Paola Therasse
Financial Aid Professional
Chandler,AZ
Summary
Highly skilled and resolute professional with a strong background in financial aid, customer service, and education. Expertise in guiding students through financial aid processes, including Title IV funding and understanding of policies and requirements for selected finance options. Proficient in resolving account discrepancies and issues, ensuring compliance with financial aid applications, and offering exceptional customer service. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, independently or as part of a team, managing multiple tasks efficiently. Adept at providing one-on-one interaction and maintaining business ethics. Proficient in creating virtual presentations and conducting workshops and discussion panels. Seeking a challenging role as a Financial Aid Advisor to support students in achieving their educational goals.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Financial Aid Outreach Specialist
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation
01.2018 - Current
- Provided timely, accurate, and comprehensive customer service, utilizing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving to address and resolve student issues, resulting in 95% customer satisfaction rate.
- Educated and assisted students regarding policies and requirements for finance options, including federal student financial aid (Title IV funding), resulting in 20% increase in completed financial aid applications.
- Proactively identified and resolved potential bottlenecks within the student finance process, resulting in 30% reduction in processing time and ensuring adherence to established guidelines.
- Communicated and collaborated effectively with internal departments regarding student customer service, streamlining processes and improving response times by 25%.
- Developed and conducted in-person and virtual financial aid workshops and presentations, promoting financial literacy and increasing student and parent engagement, leading to 40% increase in workshop attendance and 25% rise in financial aid applications.
- Collaborated with agency divisions, organizations, and college financial aid officers to implement statewide financial aid outreach efforts, resulting in 50% increase in statewide financial aid application submissions.
- Evaluated student accounts and explored solutions that assisted students in attaining their educational goals, resulting in 15% increase in student retention, persistence, and completion rates.
- Demonstrated proficiency in managing various communication channels, including making outbound calls, responding to emails, and engaging in chat conversations, effectively addressing business needs, and enhancing customer service satisfaction by 20%.
Program Analyst for Education
New York State Executive Chamber
11.2014 - 01.2018
- Aided in developing New York State's education agenda and supported execution of initiatives, resulting in 10% increase in high school graduation rates over two-year period.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to support execution of initiatives, resulting in 15% improvement in standardized test scores across New York State.
- Conducted comprehensive research and analysis on best practices in education, leading to development of innovative policies that increased student engagement and reduced dropout rates by 20%.
- Facilitated workshops and focus groups with education stakeholders, resulting in implementation of new teaching methodologies that led to 25% increase in student achievement levels.
- Developed teacher training programs in collaboration with education experts, resulting in 30% improvement in teacher effectiveness and classroom management skills.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Developed effective communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
General & Special Education Teacher
New York City Department Of Education
08.2007 - 11.2014
- Designed and delivered engaging, hands-on lessons with software applications and peripherals, resulting in 20% increase in student participation and 15% improvement in retention and comprehension.
- Developed creative curriculums with digital resources and engaging activities, leading to 30% increase in critical thinking skills and 25% boost in student motivation and enjoyment of learning.
- Utilized various teaching strategies and online learning platforms to engage students, resulting in 35% improvement in collaboration skills and 20% increase in student proficiency in learning objectives.
- Conducted needs assessments and delivered professional development workshops on integrating technology and engaging learning activities, increasing teacher confidence by 25% and improving student engagement and achievement by 30%.
Education
Master of Science - Education of Individuals in Secondary Education Programs
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY05.2009
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
State University of New York At Albany
Albany, NY05.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
State University of New York At Albany
Albany, NY01.2001
Skills
- Financial Aid Applications
- Eligibility Guidelines
- Higher Education
- Financial Aid Application Processes
- Federal Student Financial Aid Compliance
- Comprehensive Customer Service
- Issue Resolution
- Efficient Task Management
- Self-Motivated and Team Player
- Business Ethics
- One-On-One Interaction
- Title IV Funding Knowledge
- Effective Multi-tasking
Certification
New York State Department of Education:
Middle Childhood Education (Generalist) Grades 5-9 Students with Disabilities (Generalist) Grades 5-9
Timeline
Financial Aid Outreach Specialist
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation
01.2018 - Current
Program Analyst for Education
New York State Executive Chamber
11.2014 - 01.2018
General & Special Education Teacher
New York City Department Of Education
08.2007 - 11.2014
Master of Science - Education of Individuals in Secondary Education Programs
Mercy College
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
State University of New York At Albany
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
State University of New York At Albany
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