Raquel Zavala
Passaic
Summary
A compassionate and dedicated mental health graduate student with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology, currently pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Experienced in student advocacy, prevention awareness, and early childhood education. Passionate about helping individuals overcome challenging obstacles and harness their strengths through adhering healthy coping skills. Able to apply a keen understanding of what it means to work in a secure environment, respond to child needs, and exemplify resilience when dealing with challenges.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Paraprofessional
The Phoenix Center
Nutley, NJ
09.2025 - Current
- Provide one on one and small group academic support to students with special needs to reinforce classroom instruction
- Assist teachers in implementing Individualized Education Plans and adapting lessons to meet diverse learning needs
- Support students in developing social, behavioral, and communication skills within the classroom environment
- Monitor student progress and behavior, documenting observations and communicating updates with teachers and support staff
Lead Daycare Teacher
Kiddie Academy
Fair Lawn, NJ
05.2024 - 07.2025
- Created and implemented age-appropriate lesson plans and daily routines for children age two, focusing on cognitive, emotional and social development.
- Led classroom management, ensuring a safe, nurturing and structured environment that encouraged learning through play and exploration.
- Supervised and trained assistant teachers, delegating responsibilities and modeling best practices in early childhood education.
- Utilized knowledge of child psychology to support emotional and social development.
- Conducted regular developmental assessments and communicated progress, concerns, and milestones to parents through meetings and reports.
- Maintained classroom cleanliness, organization, and compliance with state licensing regulations and health protocols.
Sales Associate
Family Dollar
Passaic, NJ
06.2022 - 02.2024
- Delivered excellent customer service in a fast-paced retail environment by assisting shoppers with product selection, answering questions, and resolving concerns efficiently and professionally.
- Operated cash registers, processed transactions accurately, and handles cash credit, and mobile payments.
- Maintained store cleanliness, organized merchandise, and restocked shelves to ensure a welcoming and accessible shopping experience.
- Collaborated with team members to meet daily sales goals and complete opening and closing procedures.
- Worked closely with shift manager to solve problems and handle customer concerns.
Student Advocacy & Prevention Awareness Peer Educator
Caldwell University
Caldwell, NJ
04.2022 - 09.2023
- Utilized effective communication skills to effectively present information to sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking.
- Encouraged fellow students’ involvement in positive on-campus activities.
- Led outreach tables to engage the student body in health awareness initiatives.
- Spread awareness on topics such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
- Maintained accurate records of outreach activities involving student participation.
- Educated peers on resources available at the university level pertaining to healthy relationships.
- Demonstrated leadership abilities while organizing team projects and collaborated with other groups around campus.
Education
Masters - Clinical Mental Health
Caldwell University
Caldwell, NJ05-2027
Bachelor of Science - Psychology & Sociology
Caldwell University
Caldwell, NJ05-2024
Skills
- PROFESSIONAL SKILLS: Empathy Cultural Competent Confidentiality Bilingual Organized Team Leadership Excellent Communication Active Listening Decision Making Workshop Facilitation Conflict Resolution & Mediation Mental Health Advocacy & Awareness Positive Behavior Reinforcement
- TECHNICAL SKILLS: Microsoft Office Suite Google Workspace Learning Management Systems (LMS) Tadpoles Blackboard Zoom SPSS Google Meet Social Media Platforms
Accomplishments
- Dean’s List Caldwell University, Caldwell, NJ Fall 2020- Fall 2023 & Fall 2025
- Member of Psi Chi Caldwell University, Caldwell, NJ April 2024 - Present
- Member of Alpha Kappa Delta Caldwell University, Caldwell, NJ May 2024 - Present
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Paraprofessional
The Phoenix Center
09.2025 - Current
Lead Daycare Teacher
Kiddie Academy
05.2024 - 07.2025
Sales Associate
Family Dollar
06.2022 - 02.2024
Student Advocacy & Prevention Awareness Peer Educator
Caldwell University
04.2022 - 09.2023
Bachelor of Science - Psychology & Sociology
Caldwell University
Masters - Clinical Mental Health
Caldwell University