Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Melissa Lewis

Ventura,CA

Summary

Experienced College and Career Technician with a 17 year history at Ventura Unified School District, specializing in academic advising and event coordination. Guided a high school population through college admissions and career pathways. Proficient in data management and community outreach, building strong partnerships to improve student opportunities.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

College and Career Technician

Ventura Unified School District
Ventura, CA
11.2015 - Current
  • Advised and supported over 10,000 students during tenure, helping them navigate career pathways, college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.
  • Coordinated annual college and career fairs, guest speaker events, and industry panel discussions to enhance student exposure to post-secondary options.
  • Collaborated with school counselors, teachers, and administrators to integrate career exploration into academic planning.
  • Managed and updated college and career resource centers with current materials on vocational programs, four-year universities, community colleges, and military options.
  • Utilized data systems to track student progress, college applications, and career readiness indicators.
  • Created workshops and presentations on topics such as SAT/ACT preparation, résumé writing, interview skills, and college essay development.
  • Built strong relationships with community partners, local businesses, and post-secondary institutions to provide internship, job shadowing, and dual enrollment opportunities.

Paraeducator, Special Education

Ventura Unified School District
Ventura, CA
08.2007 - 11.2015
  • Assisted neurodiverse students with classwork and activity preparation.
  • Consulted with teachers regarding student progress, IEP adjustments and classroom needs.
  • Attended IEP meetings, developed intervention strategies and communicated results to faculty members.
  • Developed instructional materials that met the unique needs of each student's learning style.
  • Implemented evidence-based interventions tailored specifically for individuals with disabilities.
  • Supported classroom teachers in creating a positive learning environment for all students.
  • Collaborated with general education teachers to create differentiated assignments that addressed the varied abilities of all learners.
  • Created lesson plans based on curriculum objectives outlined by district standards.
  • Improved behavior with modification and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Assisted in the development and implementation of individualized education plans for students with special needs.

Education

Associate of Arts - Liberal Studies

Ventura College
Ventura, CA
01.2001

Skills

  • Academic and career advising
  • College admissions counseling
  • Event coordination
  • Data management
  • Workshop facilitation
  • Community outreach
  • Naviance and Q-Parent Connect proficiency
  • Interpersonal communication
  • Program development
  • Facilitron management and work order proficiency
  • Traversa transportation management

Certification

  • Career Pathways Specialist Training
  • FAFSA and Financial Aid Compliance Workshops
  • Equity and Inclusion in Education Workshops

Timeline

College and Career Technician

Ventura Unified School District
11.2015 - Current

Paraeducator, Special Education

Ventura Unified School District
08.2007 - 11.2015

Associate of Arts - Liberal Studies

Ventura College

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