SARAH JANSSEN GARNETT
Houston
Summary
Professional with nearly two decades of experience in community-based youth and young adult programs, partnership development, client relations, education, and advocacy. Skilled in program direction, project management, leadership, inter-agency collaboration, and delivering high-impact educational and social services.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Immigration Advisor
Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL)
Houston
01.2025 - Current
- Counsel HR, managers, and employees on global immigration matters.
- Prepare application materials for visas, passports, work permits, residence permits, and related documents.
- Maintain relationships with global immigration service providers to ensure quality service.
- Research government-maintained information and identify potential delays or issues.
- Update internal databases to ensure timely case progression and real-time client communication.
- Evaluate cases, identify concerns, and escalate to appropriate team members or managers.
Care Manager
Janssen Care Management
Houston
01.2008 - Current
- Oversaw education plans for three children with diverse learning differences, tailoring approaches to meet individual needs.
- Facilitated collaboration among medical and educational specialists to coordinate comprehensive support services.
Election Clerk
Spring Branch Independent School District
Houston
01.2025 - 12.2025
- Coordinated polling locations, ensuring compliance with voting procedures for smooth operation.
- Checked in and processed voters, distributing ballots and providing clear instructions for efficient voting.
- Assisted voters with equipment, addressing questions and maintaining order to enhance voter experience.
- Assisted in finalizing closing procedures for the polling location.
Education & Community Outreach Manager
Houston Humane Society
Houston
01.2023 - 12.2024
- Expanded community partnerships, increasing program participation and deepening community engagement across diverse demographics.
- Developed and implemented partnership program with Interfaith Ministries/AmeriCorps ServeHouston, enhancing career-aligned skills for students.
- Designed and launched animal-assisted engagement programs supporting mental health for University of Houston students, TerraBella assisted living residents, and ConocoPhillips employees.
- Led planning and execution of summer and winter youth camps, creating engaging programs for participants.
- Built and maintained partnerships with local school districts to strengthen humane education.
- Delivered presentations that secured over $100,000 in donations, supporting program initiatives.
- Oversaw daily operations of two full-time staff members and seasonal interns to ensure effective team collaboration.
- Implemented WildTunes, connecting musicians and animals to improve animal outcomes.
Student Support Specialist
Communities in Schools of Houston
Houston
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Implemented CIS model components, conducting needs assessments, planning integrated supports, and managing cases to enhance student success.
- Developed strong relationships with educators, parents, and students to effectively advocate for and address student needs.
- Issued referrals to community agencies to support families.
- Monitored student progress, maintained databases, and submitted reports in compliance with FERPA.
- Managed case files for 50-60 students each year, ensuring appropriate support services were provided.
- Created resource directory, enabling families to overcome barriers and support academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development.
- Established and maintained programs such as Backpack Buddies, Reading Buddies, CYCLE, and a mentorship program.
Lead Teacher
First United Methodist Church
Houston
01.2007 - 12.2008
- Facilitated evidence-based educational and social learning activities for young children.
- Supported children with separation anxiety and social-emotional challenges to improve functioning and development.
- Contributed to overall team efficiency and program effectiveness.
Early Childhood Intervention Specialist
Brazoria County Association for Citizens with Handicaps - Early Childhood Intervention
Angleton
01.2003 - 12.2007
- Conducted intake and developmental assessments, including the Hawaii Early Learning Profile (HELP).
- Delivered in-home bilingual social, speech, occupational, behavioral, and nutritional therapy services.
- Collaborated with physicians to identify support programs and services.
- Coordinated resources tailored to each child and family's needs.
Program Director
De Madres a Madres, Inc.
Houston
01.2002 - 12.2003
- Led inter-agency collaboration with the City of Houston, Houston Food Bank, March of Dimes, and other stakeholders.
- Managed 10 case managers, coordinated team meetings, and oversaw professional development.
- Wrote grants and ensured compliance with reporting requirements.
- Led teen support groups.
- Delivered prenatal care and lead-safety classes in Spanish.
- Coordinated lead-testing clinics with the Houston Health Department and local schools.
Education
Abnormal Psychology -
University of Houston
01.2004
B.A. - Psychology and Spanish
Texas State University
San Marcos, TXSkills
- Client advocacy
- Stakeholder engagement
- Community outreach
- Program development
- Project coordination
- Networking and outreach
- Effective communication
- Cross-cultural communication
- Presentation
- Interpersonal effectiveness
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Team building
- Decision making aptitude
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Process improvement initiatives
- Organization and administration
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Organization and administration
Community Service
- San Marcos Youth Service Bureau, Youth Services Mentor, 01/01/99, 12/31/00, Mentored 20 at-risk students, contributing to 100% graduation rates; supported academic and social development.
- Spring Branch ISD, Campus Improvement Team, 01/01/17, 12/31/19, Managed project budgets, developed fundraising strategies, and facilitated focus groups to identify district needs.
- Baker-Ripley Hurricane Harvey Shelter at NRG, Clinical Social Work Care Coordination, 01/01/17, 12/31/17, Supported LCSWs in providing psychiatric first aid to over 10,000 displaced residents; provided Spanish/English translation; assisted residents in accessing disaster-recovery resources.
- Amigos de las Americas, Costa Rica, Community Educator, 01/01/96, 12/31/97, Built relationships with local officials and community members; taught English; supported public health and dental hygiene initiatives.
Languages
- Spanish
- English, Fluent
- Spanish, Fluent
Professional Development
- CARE Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI) Bronze Certification (2023)
- Association of Humane Education - Member
- First Aid Certification
- Mental Health First Aid
- Abnormal Psychology, University of Houston (2004)
Timeline
Immigration Advisor
Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL)
01.2025 - Current
Election Clerk
Spring Branch Independent School District
01.2025 - 12.2025
Education & Community Outreach Manager
Houston Humane Society
01.2023 - 12.2024
Student Support Specialist
Communities in Schools of Houston
01.2022 - 12.2023
Care Manager
Janssen Care Management
01.2008 - Current
Lead Teacher
First United Methodist Church
01.2007 - 12.2008
Early Childhood Intervention Specialist
Brazoria County Association for Citizens with Handicaps - Early Childhood Intervention
01.2003 - 12.2007
Program Director
De Madres a Madres, Inc.
01.2002 - 12.2003
Abnormal Psychology -
University of Houston
B.A. - Psychology and Spanish
Texas State University