Vanessa Lopez-Centeno

Tu Nidito Children & Family Services     Tucson, Arizona

Teen Facilitator           August 2025 - December 2025

• Facilitated grief support for teenagers in our local community through guiding group conversations and using active listening and reflective responses to help teens feel heard and respected.
• Maintained a supportive, judgement-free space where teens could process their grief and everyday challenges.
• Participated in Grief-Informed Training to deepen my skills in providing empathetic, trauma-informed support to families navigating the death of a loved one.

Dream Volunteers/UA      Antigua, Guatemala

University of Arizona Student Volunteer    Spring Break - March 2024

• Contributed to community development projects focused on children, specifically the construction of a local school.
• Participated in cultural immersion activities such as cooking lessons, dance, community events such as Semana Santa to build cross-cultural communication and understanding.
• Provided Spanish-English translation for fellow volunteers, helping families, project leaders, and community members.
• Engaged in daily reflection group sessions led by staff members.
• Joined home visits, in which local families invited us to share meals and learn firsthand about their daily lives, traditions, and values.

Casa Alitas         Tucson, Arizona

Intake Shift           September 2023 - December 2023

• Accurately collect information about guests, their families, and their travel plans to facilitate intake procedures.
• Communicate to guests that they are in a safe, welcoming, non-governmental space, providing reassurance and answering basic questions they might have.
• Identify any circumstances or issues that require additional support, follow-up, or services, demonstrating attentiveness to guest needs.
• Collaborate effectively with team members to ensure smooth operations and the provision of comprehensive support to guests.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive information and interactions with guests, upholding the organization's values and standards.