NATASHA PELOSSOF

Bilingual (English–Spanish) advocate, researcher, and future clinical psychologist with extensive experience in legal advocacy, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed support for immigrant, undocumented, and survivor populations. Proven ability to navigate high-stakes environments, from courtrooms and correctional facilities to community clinics and research settings. Skilled in legal interpreting, qualitative interviewing, case management, and cross-cultural communication, with a track record of producing scholarly research and multilingual resources on immigration, trauma, and mental health. Committed to bridging academic rigor with grassroots advocacy to advance equity, justice, and empowerment.

• Domestic Violence Paralegal & Victim Advocate, King’s County District Attorney’s Office, Brooklyn, NY, 2023-07-01, Present, Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and safety planning for survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and gang violence., Prepare witnesses for testimony; guide grounding and breathing exercises; deliver bilingual (Spanish-English) interpretation during forensic interviews., Assist survivors in drafting and presenting victim impact statements, ensuring their voices are heard in court while minimizing re-traumatization., Coordinate referrals to medical care, counseling, shelter, and compensation; maintain court-sensitive documentation for efficient case management.
• Volunteer & Interpreter, Immigrant Justice Clinic (Dodge Detention Facility), Juneau, WI, 2023-02-01, 2023-05-31, Conducted intake interviews for individuals facing deportation; triaged needs related to asylum, mental health, and education., Interpreted Spanish–English during legal consultations; ensured culturally responsive communication.
• Intern, Center for DREAMers – UW–Madison Immigrant Justice Clinic, Madison, WI, 2022-09-01, 2023-05-31, Supported DACA recipients with legal advocacy, mental health referrals, and educational resources., Designed and authored multilingual 'Options Beyond DACA' resource guide outlining alternative immigration relief pathways (e.g., Asylum, U-Visa, SIJS, VAWA), distributed to community partners across Wisconsin., Collaborated with attorneys and campus partners to streamline resource navigation for students.

• Voces de la Frontera, Wisconsin, Member & Research Collaborator, 2022-09-01, Present, Active member of Wisconsin’s largest immigrant rights organization, participating in campaigns defending immigrant protections and expanding access to driver’s licenses for undocumented residents., Conducted and transcribed in-depth interviews in Spanish and English, including with the group’s Youth Empowered in the Struggle (YES) Coordinator, to analyze youth mobilization and identity politics., Researched and documented organizational strategies that blocked anti-sanctuary legislation, challenged discriminatory ID laws, and mobilized large-scale protests., Engaged in community organizing events, know-your-rights workshops, and voter registration drives targeting Latinx and immigrant communities., Produced a 30+ page final paper integrating findings into broader scholarship on contentious politics, immigration policy, and Latinx identity formation.
• Therapy Dogs International, Long Island, NY, Volunteer Handler, 2017-01-01, 2019-12-31, Trained and handled a certified therapy dog to provide supportive visits to Alzheimer’s patients.
• Community Immigration Law Center, Madison, WI, Volunteer & Interpreter, 2022-09-01, 2023-05-31, Assisted asylum seekers in completing I-589 applications, ensuring cultural and linguistic accuracy in legal documentation., Collaborated with attorneys to provide accessible explanations of complex legal processes to Spanish-speaking clients.
• Immigrant Justice Center – Dodge Detention Facility, Madison, WI, Volunteer Interpreter, 2022-09-01, 2023-05-31, Provided Spanish–English interpretation for ICE detainees during intake interviews and legal consultations., Supported clients in articulating trauma histories and legal needs in high-stress correctional settings.
• Catholic Multicultural Center, Madison, WI, ESL Tutor, 2022-09-01, 2023-05-31, Delivered virtual English instruction to Spanish-speaking adults using tailored, student-centered methods.
• BPNN Pantry & Kitchen, Verona, WI, Bilingual Registration Assistant, 2022-09-01, 2023-05-31, Assisted Spanish-speaking clients with registration, resource navigation, and referrals to community services.