Kyla Wiggins
Azusa
Summary
Psychology graduate with hands-on experience in mental health support, elder care, and community-based services. Skilled in patient advocacy, research, communication, and crisis intervention. Passionate about supporting underserved communities and continuing training in clinical and forensic psychology. Known for being reliable, empathetic, and driven to make a real impact.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health Program Facilitator
University of Michigan – Mood Lifters Program
08.2024 - 12.2024
• Facilitated peer-led group discussions focused on emotional well-being and mental health awareness.
• Practiced motivational interviewing and active listening to support participant engagement.
• Assisted in delivering evidence-based mental health workshops and skill-building activities.
• Completed 35+ hours of supervised, community-based mental health placement.
• Supported participants through guided reflection, communication skill-building, and evidence-based wellness strategies.
Sales Associate
HomeGoods, TJX Companies
08.2021 - 12.2023
- Followed operational, merchandising, and loss prevention standards to support store safety and efficiency.
- Cross-trained across departments to meet business and customer needs.
- Managed multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Maintained sales floor organization, visual standards, and inventory recovery.
- Delivered high-quality customer service through clear communication and problem-solving.
- Adapted quickly to changing priorities and store demands.
- Collaborated with team members and supervisors to complete daily tasks.
- Provided friendly, efficient service to create positive customer experiences.
Volunteer
Los Angeles Police Museum
06.2019 - 12.2023
• Engaged in community-driven initiatives and public education efforts.
• Organized and participated in food drives to support underserved communities.
• Planned and executed fundraising campaigns to support community initiatives.
• Supported positive community–police relations through outreach and public engagement programs.
Elderly Caretaker
Private Individual
08.2017 - 12.2023
• Provided daily personal care and emotional support for an elderly family member following chemotherapy and open-heart surgery.
• Managed medication administration, mobility support, hygiene care, and activities of daily living.
• Accompanied the patient to medical appointments and supported treatment routines.
• Monitored changes in health and communicated updates to family members and healthcare providers.
• Maintained a safe, compassionate, and structured home care environment.
Volunteer
Union Station Homeless Services
03.2019 - 03.2019
• Prepared and served meals to individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Assisted with kitchen organization and food distribution.
• Supported staff in maintaining a respectful and welcoming environment.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Minor in Crime & Justice
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI08.2025
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA12.2023
Skills
- Research & Analysis: Research Methods, Literature Reviews, Qualtrics Survey Design, Data Analysis
- Technical Tools: SPSS (Basic statistical analysis), Google Suite, Zoom, Canvas
- Communication: Interviewing Techniques, Motivational Interviewing, Crisis Communication, Active Listening
- Community Engagement: Peer-Led Intervention (Mood Lifters), Public Outreach, Team Collaboration
- Soft Skills: Adaptability, Cultural Humility, Emotional Intelligence
- Retail & Workplace: Customer Service Excellence, POS Systems, Inventory Management, Merchandising & Store Presentation
Accomplishments
• Designed and conducted an independent research study in PSYCH 303 using real participants, analyzing psychological responses and presenting findings in a formal research paper.
• Created and delivered a 10-minute academic video presentation examining police brutality and social stigma from the Rodney King case to the George Floyd movement.
• Collaborated with a team to design and present an original social movement project focused on African American social justice and community empowerment.
• Completed hands-on work in mental health and community-based support programs.
• Volunteered with the Los Angeles Police Museum and Union Station Homeless Services, contributing to outreach and food service initiatives.
• Provided long-term caregiving support for a family member with complex medical needs.
Certification
Certificate of Achievement, Martin Luther King Community Coalition Date: 2020-01-20
AWARDS
Dean’s Honors, Pasadena City College, Date: 2021-12-01, Certificate of Recognition, Pasadena Unified School District, Date: 2023-05-23, Certificate of Recognition, Pasadena Alliance of African American School Educators, Date: 2023-05-23, Certificate of Recognition, IB Course, Date: 2021-05-19, Dean’s List Award, Blair School: An International Baccalaureate Programme, Date: 2021-03-18, Special Honors Award, Blair School: An International Baccalaureate Programme, Date: 2021-03-18, Dean’s List Award, Blair School: An International Baccalaureate Programme, Date: 2020-12-13
EXPERIENCE
Keck Medicine of USC, Caretaker of my grandmother, 2017-08-17, Present, Cared for grandmother post-chemotherapy and open-heart surgery due to Angiosarcoma (cancer in the heart)., Administered medication and assisted with daily activities., Supported her during appointments and managed her care.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Mental Health Program Facilitator
University of Michigan – Mood Lifters Program
08.2024 - 12.2024
Sales Associate
HomeGoods, TJX Companies
08.2021 - 12.2023
Volunteer
Los Angeles Police Museum
06.2019 - 12.2023
Volunteer
Union Station Homeless Services
03.2019 - 03.2019
Elderly Caretaker
Private Individual
08.2017 - 12.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Minor in Crime & Justice
University of Michigan
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Pasadena City College