Taylor Schiestel
Milliken,CO
Summary
Youth engagement and program management professional with progressive experience supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and families across higher education, community services, and youth development settings. More than seven years of experience mentoring and coaching high school students, complemented by leadership experience developing and managing student-centered programs, facilitating workshops and educational experiences, building community partnerships, and connecting individuals to resources and opportunities. Skilled in program development, stakeholder engagement, coaching and mentorship, facilitation, assessment, budget management, and translating community needs into actionable programs. Recognized as a 2026 NoCo 30 Under 30 honoree for meaningful community impact. Committed to creating inclusive, youth-centered environments where young people are empowered to develop their voice, leadership, and capacity to create change.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR STUDENT WELL-BEING
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO
10.2023 - Current
- Led strategic planning, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of student-centered programs to enhance success and well-being.
- Developed and managed programs that connected economically vulnerable students with essential resources, improving access to food, housing, and healthcare.
- Built and maintained partnerships with university departments, organizations, businesses, donors, and agencies to expand student resources.
- Designed and facilitated workshops and engagement opportunities focused on self-advocacy, life skills, and confidence-building.
- Supervised and coached professional staff, graduate assistants, and volunteers while fostering leadership development opportunities.
- Managed emergency support fund program by evaluating student needs and coordinating resources for those facing hardships.
- Analyzed program utilization data and student feedback to assess effectiveness, leading to targeted improvements that enhanced student experiences.
- Participated in cross-functional committees to enhance student success, wellness, and community engagement through collaborative initiatives.
Assistant Softball Coach
University High School
Greeley, CO
08.2020 - Current
- Mentored high school students in athletics, fostering accountability and leadership development.
- Guided student-athletes in developing essential skills in communication, teamwork, and resilience for on- and off-field success.
- Facilitated team meetings and discussions to foster collaboration and promote personal growth.
- Built trusting relationships with adolescents to create supportive and empowering environments.
- Adapted coaching strategies to meet diverse developmental needs of students.
- Promoted an inclusive team culture focused on belonging, respect, and shared success.
- Collaborated with coaches, school staff, families, and stakeholders to address emerging needs.
- Supported students in navigating academic, personal, and athletic challenges by connecting them to relevant resources and support systems.
CAREER COACH
ActivateWork
Denver, COLORADO
04.2023 - 10.2023
- Provided coaching in effective job search techniques.
- Collaborated with job candidates to develop professional development skills.
- Coached learners in problem-solving processes while assessing performance outcomes.
- Conducted classes and delivered self-help sessions on education and career planning topics to empower learners.
- Collaborated with community resources to deliver comprehensive case management for learners across housing, financial, mental health, clothing, food, hygiene, and physical health needs.
EVALUATIONS/LEVEL OF CARE CASE MANAGER
North Range Behavioral Health
Greeley, COLORADO
11.2021 - 03.2023
- Developed 'Youth Crisis Response Team (YRCT)' program with supervisor, delivering in-home intensive care to clients with severe mental health needs.
- Worked with clients who had severe substance use, suicidal ideation, and mental health needs.
- Facilitated access to residential treatment care for clients with Medicaid coverage.
- Referred complex psychosocial and economic cases to social workers to ensure comprehensive care for clients.
- Acted as a resource and advocate for patients and families by sharing accurate information regarding benefits and coverage.
- Coached patients to leverage natural supports and community resources, enhancing their ability to address supportive needs.
KEEP CASE MANAGER
Maple Star-KEEP program
Metro Area
02.2021 - 11.2021
- Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.
- Interview individuals or family members to compile information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history.
- Provide information or refer individuals to public or private agencies or community services for assistance.
- Advise clients regarding food stamps, child care, food, money management, sanitation, or housekeeping.
- Visit individuals in homes or attend group meetings to provide information on agency services, requirements, or procedures.
- Conducted outreach, advocacy and rehabilitative services for regular cases and crisis intervention.
YOUTH SERVICES SPECIALIST-1
Colorado Department of Human Services
Golden, CO
08.2020 - 02.2021
- Record information, such as youth identification, charges, and incidences of inmate disturbance, and keep daily logs of youth activities.
- Monitor conduct of youth in housing unit, or during work or recreational activities, according to established policies, regulations, and procedures, to prevent escape or violence.
- Settle disputes between inmates.
- Provide to supervisors oral and written reports of the quality and quantity of work performed by inmates, inmate disturbances and rule violations, and unusual occurrences.
- Counsel inmates and respond to legitimate questions, concerns, and requests.
VISITATION SUPERVISOR
Lutheran Family Services of the Rocky Mountains
Greeley, CO
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Documented court-mandated supervised visitation for Weld county cases, as well as DHS cases.
- Supervised therapeutic DHS visitations and counseled parents on essential and effective parenting skills.
FUN IN THE SUN SEASONAL STAFF
City of Greeley- Rodarte Center
Greeley, CO
05.2014 - 08.2016
- Set educational standards and goals, and help establish policies, procedures, and programs to carry them out.
- Direct and coordinate activities of teachers or administrators at daycare centers, schools, public agencies, or institutions.
- Plan, direct, and monitor instructional methods and content of educational, vocational, or student activity programs.
Education
MASTERS IN HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP -
Western Governors University
02-2023
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) - PSYCHOLOGY
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO05-2020
BACHELOR OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION - ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Langston University
Langston, OK, US05-2018
Skills
- Youth engagement and development
- Program and project management
- Youth centered facilitation and coaching
- Community engagement
- Stakeholder management
- Workshop and training delivery
- Leadership development
- Program evaluation
- Data analysis and reporting
- Budget management
- Outreach and recruitment
- Equity-centered practices
- Strategic planning
- Advocacy and resource navigation
Credentials And Licenses
- CPR/ First Aid Certified
- Trust-Based Relational Intervention Certified
- Mental Health First Aid
- PAIRINOLOGY 101
- Stop the Bleed Certification
- Food Protection Manager
- Professional Certification in College Student Wellbeing, Trauma, and Resilience
- QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer)
- Youth Mental Health First Aid
Accomplishments
- NoCo Style- 30 under 30 honoree
Timeline
DIRECTOR, CENTER FOR STUDENT WELL-BEING
University of Northern Colorado
10.2023 - Current
CAREER COACH
ActivateWork
04.2023 - 10.2023
EVALUATIONS/LEVEL OF CARE CASE MANAGER
North Range Behavioral Health
11.2021 - 03.2023
KEEP CASE MANAGER
Maple Star-KEEP program
02.2021 - 11.2021
Assistant Softball Coach
University High School
08.2020 - Current
YOUTH SERVICES SPECIALIST-1
Colorado Department of Human Services
08.2020 - 02.2021
VISITATION SUPERVISOR
Lutheran Family Services of the Rocky Mountains
08.2019 - 08.2020
FUN IN THE SUN SEASONAL STAFF
City of Greeley- Rodarte Center
05.2014 - 08.2016
MASTERS IN HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP -
Western Governors University
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) - PSYCHOLOGY
University of Northern Colorado
BACHELOR OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION - ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
Langston University