Branch Manager

• Oct 2021 - Present

Personal and Professional Development Advisor

• Jun 2012 - Oct 2021

Assessed client’s values, interests, abilities, and skills advising on veteran employment and education opportunities. Coordinated Skill Bridge Program: connecting training programs to Camp Lejeune leading to employment opportunities for military service members or military spouses. Developed case management system using Microsoft Access programing and trained management and colleagues how to use the case management system. Trained with expert knowledge new P&PD Advisors how to navigate, comprehend, and communicate the E-benefits website on veteran benefit programs. Advised veterans and transitioning service members on eligibility of their state veteran benefits, Veteran Affairs benefits and non-profit organizations. Connected active duty, retirees, and veterans to state veteran benefit programs, federal veteran programs, and non-profit veteran organizations ensuring a warm handoff and seamless transition into a program. Developed a financial budget with clients providing resources to mitigate any financial readiness concerns. Liaised with military commanders to promote the Transition Readiness Seminar and Advising services. Conducted outreach briefs with large and small audiences to cross-generational groups with diverse attendees explaining in-service opportunities and Transition Readiness Branch services. Developed individual strategies to equip clients with necessary job search skills and employment preparation: internet resources, resume writing, and mock interview exercises. Determined eligibility for veteran financial aid programs utilizing on-line programs and financial planning. Played an instrumental role in the development of the Transition Readiness Program from a temporary program to a permanent program. Promoted academic and career as well as personal and social development and promote informed choices of clients.

Personal & Professional Development Advisor Supervisor, Transition Readiness Branch, MCAS New River

• Apr 2019 - Apr 2020

Change management Supervisor that brought significant changes to the Transition Readiness Program at MCAS New River. Improved processes and decreased flex time hours needed while increasing responsibilities and empowering the team. Improved the processes, through changing MCAS TRS employees scheduling for teaching classes, this change reduced the requirement of flex time and improved morale and empowered the employees. Was responsible for the training of the new Tap Assistant and providing on-the-job-training during the onboarding process. Assisted the Transition Readiness Branch with transitioning to an all on line virtual classroom during the COVID – 19 Pandemic. Provided career coaching to Service Members of varying ranks from E-1 to E-9 and CWO 2 to CWO 4, and O-2 to O-6. These careers ranged from entry level work to Executive Management. Extensive knowledge of individual state education benefits, federal education benefits, and veteran education benefits. Reduced the number of flex hours incurred and increased MCAS New River ability by 61% by adding 11 additional TRS weeks. This increased our number of students by 271%. I accomplished this with monthly meetings and discussions with the TRB leadership team to establish and execute new procedures and policies at MCAS New River. Created a Unit Transition Coordinator and Command Designee training calendar increasing our ability to train effectively and meet the requirement set by Head Quarters Marine Corps. Assigned with reopening the Stone Bay TRS office with a New River Advisor, this opens opportunities for Marines and Sailors and their families to receive our services. Recovered multiple hours of compensatory time taken by multiple employees during the work week. Through complex adjustments to the instruction schedule I took an active approach to ensuring the TRB needs were met along with ensuring employees needs are met.

Academic Advisor

• Apr 2011 - Jun 2012

Counseled active duty and reserve Marines, Navy, Coast Guard and their family members to achieve academic goals. Advised students on academic goals, degree plans, processed applications, reviewed transcripts, prepared tuition assistance requests, and prepared student schedules during course registration. Functioned as Veterans Affairs Advisor counseling veterans and active duty members on GI Bill benefits. Served as Financial Aid Advisor counseling all students on multiple avenues to finance education. Conducted new student orientation briefs at off-campus sites providing students valuable information about Coastal Carolina Community College main campus and off-campus site assets.

Career Planner

• Sep 2000 - Apr 2011

Lead organizational workforce control manager for over 25,000 Marines. Maintained strict staffing control measures set by Headquarters, Marine Corps (HQMC) and the Department of Defense. Advised service members and commanders on the manning levels, opportunities, and goals set by HQMC • Conducted primary military occupational specialty (MOS) interviews with well over 500 candidates to ensure the candidate was best suited for the position. Exceeded established retention goals on a consistent basis.• Generated and managed monthly reports in Microsoft Excel tracking reenlistments, extensions, special duty assignments, career planning interviews, and permanent change of stations orders.• Allocated annual travel budget of approximately $5K a year which previously did not exist, creating the opportunity for individualized mentorship to the 10 Career Planners and Commanding Officers.• Designed the Regimental Substance Abuse Counseling Officer program scheduling training, urinalysis coordination, reviewing rules and regulations, and scheduling rehabilitation services. Presented engaging classes, including the use of “drunk goggles” to demonstrate the dangers of driving while impaired. Results of these briefs were an overall reduction in the instances of DUIs and DWIs within the organization.• Supervised and monitored performance of 4 Career Planners providing guidance, mentoring, and training.• Coordinated with organizations for information, location and possible interview and screening of possible candidates to become a Career Planner.• Considered as the leading subject matter expert “Career Planner” at MCRD Parris Island due to extensive knowledge and building personal relationships throughout the U.S. Marine Corps.