I am most interested in creating a better world for our children Horses, skiing, hiking, reading, gardening, cooking yoga and music are my hobbies
Michele Fisher
Summary
Dynamic Youth Alliance Program Manager at CASA Of Jefferson County, adept at teaching, problem-solving and relationship building. Teacher, mentor, CASA worker and child advocate. Successfully managed strategic projects, enhancing educational and mental health support for youth in transition. Recognized for developing life skills programs and fostering partnerships, ensuring safety and dignity for all students while utilizing critical thinking, experience, compassion and attainable goals.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Youth Alliance Program Manager
CASA Of Jefferson County
09.2023 - 02.2025
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily youth in transition program operations,
- Established strong relationships with key providers ensuring support and funding for program initiatives for all youth who have aged out of the system and their children.
- Developed strategic plans, setting clear objectives and achievable milestones for every child enrolled in the program.
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
- Facilitated workshops and conducted one-on-one training to educate team members and to educate youth and their coaches.
- Conducted comprehensive program evaluations, identifying areas for improvement and recommending actionable solutions.
- Managed multiple strategic projects involving educational curriculum and delivery, procuring providers, and assessing youth's needs.
- Identified program obstacles and communicated possible impacts to team. Ensured safety and dignity of all children and teen parents.
- Utilized data-driven decision-making approaches to inform strategy development and optimize outcomes.
- Met with project funders on regular basis to assess progress and make adjustments.
- Coached team members on professional development opportunities, contributing to improved overall performance.
- Participated in pilot tests and revised programs based on feedback and results.
- created and implemented daily life skills programs for youth in transition.
- managed 30 youth on site in section 8 housing and developed educational, emotional, mental, and physical support systems.
- created library on site for 30 children under 5.
Court Appointed Special Advocate for Abused/ Neglect
CASA of Boulder, Jefferson, Washoe (/Nevada) and Douglas Counties
04.2004 - 02.2025
- Assessed clients for abuse and neglect and reported findings to court.
- Utilized strong interpersonal skills when interacting with children in difficult situations, building trust and rapport to gather vital information for their cases.
- Assisted judges in making informed decisions by conducting thorough research and presenting accurate data on each case.
- Monitored child welfare cases closely to identify potential risks or areas needing additional support.
- advocated in court, life and career for over 50 families often in extenuating and particularly challenging cases.
- received several awards for exceptional work with children and families
- attended numerous workshops and continuing education programs each year
- Testified in court and provided voice for severely abused and neglected children.
- Validated and substantiated admissibility of evidence, perpetuating integrity during court hearings.
- Contributed to a positive work environment within the Court Appointed Special Advocate program by mentoring new volunteers and providing constructive feedback on their performance.
- Assessed placement options for foster children considering stability factors such as school attendance and proximity to siblings or extended family members.
- Empowered children''s voices by representing their interests during critical decision-making processes affecting their lives.
- Ensured timely resolution of cases by adhering to strict deadlines and maintaining consistent communication with all parties involved.
- Provided assessments and made recommendations to court.
- Observed strict security measures to keep all case information confidential.
- Completed extensive training programs to stay current on laws, regulations, policies, and best practices related to child advocacy work.
- Provided emotional support for children throughout the legal process, helping them feel safe and heard.
- Conducted interviews with parents, foster parents, school officials, and other individuals to better understand client's needs.
- Demonstrated sensitivity to cultural diversity in working with children from various backgrounds and circumstances.
- Maintained meticulous records documenting relevant case information, evaluations, recommendations, and progress updates.
- Promoted child well-being through regular visitations ensuring their physical, mental, educational, and emotional needs were met.
- Fostered positive relationships with key stakeholders, including social workers, attorneys, and foster families to ensure proper care and safety of children.
- Provided ongoing support to children in court proceedings by attending all hearings, offering emotional guidance, and ensuring their rights were protected.
- Advocated for the best interests of children during mediation sessions, working collaboratively with other professionals toward successful case resolutions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive plans addressing the needs of at-risk youth.
- Facilitated family reunification when appropriate by monitoring progress toward goals set forth in court-approved plans.
- Improved child welfare by providing effective advocacy for children in the court system.
- Enhanced courtroom efficiency by preparing detailed reports and delivering clear presentations of findings during hearings.
- Worked effectively with fellow team members to coordinate effective solutions to any question or concern.
- Delivered friendly service and offered expert support in every interaction.'
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Development, Education, Psychology
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI01-1978
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Team leadership and direction
- Decision-making
- Critical thinking
- Interpersonal skills
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Flexible and adaptable
- Attention to detail
- Relationship building
- Good judgment
- Scheduling and planning
- Cross functional team builder
- Partnership development
- Program reviews
- Community outreach
- Influencing skills
- Cultural sensitivity
- Resource management
Accomplishments
Developed many educational programs and workshops for students ages 3-18. Created a non profit in support of equine therapy programs for children, volunteered advocating for abused / neglected children for over 20 years, taught kids with cerebral palsy to ride horses, amongst many others.
Certification
Teaching K-12, certified equine therapy facilitator ( through PATH International), CPR,
Interests
Timeline
Youth Alliance Program Manager
CASA Of Jefferson County
09.2023 - 02.2025
Court Appointed Special Advocate for Abused/ Neglect
CASA of Boulder, Jefferson, Washoe (/Nevada) and Douglas Counties
04.2004 - 02.2025
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Development, Education, Psychology
University of Michigan
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