Sophia Santiago
Spokane
Summary
Analytical professional with a focus on Program Management, specializing in complex systems management and risk mitigation. Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams within regulated environments, enhancing project outcomes through data-driven decision-making. Transitioning from a successful career in legal advocacy and education to defense program management, emphasizing operational precision and mission excellence.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Staff Guardian Ad Litem
Spokane County Superior Court
Spokane
01.2024 - Current
- Oversaw and coordinated complex child advocacy cases across multiple court and community systems, serving as both program manager and liaison between legal stakeholders, social services, and operations teams. Ensured case progression, risk mitigation, compliance, and confidentiality.
- Directed multiple concurrent projects under strict regulatory standards, managing caseloads, deliverables, and audit documentation.
- Utilized DAVI (legal database) to track cases, record activities, and generate official reports for judicial review.
- Led Team Decision, Planning Meetings, and daily coordination with social workers and attorneys to align objectives.
- Planned, tracked, and managed case review cycles, adjust resource allocation, and forecast outcomes.
- Developed tracking systems to monitor progress, identify bottlenecks, and recommend corrective actions.
- Authored weekly court motions, reports, and oral briefings for judges and commissioners, including compliance and risk assessments.
- Supported legal audits and discovery processes by maintaining data integrity and ensuring performance documentation met court standards.
- Tools & Skills: DAVI
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Stakeholder Facilitation
- Risk & Compliance Management
- Confidential Case Handling
- Polygraph-Cleared
Social Emotional Intervention Teacher / English Language Interventionist (K–6)
Spokane Public Schools
Spokane
08.2013 - 12.2023
- Led the planning, execution, and evaluation of data-driven intervention programs within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. Combined educational analytics and project management principles to drive student success and system improvement.
- Directed multi-phase initiatives aligning tiered goals and performance metrics with district and state objectives.
- Conducted data tracking and analysis to guide entry/exit decisions, allocate resources, and ensure measurable outcomes.
- Utilized iterative improvement cycles to refine program goals based on real-time data and stakeholder feedback.
- Collaborated across MTSS teams, administrators, teachers and counselors to synchronize strategy, timelines, and reporting.
- Facilitated regular performance meetings, providing data-driven insights to district leaders.
- Delivered professional development sessions on analytics interpretation and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Tools & Skills: Data Analytics
- MTSS Framework
- Goal Alignment
- Workflow Management
- Process Optimization
- Performance Reporting
Teacher & Co-Principal
Walden Center and School
Berkeley
08.2011 - 06.2013
- Held dual leadership and instructional responsibilities within a cooperative governance model where teachers functioned as co-principals. Managed school operations, staffing, and strategic planning while maintaining instructional excellence.
- Co-led daily operations including budgeting, resource allocation, and facilities oversight.
- Directed multi-phase initiatives in curriculum development and accreditation.
- Facilitated weekly executive meetings to evaluate progress, mitigate risks, and adapt strategy based on feedback.
- Streamlined internal workflows and documentation for increased efficiency and transparency.
- Mentored faculty and supported professional development, reinforcing collaborative leadership.
- Tools & Skills: Strategic Planning
- Stakeholder Coordination
- Process Improvement
- Leadership Development
- Microsoft Office Suite
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy, Sociology, and Spanish (High Distinction)
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA06-2005
Master of Education - Special Education
Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA01-2027
Master of Education - Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, BCLAD
St. Mary’s College of California
Moraga, CAHistory, Art & Architecture
University of Córdoba
Córdoba, Spain06-2004
Mathematics
UC Berkeley Extension
Berkeley, CA06-2012
Skills
- Project management and scheduling
- Risk and opportunity assessment
- Stakeholder engagement and change management
- Process optimization and iterative methodologies
- Data integrity and forecasting
- Continuous feedback mechanisms
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Data analytics and visualization
- Quantitative performance metrics
- Reporting and dashboard creation
- MTSS framework expertise
- Legal and education systems knowledge
- Case management reporting skills
- Microsoft Project proficiency
- Microsoft Office Suite expertise
- Case management database experience
- Familiarity with Jira software
- Security and compliance adherence
- Confidential data handling practices
- Regulatory compliance knowledge
- Effective communication and collaboration skills
- Motivational interviewing techniques
- Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) expertise
Languages
Spanish, Proficient, Cross-cultural experience in Spain and Turkey
Skills Technical Competencies
Risk & Opportunity Management, Scheduling & Forecasting, Stakeholder Engagement, Change Management, Process Optimization, Planning, Forecasting & Adaptive Execution, Jira, Continuous Feedback Loops, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Quantitative Assessment, Performance Metrics, Reporting & Dashboarding, MTSS Framework, Legal & Education Systems (DAVI), Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office Suite, Jira, Case Management Databases, Data Visualization Tools, Successfully completed Polygraph & Background Investigations, Confidential Data Handling, Regulatory Compliance, Trained in Motivational Interviewing, Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), Associated Counseling
Core Competencies
Directed complex programs with rigorous oversight of timelines, deliverables, and risk portfolios impacting mission-critical outcomes., Led adaptive project cycles emphasizing stakeholder alignment, planning, forecasting, and rapid response to changing requirements., Applied data modeling and performance tracking to evaluate baselines and develop actionable recovery strategies., Unified multidisciplinary teams and delivered evidence-based reports and briefings to executive authorities., Maintained adherence to legal and procedural standards while ensuring audit readiness and documentation accuracy.
Certification
Agency Affiliated Counselor (AAC) | Motivational Interviewing & Investigative Methods (MI) |
Bilingual, Cross Cultural, Language & Academic Development (BCLAD/ELD) |
Elementary Education Endorsement | K–12 Teaching Credential (WA/CA)
Bilingual, Cross Cultural, Language & Academic Development (BCLAD/ELD) |
Elementary Education Endorsement | K–12 Teaching Credential (WA/CA)
Timeline
Staff Guardian Ad Litem
Spokane County Superior Court
01.2024 - Current
Social Emotional Intervention Teacher / English Language Interventionist (K–6)
Spokane Public Schools
08.2013 - 12.2023
Teacher & Co-Principal
Walden Center and School
08.2011 - 06.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy, Sociology, and Spanish (High Distinction)
University of California, Berkeley
Master of Education - Special Education
Eastern Washington University
Master of Education - Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, BCLAD
St. Mary’s College of California
History, Art & Architecture
University of Córdoba
Mathematics
UC Berkeley Extension