Vanessa Avalos
Reseda,CA
Summary
Justice-focused professional with experience supporting youth, individuals with disabilities, and justiceimpacted populations through community-based and restorative approaches. Skilled in case documentation, individualized support planning, relationship-building, and program coordination. Holds a Master's degree in Criminal Justice with a strong interest in youth development, re-entry support, and nonprofit program work.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Manager
Tierra Del Sol Foundation
12.2025 - Current
- Oversee daily program operations supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Supervise and support direct support professionals; assist with scheduling, coaching, and performance feedback.
- Ensure services align with individualized service plans, organizational policies, and compliance standards.
- Review documentation and support accurate reporting, communication, and coordination with internal teams
Justice Program Associate
JCOD Support Center
Los Angeles, CA
02.2022 - 03.2024
- Assisted justice impacted individuals with court date reminders and providing transportation.
- Assisted justice impacted individual with booking proper transportation to and from court hearings.
- Provided justice impacted individuals with referrals to mental health facilities and followed up with individual to ensure they were being helped.
Program Supervisor
LAUSD Beyond the Bell
10.2021 - 01.2023
- Supervised program staff to ensure quality after-school programming for youth
- Coordinated educational, enrichment, and recreational activities aligned with youth development goals
- Assisted with event planning, workshops, and inter-department collaboration
Student Intern
Hollywood PALS
Hollywood, CA
02.2022 - 05.2022
- Supported mentoring and youth engagement initiatives in collaboration with law enforcement partners
Direct Support Professional/Job Coach
Tierra Del Sol Foundation
07.2020 - 01.2022
- Developed and implemented individualized employment and life-skills plans for clients with diverse support needs
- Provided ongoing coaching, advocacy, and workplace support to improve job retention and independence
- Built strong, trusting relationships to support client self-confidence and goal attainment
- Delivered direct care and emotional support to individuals with physical and cognitive needs
- Assisted with daily living activities, transportation to appointments, and community engagement
- Maintained accurate documentation and supported individualized care plan implementation
Education
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Southern California
Bachelor of Science - Criminology
California State University, Northridge
Skills
- Case Management
- Client Advocacy
- Youth Engagement
- Mentorship
- Individualized Support
- Care Planning
- Documentation
- Progress Tracking
- Restorative Support
- Trauma-Informed Support
- Program Coordination
- Staff Supervision
- Community Outreach
- Relationship Building
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Data Entry
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Timeline
Program Manager
Tierra Del Sol Foundation
12.2025 - Current
Justice Program Associate
JCOD Support Center
02.2022 - 03.2024
Student Intern
Hollywood PALS
02.2022 - 05.2022
Program Supervisor
LAUSD Beyond the Bell
10.2021 - 01.2023
Direct Support Professional/Job Coach
Tierra Del Sol Foundation
07.2020 - 01.2022
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of Southern California
Bachelor of Science - Criminology
California State University, Northridge