Michelle Cunneen
Mesa,AZ
Summary
Engaging student development professional with experience in designing and implementing impactful programs in higher education. Builds inclusive communities, supervises student leaders, and manages events from concept to execution. Fosters campus partnerships, enhances student involvement, and supports success through leadership development and co-curricular initiatives.
Overview
1
1
Certification
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Student Services Specialist Sr.
Paradise Valley Community College
Phoenix, AZ
09.2023 - Current
- Lead logistics and execution of New Student Orientation, supporting student transition, retention, and sense of belonging
- Design, coordinate, and implement student engagement programming, including orientation, leadership development, and community-building events for diverse student populations
- Plan and execute leadership conferences and workshops focused on student success, identity development, and engagement
- Advise multiple student organizations, fostering leadership development, accountability, and inclusive community practices
- Recruit, train, and supervise student leaders and work-study staff; develop training curriculum and learning outcomes
- Oversaw departmental budget transactions, ensuring accurate purchasing, expense tracking, and reconciliation
- Cultivated partnerships with community organizations, enhancing student engagement opportunities
- Manage departmental budget transactions, including purchasing, expense tracking, and reconciliation
- Conducted team-building workshops and Real Colors trainings, promoting student leadership and collaboration
Social Justice Coordinator
Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZ
02.2019 - 09.2023
- Planned and implemented educational, cultural, and community engagement programs, including workshops, panel discussions, and campus events
- Managed full event lifecycle, from concept development to logistics coordination and post-event assessment, ensuring seamless execution and participant satisfaction
- Collaborated with campus departments and external partners to deliver inclusive programming that engaged diverse student populations
- Managed full event lifecycle: concept development, logistics coordination, marketing, and post-event assessment
- Designed and executed marketing strategies using social media and digital tools to increase student participation
- Advised student organizations, mentored student leaders, and supported program development initiatives
- Cultivated relationships with community organizations, enhancing programming and expanding student support services to address community needs
Actor / Teaching Artist
Childsplay
Tempe, AZ
08.2008 - 07.2019
- Developed and facilitated educational programming and workshops for youth ages 5–18, enhancing creativity and critical thinking skills
- Created engaging lesson plans and activities that fostered skill development and encouraged active participation in learning
- Led group facilitation and provided individualized mentorship, promoting personal growth and confidence in students
- Built strong relationships with students, families, and educators, contributing to a positive learning environment
Education
Bachelor of Science - Counseling and Applied Psychological Sciences
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZAssociate of Arts - Psychology
Phoenix College
Phoenix, AZSkills
- Student engagement
- Event coordination
- Workshop facilitation
- Leadership development
- Program assessment
- Marketing strategy
- Financial Oversight
- Staff supervision
- Leadership facilitation
- Campus collaboration
Certification
Real Colors Certified Facilitator (2022)
Timeline
Student Services Specialist Sr.
Paradise Valley Community College
09.2023 - Current
Social Justice Coordinator
Phoenix College
02.2019 - 09.2023
Actor / Teaching Artist
Childsplay
08.2008 - 07.2019
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Phoenix College
Bachelor of Science - Counseling and Applied Psychological Sciences
Arizona State University