Victoria Mello
Lafayette
Summary
Dynamic professional with strong problem-solving abilities and a commitment to continuous learning, complemented by exceptional communication skills. Eager to drive team success and deliver impactful results while embracing new challenges. Dedicated to advancing organizational objectives with enthusiasm and a proactive approach, fostering collaboration and innovation in every endeavor.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education ELA Inclusion Teacher
Lafayette Parish School Board
07.2025 - Current
- Collaborated in co-teaching middle school ELA within inclusion setting, delivering differentiated instruction for students with diverse learning needs.
- Developed individualized education plans to accommodate diverse learning needs.
- Executed IEP accommodations and modifications alongside specially designed instruction to enhance student access to grade-level curriculum.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance educational strategies and student support.
- Monitored academic performance and utilized assessment data to refine instruction and interventions.
- Facilitated small-group and personalized assistance in enhancing reading, writing, and comprehension abilities.
- Oversaw special education documentation and participated in IEP meetings, contributing to progress reports and compliance standards.
Adjunct Instructor
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
08.2024 - Current
- Developed course materials and curricula to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Delivered lectures that fostered critical thinking and encouraged active participation among students.
- Modification of teaching methods to address class needs
- Development of a teaching philosophy
- Developed curriculum for introductory courses in forensic psychology and criminal justice. Presented victimology course material, examining the experiences and challenges faced by victims. Provided instruction in foundational concepts of forensic psychology, criminal justice, and victimology.
Legal Advocate
Faith House
11.2023 - 07.2025
- Aids survivors in comprehending rights regarding acquisition of orders of protection and procedures for handling violations
- Readies survivors for court testimony and attends court with survivors in the absence of an advocate.
- Communicates with DCFS hotline to ensure report has been logged in situations where children witness violence to maintain child security.
- Facilitated support groups, fostering a safe environment for healing and empowerment.
- Provided crisis intervention support to individuals in high-stress situations, ensuring safety and emotional stability.
- Policy advocacy
- Coordinate with staff attorney to empower survivors
- Collaborated with community organizations to enhance support services for clients facing legal challenges.
- Established protocols for documentation and case tracking to enhance operational efficiency.
- Engaged in public speaking initiatives to raise awareness of legal rights among underserved populations.
- Developed strong relationships with local service providers, allowing for efficient referrals and collaborative efforts as necessary.
Survivor Advocate
Faith House
04.2023 - 11.2023
- Advocated for survivors' rights, ensuring access to essential services and resources.
- Provided crisis intervention support to individuals in high-stress situations, ensuring safety and emotional stability.
- Aids survivors in comprehending rights regarding acquisition of orders of protection and procedures for handling violations
- Prepares survivor for court testimony and provides support during court appearance
- Connects survivors with counseling support groups and financial aid resources for enhanced support
- Engages with DCFS hotline to ensure accurate report filing when children witness violent occurrences, enhancing protection for children.
- Facilitated support groups, fostering a safe environment for healing and empowerment.
Intake Coordinator
Faith House
02.2022 - 04.2023
- Completed intake assessment forms and filed survivors' charts.
- Managed intake process for survivors, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with organizational policies.
- Coordinated communication between clients, staff, and external agencies to facilitate service access.
- Developed and maintained client databases, improving data integrity and retrieval efficiency.
- Streamlined intake procedures, reducing processing time and enhancing client satisfaction.
- Trained new staff on intake protocols and software systems, fostering team competency and collaboration.
- Led outreach initiatives to promote services, increasing community awareness and client engagement.
- Ensured confidentiality of sensitive information in accordance with legal standards and best practices.
Crisis Intervention Advocate
Faith House
10.2021 - 02.2022
- Provided crisis intervention support to individuals in high-stress situations, ensuring safety and emotional stability.
- Collaborated with community resources to develop comprehensive support plans for clients in need.
- Educated clients on available resources, enhancing their ability to make informed choices during crises.
- Trained and mentored new staff members on effective crisis response techniques and best practices.
- Assessed client needs through active listening, fostering trust and rapport in challenging circumstances.
- Enhanced client safety by conducting thorough risk assessments and creating personalized safety plans.
- Assisted clients in securing emergency shelter placements, providing immediate relief from dangerous environments.
- Delivered trauma-informed care to clients, promoting healing and fostering resilience.
Education
Ph.D. - Forensic Psychology
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN08-2028
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Lafayette, LA08-2022
Bachelor of General Studies - Behavioral Sciences
University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Lafayette, LA12-2019
Skills
- Mental health awareness and trauma-informed care
- Equity-focused perspective
- Effective communication skills and training delivery
- Effective prioritization abilities
- Social justice, legal, and victim advocacy at various levels
- Teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Analytical problem-solving
- Ensuring confidentiality in client interactions
Timeline
Special Education ELA Inclusion Teacher
Lafayette Parish School Board
07.2025 - Current
Adjunct Instructor
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
08.2024 - Current
Legal Advocate
Faith House
11.2023 - 07.2025
Survivor Advocate
Faith House
04.2023 - 11.2023
Intake Coordinator
Faith House
02.2022 - 04.2023
Crisis Intervention Advocate
Faith House
10.2021 - 02.2022
Ph.D. - Forensic Psychology
Walden University
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Louisiana At Lafayette
Bachelor of General Studies - Behavioral Sciences
University of Louisiana At Lafayette