VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

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VOLUNTEER WORK

Summary

The following experiences relevant to the healthcare profession not only helped develop me professionally, but also built a solid foundation of compassion, integrity, and humility upon which I have established my character. These experiences drove me to find my passion in helping others and ultimately guided me toward dedicating my career to promoting the health and well-being of those in my back yard as well as those internationally.

Farm Worker Family Health Program: Moultrie, GA

Two weeks, Summer 2012

Participated in Emory's annual program dedicated to delivering high-quality health care to migrant and seasonal farm workers and their families in rural Georgia. I conducted well-child checks to school-aged children and infants and provided episodic care to adults utilizing my Spanish speaking skills. Emphasized injury and illness prevention particularly related to occupational hazards. Worked at community-based health center providing care to women.

Community of Advanced Practice Nurses: Atlanta, GA

Fall 2011

Volunteered at this free clinic that provides free physical, mental, and preventive health care to homeless and medically underserved individuals and families in Metropolitan Atlanta. Worked with Nurse Practitioners to provide primary care with an emphasis on mental health screening and intervention.

Kangaroo Mother Care Program: San Fracisco de Macoris, Dominican Republic

3 weeks over spring and summer 2011

2010 - present

Collaborated with local hospital in an initiative to improve birth outcomes and expand knowledge about maternal-infant care in this USAID-funded effort. Emphasis was placed on implementing a Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) program for low-birthweight infants. Conducted pilot study of community-based postpartum follow up of KMC infants and presented findings in Spanish to hospital, community, and university members.

Gateway Center Homeless Shelter: Atlanta, GA

Summer 2010

2010 - present

Planned and implemented health education and art therapy activities for homeless men. Assessed the needs of this unique population and created individualized sessions addressing specific concerns. Formally evaluated program demonstrating significant increase in health education. The Gateway is designed to serve as a "gateway" to the community continuum of care that helps individuals move out of homelessness.

Amigos for Christ: Chinandega, Nicaragua

6 weeks over Summers 2003, 2004, 2005

Volunteered and interned for this organization based in Buford, GA dedicated to serving destitute populations in Nicaragua, especially those displaced by hurricane Mitch. I participated in various community development projects including home and school construction, water well drilling, and agricultural development. I also helped create and perform an informational skit for school children about infectious disease in an effort to reduce the incidence of infection.

Appalachia Volunteers: Hurley, VA & New Orleans, LA

4 weeks between 9/2005 - 12/2007

Participated in four trips through this entirely student-run organization of Boston College that sends students throughout impoverished areas of the Appalachia region of the United States. The Hurley, VA trip focused on community development and improvement programs while we assisted hurricane Katrina victims during the three subsequent trips I made to New Orleans. As a leader of the final trip, I managed a group of 20 volunteers, planned daily activities and group reflections, organized transportation, and maintained communication with the New Orleans community.

Casa Nueva Vida Homeless Shelter: Jamaica Plain, MA

9/2004 - 5/2005

Casa Nueva Vida is a homeless shelter for Hispanic women and children. Besides providing a safe and nurturing place for individuals and families to live, it also provides professional training including English and Computer classes, excursions for families, and child-care enabling women to work. I spent fourteen hours weekly for a year assisting with English instruction and caring for the children.

Boston College Neighborhood Center: Brighton, MA

9/2005 - 5/2006

As a teacher in this organization's English as a Second Language program for underserved populations, I planned and implemented weekly lessons for adults of various nationalities. In this way, I equipped them with the fundamental language skills to live successful lives in the United States. I subsequently utilized the skills and tools I gained in this experience as an individual English tutor during my semester abroad in Spain.