Data-Driven Program Coordinator and Research Assistant

MELENA VANDERFORD

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SUMMARY

EXPERIENCE

Alamosa, CO

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Managed and maintained client and participant records to improve organizational data accuracy and operational efficiency.

Conducted interviews and collected data to assess candidacy and track participant progress in Griptape passion projects.

Recruited underserved and underrepresented youth, utilizing data to identify and engage target populations. Fostered critical thinking and decision-making skills through program data analysis and reflection activities. Chiang Mai, Thailand

01/2024 to 03/2026

Maintained accurate records of youth participation in programs, ensuring data integrity and timely updates. Managed program data with attention to detail and organization. Facilitated workshops on critical thinking, leadership, and communication. Conducted community assessments addressing mental health, bullying, and substance use. Collaborated with educators and stakeholders to improve program outcomes. Supported outreach efforts through effective communication and record-keeping. Developed strong organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills. Corinth, Mississippi, Mississippi

08/2020 to 03/2026

Coordinated research to evaluate program effectiveness, ensuring rigorous methodology and clear data collection aligned with study objectives.

Analyzed and interpreted research data; authored reports and papers for organizational use. Managed participant data for programs serving 10 to 100 individuals, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

Facilitated data-driven reflection sessions and discussions to support personal growth and community engagement.

Coordinated staff and client meetings, managing schedules and preparing presentations. Detail-oriented and highly organized professional withextensive experience in data collection, record-keeping, and administrative support. Proven ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, maintain accurate records, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Skilled in Microsoft Office, data analysis, and research methodologies, with a strong focus on customer service, community engagement, and team collaboration. Adaptable and proactive, committed to providing exceptional support and ensuring smooth operational workflows. SKILLS

Data collection analysis

Program coordination

Research methodology

Community engagement

Public speaking

Proposal writing

Team collaboration

Event planning

Data interpretation

Statistical software proficiency

Microsoft Office applications

Document management

Presentation design

Program evaluation

Academic writing

Oral communication skills

Grant writing and fundraising

Independent work

Leadership and initiative

Adaptability

YouthMentor

Executive Intern

Youth in Development Volunteer

GRIPTAPE

CRESTONE FREEDOM PROJECT

UNITED STATES PEACE CORPS

Alamosa, CO

Managed data collection and record-keeping processes to support academic and college readiness initiatives. Coordinated tutoring sessions and workshops, tracking student progress and learning outcomes. Organized events promoting college exploration, scholarship opportunities, and academic planning, utilizing data to measure engagement.

Provided mentorship and tracked student confidence and self-efficacy improvements through assessments. Supported underprivileged students in college prep, including hosting SAT/ACT preparation sessions and monitoring performance data.

05/2023 to 12/2023

Alamosa, CO

08/2022 to 05/2023

Offer input and opinions on school decisions, policies, ceremonies, and events. Advocate for the funding of relevant events and opportunities for the Psychology and Psi Chi clubs. Represented student interests in university meetings and discussions. Collaborated with peers to organize campus events and activities. Communicated student concerns to the university administration effectively. Facilitated discussions between students and faculty for better understanding. Alamosa, CO

04/2022 to 05/2023

Organized monthly club meetings, assigning agenda topics and leading discussions. Coordinated recruitment initiatives, resulting in increased club membership. Led planning and execution of community service events to engage students. Co-hosted fundraising events to support club activities and outreach. Facilitated communication between club members and university administration for effective collaboration. Conducted outreach activities to promote awareness of the club's mission and goals. Planned and executed community service events, enhancing student engagement with local initiatives. Denver, USA

06/2022 to 12/2022

Gained foundational knowledge in philanthropy through internship with Craig-Scheckman Family Foundation, supporting data-driven approaches to addressing behavioral health inequities. Contributed to fellowship programs empowering young change-makers, utilizing data to assess community impact and program effectiveness.

Alamosa, CO

08/2022 to 12/2022

Graded assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to enhance student learning. Proctored exams to ensure academic integrity and compliance with regulations. Prepared classroom setups for lectures, labs, and workshops to facilitate effective instruction. Documented grading results into filing systems for accurate record-keeping. Alamosa, CO

05/2022 to 08/2022

Facilitated college readiness workshops and career exploration sessions for high school students. Hosted SAT/ACT tutoring sessions, enhancing test preparation strategies. Taught financial literacy and social-emotional skills to support student development. Provided resources for scholarship applications and financial aid processes. Assisted in planning and leading activities for annual college prep summer camp for over 100 students. Guided students in developing effective time management and study skills. Supported underprivileged, minority, and low-income high school students in college preparation efforts.

StudentAdvisor

TeachingAssistant

GIV FellowshipIntern

Math and Science Advisor

Psi ChiandPsychologyClubPresident

YOUTHROOTS

UPWARD BOUND

ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY

AS&F Student Government Representative

ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY

ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY

UPWARD BOUND

Colorado Addictions Specialist, Certification IP, training complete APA certification

Intern to the Executive Director and Research & Data Analysis Management, Radical Freedom Project, 2020-present

Led physical activities for youth from underserved communities, promoting mental health through positive affirmations and physical activity education.

Collected, analyzed, and interpreted research data using statistical software, ensuring accuracy and integrity of findings.

Trained and supported Research Methods students in data collection and analysis, enhancing team research skills.

Maintained comprehensive records of research methodologies and results, facilitating efficient data management.

Collaborated with interns to complete research tasks effectively and uphold data quality standards. BACHELOR OF ARTS:CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Adams State University, Alamosa, Colorado

GPA: Alamosa, Colorado

05/2023

Honors: Summa Cum Laude

Relevant Coursework: Child Development, Adolescent and Adult Development, Brain and Behavior, Research Skills in Behavior Science, Drugs, Society & Human Behavior, Introduction to Counseling, Psychological Testing & Assessment, Research Methods in Psychology, Social Psychology, Health Psychology, Psychology of Mental Health, Intro to Statistics in Psychology, Theory and Practice, Food Studies, Concepts in Wellness, History & Systems, Personalities in Perspective, Cognitive Psychology, Sensation & Perception, Independent Research, Introduction to Inclusive Leadership.

GPA: 3.96/4.0

COLORADO ADDICTION COUNSELOR SPECIALIST TRAINED:LOVELAND, COLORADO Colorado Counselor Training, Loveland, Colorado

Relevant Coursework: Pharmacology, Culturally Informed Treatment, Group Counseling Skills, Motivational Interviewing, Addiction Counseling Skills, Trauma-Informed Care, Ethical Practice in Addiction Treatment, Principles of Addiction Treatment, Client Record Management.

08/2021

Alamosa, Colorado, CO

Graded student assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to promote academic growth. Conducted research to support departmental initiatives, ensuring data accuracy and relevance. Maintained precise records and documentation for projects, enhancing data management and retrieval. Assisted professors with departmental development initiatives, streamlining functions and processes. Coordinated schedules for team members and management, ensuring operational efficiency. Entered data into databases accurately and efficiently, supporting departmental workflows and communication. Contributed to improving departmental processes and organizational effectiveness through administrative support.

06/2019 to 08/2019

HANNA STRONG - PRIVATE EMPLOYER

Crestone, Colorado

Led a mental health-focused summer camp for children aged 4-9, promoting emotional well-being. Instructed meditation, yoga, and positive psychology exercises to enhance campers’ mental health. Educated children on critical thinking, conflict resolution, and leadership skills through engaging activities. Organized and managed daily schedules for a variety of camp programs and events. Facilitated discussions to improve teamwork and communication among participants. Led outdoor activities to foster physical fitness, collaboration, and a safe, supportive environment. Summer Camp Counselor

ADAMS STATEUNIVERSITY

Assistant to the Department of Psychology

CERTIFICATIONS

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Alamosa, CO

Research Intern ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY 04/2022 to 05/2022

:First Language

Grants Committee, United States Peace Corps, 2024-2025 PsiChi club, Vice Secretary, Vice President, President, 2021-2023 AS&F Student Government Representative, 2022-2023

Peer Mediation, Salida High School, 2019-2020

Leadership in Health and Well-being, Adams State University, 2023 Rocky Mountain Psychological Association - Psi Chi Regional Research Award, 2023 Leadership award in health and wellbeing, Student Scholar Days at Adams State University, 2023 3rd place for best abstract

1st place for oral presentation

Psychosocial Factors and Their Effect on GPA, 2021 Positive Affirmations Integrated with Strength Training Enhanced Self-Esteem and Mood in Adolescents, 2022 Promoting Personal, Social & Spiritual Connectivity Through the Vision Journaling Process, 2023 Positive Affirmations Integrated with Strength Training Enhanced Self-Esteem and Mood in Adolescents, 2022, The Rocky Mountain Psychology Association (RMPA)

Promoting Personal, Social & Spiritual Connectivity Through the Vision Journaling Process, 2022, The Rocky Mountain Psychology Association (RMPA)

English

AWARDS

LANGUAGES

PUBLISHED WORK

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