Chris Valdez

Provide one-on-one and small-group support for students with IEPs, adapting instruction and materials based on individual learning needs and goals

Collaborate daily with classroom teachers, specialists, and behavior teams to implement accommodations, track progress, and maintain consistency in support

Assist with communication, regulation, and sensory needs, using strategies tailored to each student’s strengths and challenges

Maintain a calm, supportive presence during high-stress or escalated situations, following behavior intervention plans and de-escalation techniques

Help create a classroom environment that is structured, inclusive, and supportive of both academic and social-emotional growth

Monitor student engagement and independence, providing just-right levels of assistance while encouraging self-advocacy and participation

Plan and lead daily afterschool programming for middle school students,balancing academic support with creative enrichment activities

Develop original lesson plans and clubs that reflect student interests, including media critique, photography, cooking, and cultural exploration

Create a safe, welcoming environment by building strong relationships with students and responding to challenges with consistency and care

Support site operations by stepping into leadership roles when needed,mentoring new staff, and maintaining clear communication with school partners

Contribute to site problem-solving and logistics, including improving internal systems (e.g., bathroom tracking, activity planning, student transitions)

Regularly incorporate feedback from students, coworkers, and supervisors to adjust programming and better meet student needs

Established strong rapport with student mentees to encourage model student behavior, address obstacles at the intersection of personal and academic life, and provide the connection to additional student support services

Answered student inquiries regarding navigating the Canada College campus,campus student support services, and relationships with professors

Determined students’ unmet needs and areas of opportunity to collaborate with faculty in establishing measurable plans of action to aid students in meeting their academic, personal, and professional goals

Worked closely with the Learning Center, STEM Center, and TRIO staff in providing solutions to obstacles hindering the academic growth and careers of student mentees

Served as a reoccurring panelist and public speaker for campus events and student support service outreach events such as Connect to College and the High School Counselor & Community Partner Forum

Organized campus student outreach events and workshops while coordinating with campus faculty and administration in arranging logistics, providing hands- on technological support, and facilitating campus community engagement

Provided confidential support as a mandated reporter and completed Canada Assessment, Response and Evaluation of Students (CARES) reports in adherence with student employee guidelines to provide preventative support to mentees facing crises

Created the Lyft Initiative in collaboration with the Associated Students of Canada College while performing data and financial analysis to assess the success and long-term feasibility of providing transportation assistance to students