family stabilization, safety planning, and program efficiency.
- Implemented quality assurance protocols that strengthened documentation integrity, audit readiness, and service outcomes.
- Partnered with government agencies, legal providers, and community organizations to enhance coordination and remove reunification barriers.
- Advised leadership on policy implementation and risk mitigation strategies that safeguarded program integrity.
Assistant Lead Unification Manager
The Providencia Group
Ashburn
08.2022 - 10.2024
- Supervised case management teams overseeing family reunifications, ensuring timely and compliant service delivery.
- Provided leadership training, onboarding, and performance feedback to strengthen professional practice and consistency.
- Enhanced operational efficiency by developing improved tracking and workflow systems aligned with ORR expectations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary and cross-agency teams to maintain alignment with policy, safety, and service standards.
- Supported senior management with reporting, performance evaluation, and strategic planning initiatives.
Virtual Reunification Specialist
The Providencia Group
Ashburn
07.2021 - 08.2022
- Conducted comprehensive assessments and developed individualized reunification plans for unaccompanied minors, ensuring adherence to ORR policy.
- Managed complex cases in a virtual environment, maintaining communication with sponsors and service partners to ensure safe and appropriate placements.
- Delivered trauma-informed guidance and family education on post-release services, promoting successful transitions and stability.
- Supported emergency response operations during refugee surges, ensuring continuity of care under rapid deployment conditions.
Reunification Specialist
Chicanos Por La Causa
Donna
04.2021 - 07.2021
- Coordinated sponsor vetting and reunification services for minors in federal care, ensuring safety, timeliness, and policy compliance.
- Partnered with legal and social service agencies to resolve complex placement challenges.
- Conducted risk assessments and developed individualized safety and post-release plans.
- Delivered culturally responsive education to sponsors to ensure long-term stability and family readiness.
Youth and Family Case Manager
Texas Tropical Behavioral Health
Weslaco
10.2019 - 04.2021
- Managed caseloads of youth experiencing behavioral and emotional challenges, coordinating care with schools, therapists, and families.
- Implemented trauma-informed interventions that improved coping, communication, and self-regulation skills.
- Conducted assessments, crisis evaluations, and coordinated individualized care plans.
- Promoted family engagement and adherence to treatment plans through advocacy and support services.
Education
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
University of Texas at Arlington
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) - undefined
University of Texas at Arlington
Skills
Proficient in case management systems
UC Portal management
Task management platforms
Microsoft Office and Google Workspace expertise
Subject matter specializations
Team leadership
Operations management
Strategic planning
Decision-making
Performance management
Staff development
CORE LEADERSHIP STRENGTHS
- Program Operations & Compliance
- Behavioral Health Coordination
- Trauma-Informed & Culturally Responsive Care
- Cross-Cultural Team Leadership
- Risk & Safety Management
- Refugee & Immigration Services
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Policy Interpretation & Quality Assurance
- Staff Training & Supervision
Timeline
Lead Unification Manager
The Providencia Group
10.2024 - 09.2025
Assistant Lead Unification Manager
The Providencia Group
08.2022 - 10.2024
Virtual Reunification Specialist
The Providencia Group
07.2021 - 08.2022
Reunification Specialist
Chicanos Por La Causa
04.2021 - 07.2021
Youth and Family Case Manager
Texas Tropical Behavioral Health
10.2019 - 04.2021
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) - undefined
University of Texas at Arlington
Master of Social Work (MSW) -
University of Texas at Arlington