Marwa Zanial
Pomona
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate professional with extensive experience in case management, client advocacy, and educational support, specializing in navigating complex systems for individuals and families. Proven ability to streamline intake processes, provide tailored guidance, and foster strong relationships to ensure equitable access to essential services. Eager to leverage strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills to enhance client onboarding and support within the aged care sector.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Self Determination Specialist
San Gabriel Pomona Regional Center
Pomona
08.2025 - Current
- Serve as a Self-Determination Specialist by providing comprehensive case management, technical assistance, and compliance oversight for individuals and families participating in California's SelfDetermination Program (SDP).
- Facilitated person-centered planning, developed individualized budgeting strategies, and coordinated services while ensuring regulatory compliance in partnership with interdisciplinary teams, Independent Facilitators, and community providers.
- Analyzed customer needs and recommended appropriate products or services.
- Reviewed documents for accuracy prior to submission or publication.
- Performed quality assurance testing on newly developed software applications.
- Maintained accurate records of customer interactions and feedback.
- Developed and implemented specialized procedures for customer service operations.
- Researched and analyzed customer feedback to identify areas of improvement.
- Implemented process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Set specific goals for projects to measure progress and evaluate end results.
- Utilized document management system to organize company files, keeping up-to-date and easily accessible data.
- Created plans to propose solutions to problems related to efficiency, costs or profits.
- Identified areas for improvement, narrowing focus for decision-makers in making necessary changes.
- Evaluated needs of departments and delegated tasks to optimize overall production.
- Implemented strategies to take advantage of new opportunities.
- Assessed company operations for compliance with safety standards.
- Worked closely with human resources to support employee management and organizational planning.
- Wrote and submitted reports on industry trends, prompting managers to develop business plans.
- Determined consumer needs to provide products and services appealing to larger market.
- Audited company's legal documents to verify compliant policies and procedures.
- Analyzed company's expenditures and developed financial models.
- Reviewed medical records to ensure accuracy of required information needed for pre-authorization requests.
- Retained strong medical terminology understanding in effort to better comprehend procedures.
- Evaluated policies and procedures related to Insurance Verification activities.
- Collaborated with internal staff members such as Billing Specialists, Medical Coders to resolve any discrepancies in patients' insurance information.
- Entered data in EMR database to record payer, authorization requirements and coverage limitations.
- Collaborated with billing department to streamline claims submission processes.
Community Advocate and Family Specialist
Southern California
Pomona
01.2015 - Current
- Collaborate with families of children on the autism spectrum to provide tailored guidance, advocacy, and ongoing support throughout their care journey.
- Educate parents on identifying early developmental and behavioral signs to facilitate timely professional assessments and interventions.
- Facilitate access to diagnostic evaluations by guiding families through assessment options and elucidating the early intervention process.
- Streamlined entry into regional center services by assisting with applications, paperwork, and intake preparations, empowering families to navigate complex systems with confidence.
- Advocated for family needs in professional and institutional settings, ensuring equitable access to essential resources.
- Advocated for community needs through outreach initiatives and public engagement.
- Collaborated with local organizations to develop resource-sharing programs.
- Facilitated workshops to educate residents on available services and support networks.
- Coordinated volunteer efforts, guiding teams in community service activities.
- Developed informational materials to raise awareness of critical social issues.
- Engaged with stakeholders to gather input on community improvement projects.
- Monitored local policies, providing feedback to ensure community interests are represented.
- Assisted in grant writing efforts to secure funding for community programs.
- Developed and implemented programs to fill different community needs.
- Researched potential grant opportunities for the organization.
- Coordinated referrals and communicated with providers to connect individuals with needed care and community resources.
- Assisted with grant writing efforts to secure additional funding for community initiatives.
- Participated in coalition meetings focused on creating positive change for marginalized communities.
- Built key partnerships with community organizations to foster access to educational resources for under-served youth populations.
- Conducted outreach activities to local organizations and businesses to build relationships with key stakeholders in the community.
- Facilitated workshops and seminars on topics such as health, education, poverty reduction and social justice.
- Educated patients on their insurance benefits and coverage options during consultations.
- Developed a working knowledge of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid regulations and requirements.
- Retained strong medical terminology understanding in effort to better comprehend procedures.
K-12 Teacher
Best Brains (Online)
Chicago
03.2025 - 03.2026
- Deliver engaging and personalized instruction in Math, English, Abacus, and Reading to elementary and middle school students.
- Incorporated interactive activities, advanced technology, and real-world applications to enhance student engagement and knowledge retention.
- Collaborated with fellow instructors to exchange best practices and align teaching strategies with established program standards.
- Elevated K-12 student performance through tailored learning plans, enabling struggling learners to progress by a full grade level within months.
- Maintained a positive, structured classroom environment that fostered student participation and bolstered confidence.
Middle School Teacher
Minaret Academy
Anaheim
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Designed and implemented an innovative curriculum that transformed the religious studies department into a student-centered learning environment.
- Organized weekly spiritual reflection programs to enhance student engagement in faith and personal development.
- Amplified student participation and improved academic achievement through project-based learning and differentiated instructional approaches.
- Enhanced student engagement and curriculum quality, resulting in significant advancements in the Islamic Studies program.
ESL Teacher
EF Education First (Online Role)
Florida
08.2015 - 03.2025
- Conducted group and private online lessons to facilitate language acquisition while adapting teaching methods to cater to diverse learner needs.
- Assessed incoming teachers to determine their qualifications for bilingual teaching roles.
- Enhanced international student English proficiency by developing and delivering engaging lessons and activities, directly improving fluency and cross-cultural confidence.
Teacher
Institute of Knowledge
Diamond Bar
10.2017 - 05.2024
- Educated students across various subjects at multiple educational levels.
- Facilitated religious studies classes while nurturing students' spiritual and moral development.
- Monitored student performance, providing constructive feedback to enhance learning outcomes.
- Fostered academic growth and character development through engaging lessons and dedicated mentorship.
- Implemented community-based projects encouraging student involvement and practical application of their learning.
Teacher
Garden of Knowledge Co-op School
Concord
09.2015 - 05.2017
- Delivered multi-subject instruction and encouraged active engagement and collaborative skill development among elementary students.
- Partnered closely with families to strategically adapt curriculum and instructional methods to student needs.
- Crafted and presented integrated, multi-subject lessons, successfully enhancing student engagement within the co-op setting.
Teacher
AIM Academy (ICOI)
Irvine
08.2014 - 06.2015
- Developed and delivered engaging lesson plans for middle school Religious Studies and Language Arts, incorporating core concepts with critical thinking activities.
- Collaborated with colleagues to refine instructional methodologies and elevate educational outcomes.
- Created an environment rooted in ethical leadership and collaboration, significantly enhancing students' teamwork and analytical capabilities.
ESL Tutor
Chaffey College Learning Success Center
Rancho Cucamonga
01.2011 - 06.2013
- Educated students in English as a Second Language (ESL) and Arabic to enhance academic success.
- Developed and facilitated innovative learning workshops tailored for large groups to increase engagement and comprehension.
- Provided personalized feedback leading to measurable academic improvements in student performance.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Religious Studies & Leadership
Al-Maghrib University
TexasAssociate of Arts - Arts/Humanities, Social/Behavioral, Math/Sciences
Chaffey Community College
Rancho CucamongaSkills
- Service & Case Coordination
- Resource & Referral Management
- Documentation & Compliance
- Educational Support & Training
- Family & Community Advocacy
- Equity & Inclusion Leadership
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Crisis Intervention & Problem-Solving
- Communication & Cultural Competence
Languages
- English
- Arabic, Bilingual
- English, Bilingual
Timeline
Self Determination Specialist
San Gabriel Pomona Regional Center
08.2025 - Current
K-12 Teacher
Best Brains (Online)
03.2025 - 03.2026
Middle School Teacher
Minaret Academy
08.2024 - 06.2025
Teacher
Institute of Knowledge
10.2017 - 05.2024
Teacher
Garden of Knowledge Co-op School
09.2015 - 05.2017
ESL Teacher
EF Education First (Online Role)
08.2015 - 03.2025
Community Advocate and Family Specialist
Southern California
01.2015 - Current
Teacher
AIM Academy (ICOI)
08.2014 - 06.2015
ESL Tutor
Chaffey College Learning Success Center
01.2011 - 06.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Religious Studies & Leadership
Al-Maghrib University
Associate of Arts - Arts/Humanities, Social/Behavioral, Math/Sciences
Chaffey Community College