Shawnda Birch
Summary
Dynamic professional with a proven track record at SAFE Alliance, delivering trauma-informed crisis intervention and advocacy for survivors. Skilled in community outreach and event planning, I excel in fostering collaboration and empowering individuals. Adept in Microsoft Office Suite and strong communication, I drive impactful results through dedicated support and strategic initiatives.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Assault Victim’s Advocate
SAFE Alliance
Austin, Texas
03.2023 - Current
- Provided trauma-informed crisis intervention and comprehensive case management to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, delivering empathetic support to empower individuals through recovery and justice.
- Advocated fiercely within medical, legal, and law enforcement systems to ensure the strict protection of statutory rights under Texas law.
Educational Assistant
Neysa Callison Elementary
Round Rock, Texas
08.2023 - 08.2026
- I deliver targeted, one-on-one and small-group instruction to support both general education and special needs students.
- Collaborated with certified teachers to enhance classroom activities and effectively manage student behavior.
- Streamlined classroom operations by overseeing administrative tasks, including grading, tracking attendance, and preparing lesson materials.
Founder, Owner
Sugar and Spice Catering
Austin, Texas
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Spearheaded business development and culinary operations, attracting over 100 clients including the University of Texas African American Diaspora Program, the Austin African American Chamber of Commerce, and local churches and businesses.
- Directed a team of three kitchen personnel, while successfully securing over 30 repeat event requests from Austin-area organizations.
Scout Leader
Girl Scouts of America
Round Rock, TX
01.2005 - 01.2013
- Established and directed 16-member Girl Scout Troop 2286, overseeing operations in financial management, fundraising, and safety compliance to ensure a thriving program.
- Spearheaded community service initiatives and excursions while mentoring scouts to independently lead activities, fostering long-term confidence and leadership skills.
- Recruited and trained 16 volunteers to coordinate meeting logistics and deliver educational programming, enhancing troop engagement and learning experiences.
Education
Master of Education Degree - Psychology
Lamar University
Austin, TX09-2027
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Psychology
Huston-Tillotson University
Austin, TX09-2022
Skills
- Trauma care
- Crisis management
- Communication skills
- Outreach liaison
- Volunteer coordination
- Email Campaign Management
- Recruitment training
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Written communication
- Professionalism
Professional References
- Laura Ihonbvere, Principle, Neysa Callison Elementary School
- Holly Bowles, Director of Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy, SAFE Alliance, hbowles@safeaustin.org, (737) 293-1751
- Cecily Dawson Batiste, PhD, LPC-S, Adjunct Professor, Psychology Dept., Lamar University, Cecily.Batiste@lamar.edu, (409) 880-8661
Timeline
Educational Assistant
Neysa Callison Elementary
08.2023 - 08.2026
Assault Victim’s Advocate
SAFE Alliance
03.2023 - Current
Founder, Owner
Sugar and Spice Catering
01.2008 - 01.2013
Scout Leader
Girl Scouts of America
01.2005 - 01.2013
Master of Education Degree - Psychology
Lamar University
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Psychology
Huston-Tillotson University