Alessandra Gava
Chilliwack,Canada
Summary
Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Counselling and Psychology at Yorkville University, bringing over 12 years of experience in higher education advising, international student support and cross-cultural communication. I am passionate about transitioning into clinical counselling, supporting clients from diverse and dynamic backgrounds in navigating personal, cultural and life-transition challenges. Fluent in Portuguese and English, with intermediate Spanish, I thrive in inclusive, multicultural settings and am ready to apply my strong relational, coaching and resilience-based mindset under guided supervision.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
International Recruitment and Admission Coordinator
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
07.2019 - Current
- Provided one-on-one advising to international students adjusting to Canadian post-secondary life, addressing academic, cultural and personal transition issues.
- Developed and delivered workshops/orientations on adaptation, resilience and cross-cultural integration (adult learners).
- Collaborated with academic departments, faculty and support services to ensure holistic student success.
- Analyzed international market trends and student needs to tailor support initiatives, translating strategic insight into effective student-centred interventions.
- Built multilingual relationships, enabling inclusive engagement with different nationalities.
Assistant Director of Marketing and Recruitment
Fairleigh Dickinson University
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Planned recruitment strategies, oversaw activities, and evaluated performance based on measurable outcomes.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with educational consultants locally and internationally.
- Represented FDU at international fairs, local events, and high school visits to promote the university and strengthen institutional connections.
- Participated in monthly marketing meetings with the Marketing Director and University Provost to report on initiatives and revise strategic plans.
- Provided ongoing support to international students, helping them achieve academic goals and successfully transition into the Canadian education system and culture.
Latin America Marketing Manager
VanWest College
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Recruited and advised international students, supporting their transition to Canadian culture and the education system through pre-arrival guidance and in-country orientation.
- Provided admissions-related support, including follow-up with students and business partners, ensuring the completion of required documents and sharing training resources.
- Represented the institution at international fairs and recruitment events to attract new students and build agency partnerships.
- Designed and implemented the “Family Program,” enabling international students and their children to study English in Canada together, enhancing enrollment and program diversity.
- Led a team of regional representatives for Latin America, coordinating recruitment strategies, training, and performance to strengthen market presence and increase student enrollment.
- Performed business analysis to develop marketing strategies and tools that contributed to student enrollment growth.
Account Manager and Art Director
Neoideia, Broner D/A and B/Ferraz, SP / Client The Walt Disney Company Brazil
01.2002 - 01.2011
- Led and supervised a creative team, assigning tasks, setting production deadlines, and overseeing workflow to ensure timely and high-quality delivery.
- Managed key client relationships and served as the primary liaison between agency and client, ensuring clear communication and alignment on project goals.
- Directed the development of creative assets, including packaging, advertisements, point-of-purchase displays, and institutional campaigns.
- Collaborated with clients to conceptualize and execute marketing strategies and sales promotion plans and events aligned with brand objectives.
- Negotiated contracts and maintained productive partnerships with suppliers and external collaborators.
Education
Master of Arts - Counselling and Psychology
Yorkville University
Canada11.2025
Post-Baccalaureate - Business Administration & Marketing
University of Sao Caetano do Sul (USCS)
Brazil01.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Social Communication
Methodist University (UMESP)
Brazil01.1997
Diploma - Graphic Design
College Senai Theobaldo de Nigris
Brazil01.1995
Skills
- Adult-learner and multicultural client support & transition counselling
- Cross-cultural communication: Portuguese (native), English (fluent), Spanish (intermediate)
- Student lifecycle advising, needs assessment, intervention planning, client follow-up
- Evidence-based approach: introduction to CBT and resilience frameworks
- Facilitation of individual and group sessions (workshops/orientations)
- Supervisory readiness: collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams, referrals & coordination
- Leadership & team coordination (transferable to practicum supervision context)
- Digital proficiency: Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite
- Guiding newcomers to connect with Canadian community resources and actively participate in the labour market
Languages
Portuguese
English
Spanish
Timeline
International Recruitment and Admission Coordinator
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
07.2019 - Current
Assistant Director of Marketing and Recruitment
Fairleigh Dickinson University
01.2017 - 01.2019
Latin America Marketing Manager
VanWest College
01.2014 - 01.2017
Account Manager and Art Director
Neoideia, Broner D/A and B/Ferraz, SP / Client The Walt Disney Company Brazil
01.2002 - 01.2011
Post-Baccalaureate - Business Administration & Marketing
University of Sao Caetano do Sul (USCS)
Bachelor of Arts - Social Communication
Methodist University (UMESP)
Diploma - Graphic Design
College Senai Theobaldo de Nigris
Master of Arts - Counselling and Psychology
Yorkville University
BC Association of Clinical Counsellors
Knowledge in communication with different cultures, demonstrating cultural humility and respecting differences.