JACKELINE GAITAN-ALARCON
Santa Ana
Summary
Dedicated educator with 19 years of experience, delivering holistic and culturally responsive support to students and families. Fluent in Spanish and deeply committed to advocacy, I specialize in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and developing strong school-community partnerships to foster student achievement. Passionate about helping every student feel seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Community Facilitator
Newport-Mesa Unified School District
Costa Mesa
01.2017 - Current
- Launched and led five district-wide programs enhancing mental health and student well-being for over 500 families annually.
- Mentored 22 School Community Facilitators in cultural responsiveness and professionalism to build trust district-wide.
- Achieved 30% annual increase in ELAC/DELAC participation, strengthening family-school partnerships.
- Coordinated community initiatives and managed volunteer teams to foster parental involvement among hesitant families.
- Provided Spanish translation at 100+ events, ensuring clear communication for diverse families.
- Led focus groups designed to solicit input from various stakeholders about potential changes or improvements needed in the school community.
- Advocated for McKinney-Vento students and EL families through effective outreach and referral systems.
- Analyzed survey data to identify community improvement areas and developed educational materials for workshops.
School Counselor Intern – Elementary (Wilson Elementary School)
Newport-Mesa Unified School District
Costa Mesa
06.2023 - 06.2024
- Delivered academic and social-emotional support to diverse TK–6 student population.
- Provided individual and group counseling using solution-focused and person-centered strategies.
- Supported English learners and newcomers with emotional assistance and language development.
- Facilitated positive behavior interventions, responding effectively to student crises with trauma-informed care.
- Participated in SST, IEP, and 504 plan meetings to implement personalized intervention strategies.
- Engaged parents through culturally responsive outreach and bilingual communication.
- Collaborated with teachers to support student behavioral and academic needs.
- Assisted in developing and implementing school-wide mental health initiatives.
- Coordinated communication between parents, teachers, and administration regarding student progress.
- Participated in staff meetings to discuss student concerns and share resources.
- Promoted parent and teacher partnerships and communications to support students educational goals.
School Counselor Intern – Secondary (Estancia High School)
Newport-Mesa Unified School District
Costa Mesa
06.2023 - 06.2024
- Supported high school students' college and career readiness, including FAFSA support and A-G planning.
- Provided group and individual counseling addressing mental health, identity, family dynamics, and academic motivation.
- Led and co-organized college and career fairs, classroom guidance lessons, and student presentations.
- Collaborated with SART, SARB, and McKinney-Vento teams to support students facing attendance and housing challenges.
- Strengthened family-school partnerships through DELAC, ELAC events, and community resource connections.
- Advocated for at-promise students by implementing culturally responsive counseling, and equity-based programming.
- Provided resources and referrals for community services to students and families.
- Monitored students academic progress, mental health, and sociability through ongoing individual assessments.
- Followed-up with outside mental health service providers to coordinate in-school support.
- Attended school functions such as assemblies or sporting events to support a positive school climate.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed including suicide prevention techniques.
- Advocated for students by attending IEP meetings and communicating with outside agencies as needed.
- Advocated for equitable access by coordinating referrals to mental health providers, food banks, and rental assistance, enhancing family stability and well-being.
- Co-taught and provided direct counseling support in Summer and Saturday Language Academies, building connections with over 150 students and contributing to higher attendance, graduation rates, and postsecondary enrollment.
Bilingual Instructional Assistant (Elementary to High School)
Newport-Mesa Unified School District
Costa Mesa
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Delivered instructional and language support to over 300 English learners, fostering academic growth and confidence.
- Promoted peer collaboration and emotional development through group activities and positive relationship-building.
- Built strong, culturally responsive connections with students and families, supporting academic and social-emotional needs.
- Collaborated to implement individualized learning plans and create an inclusive, supportive environment.
- Developed a positive rapport with students, effectively managing classroom behavior, while promoting an inclusive learning environment.
Second-Class Officer
National Police of Peru
Arequipa/Lima
01.1999 - 01.2005
- Led Office of Civic Engagement for four years, spearheading over 10 school safety programs and community outreach initiatives.
- Collaborated with district administrators to deliver 20 workshops on safety, gang prevention, and good citizenship.
- Championed police department initiatives promoting folkloric dance, resulting in two consecutive victories at the Community Engagement School Dance Competition.
- Investigated over 100 domestic violence cases, providing critical support and resources to victims.
- Responded daily to emergencies, demonstrating strong crisis management and effective problem-solving skills.
Education
M.Ed. - School Counseling
Concordia University Irvine
Irvine, CA01.2024
B.S. - Human Services, Mental Health concentration
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA01.2022
Technical Degree - Police Sciences
National Police School of Peru (EESTP-PNP)
Lima, Peru01.1999
Skills
- Student and Parent Trust Building
- Parent Engagement Program Facilitation
- Staff Training & Mentoring
- Spanish Interpretation & Translation
- Trauma-Informed Counseling
- Equity & Access for Underserved Populations
Certification
- Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential – Concordia University, 2024
- Child Welfare and Attendance (CWA) Credential – Concordia University, 2024
- Certified Community Interpreter (Education, Health & Human Services) – 2018
Languages
Bilingual: Spanish & English
Awards
OCDE Special Education Services Award, 2024, Most Compassionate Instructor, NMUSD SLA, 2018, Diploma of Honor for Outstanding Police Intervention, PNP, 2000 & 2005, Diploma of Honor – Second Place in Table of Merit, PNP, 1999
Volunteer Experience
- Scouts BSA Troop 606, Board of Review Coordinator, Irvine, CA, 2024, Present
- Whittier Elementary, Student Supervision Volunteer, Costa Mesa, CA, 2006
Affiliations
American School Counselor Association (ASCA) – Member, 2022–Present
INVITED TALKS
“In Their Own Words: EL Students Share Their Stories – My Journey as an English Learner” Newport-Mesa USD District DELAC | December 11, 2024
Timeline
School Counselor Intern – Elementary (Wilson Elementary School)
Newport-Mesa Unified School District
06.2023 - 06.2024
School Counselor Intern – Secondary (Estancia High School)
Newport-Mesa Unified School District
06.2023 - 06.2024
School Community Facilitator
Newport-Mesa Unified School District
01.2017 - Current
Bilingual Instructional Assistant (Elementary to High School)
Newport-Mesa Unified School District
01.2008 - 01.2012
Second-Class Officer
National Police of Peru
01.1999 - 01.2005
M.Ed. - School Counseling
Concordia University Irvine
B.S. - Human Services, Mental Health concentration
California State University, Fullerton
Technical Degree - Police Sciences
National Police School of Peru (EESTP-PNP)
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