Trauma-Informed Family Advocate /Home Visitor

Sarah Garcia

**** ******** *** *******, ** *****

Phone: 209-***-**** Email: *******************@*****.*** HUMAN SERVICES PROFESSIONAL TRAUMA-

INFORMED FAMILY ADVOCATE RECOVERY-

ORIENTED SUPPORT SPECIALIST

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Compassionate and trauma-informed Human Services Professional with more than 15 years of experience supporting children, families, and individuals impacted by trauma, poverty, substance use challenges, mental health concerns, domestic violence, housing instability, child welfare involvement, and complex life circumstances. Skilled in person-centered support, advocacy, community resource navigation, outreach, documentation, and building trusting relationships with individuals and families experiencing significant challenges. Bringing both professional experience and lived experience in long-term recovery, including 26 years of sustained sobriety, I have a deep understanding of resilience, transformation, accountability, and the importance of compassionate, nonjudgmental support. My recovery journey has strengthened my ability to connect with individuals who are navigating difficult circumstances and reinforced my belief that people are capable of healing, growth, and meaningful change.

My passion for behavioral health is rooted in my understanding that early childhood experiences, relationships, and environments shape emotional development, coping skills, and lifelong outcomes. Through my professional work with families and my continued education toward a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, I am committed to supporting individuals through recovery- oriented, trauma-informed, and person-centered approaches. CORE COMPETENCIES

• Recovery-Oriented Support

• Peer Support Principles

• Trauma-Informed Care

• Person-Centered Services

• Behavioral Health Awareness

• Substance Use Recovery Support

• Mental Health Awareness

• Crisis Support & De-escalation

• Community Outreach & Engagement

• Resource Navigation

• Advocacy & Self-Advocacy Skills

• Strength-Based Support

• Family Support Services

• Motivational Communication

• Active Listening

• Relationship Building

• Professional Boundaries

• Community Collaboration

• Child Protective Services Collaboration

• Service Documentation

• Electronic Documentation Systems

•PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE)

Home-Based Educator

October 2016 – October 2024

Provided intensive home-based education, family support, advocacy, and resource navigation to families experiencing trauma, poverty, homelessness, domestic violence, child welfare involvement, developmental concerns, and other complex challenges. Responsibilities & Accomplishments

Built trusting relationships with families through trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive practices.

Provided compassionate, person-centered support to families experiencing crisis, stress, and significant life transitions.

Helped families identify strengths, establish goals, and develop self-advocacy skills. Connected families with essential community resources including behavioral health services, substance use resources, housing assistance, food resources, medical services, parenting programs, and early intervention supports.

Conducted home visits to assess family strengths, needs, barriers, and available supports. Provided referrals and supported families with accessing community services. Collaborated with Child Protective Services, public health nurses, educators, and community agencies.

Supported families navigating complex systems while maintaining confidentiality, empathy, and professional boundaries.

Assisted families in identifying resources that promoted child development, family stability, and overall well-being.

Maintained accurate and timely documentation using COPA and Learning Genie. Documented assessments, referrals, family progress, and service coordination. Recognized for exceptional ability to engage families who experienced barriers to services.

Selected to provide specialized support to a family with a terminally ill child due to demonstrated compassion, professionalism, and ability to support families during crisis. Nominated for Employee Making a Difference Award (2024). Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE)

Home-Based Educator / Classroom Teacher Combo Program @ Modesto Junior College’s Practicum Classroom

2011 – 2016

• Provided early childhood education and family support services to children birth through age five.

• Educated parents on child development, attachment, protective factors, and positive parenting practices.

• Supported families in strengthening relationships and creating healthy developmental environments for children.

• Recognized the impact of early experiences on emotional development, behavior, relationships, and lifelong outcomes.

• Identified developmental concerns and connected families with appropriate services and evaluations.

• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support children and families.

• Maintained accurate documentation and program compliance. Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE)

Substitute Teacher

October 2025 – Present

• Provide educational support in multiple classroom environments.

• Utilize trauma-informed strategies to support children with diverse needs.

• Build positive relationships with students, families, and staff.

• Adapt quickly to changing environments while maintaining professionalism. LIVED EXPERIENCE & RECOVERY

PERSPECTIVE

26 years of sustained sobriety and personal recovery experience, providing firsthand understanding of resilience, accountability, personal growth, and the recovery process. Understand the challenges individuals face when navigating substance use, stigma, and major life transitions.

Passionate about reducing stigma and supporting individuals with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Supported loved ones impacted by substance use disorder and serious mental illness, gaining additional understanding of the importance of treatment, advocacy, support systems, and community resources.

Experienced the importance of early intervention, supportive relationships, and access to resources in creating positive life changes.

Committed to helping individuals recognize their strengths and believe that change and recovery are possible.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — In Progress

Currently returning to school to expand knowledge of human behavior, mental health, development, and psychological principles to better support individuals and communities. Associate of Arts — Child Development

CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPMENT

Breath Work Practitioner

Training in breath-based wellness practices supporting mindfulness, grounding, emotional regulation, stress reduction, and personal awareness. Incorporates wellness practices that complement trauma-informed and recovery- oriented approaches to overall well-being.

Pediatric CPR & First Aid Certified

Growing Great Kids Curriculum – Tier III Certified Trauma-Informed Care Training

Conscious Discipline

• Mental Health Training

• Reggio Emilia Approach

• Family Engagement Strategies

• Child Development

• Protective Factors Framework

• COPA Software

• Learning Genie

PROFESSIONAL STRENGTHS

• Compassionate communicator

• Recovery-oriented mindset

• Strong understanding of resilience and change

• Empathetic and nonjudgmental approach

• Skilled relationship builder

• Strong advocacy skills

• Excellent active listener

• Organized and detail-oriented

• Sound judgment

• Adaptable and flexible

• Collaborative team member

• Dedicated to serving underserved communities

• Committed to person-centered and trauma-informed care

Contact this candidate