Denisse LaVigna-Cuellar

SKILLS

Languages: Native Spanish and English speaker, Intermediate Portuguese and Italian speaker. 

Technical Skills: Microsoft Suite applications, R-code, Google applications, Media Managing

Other Skills: Data analysis, Problem solving, Professional Development, Adaptability and Resilience, Attention to detail, Project Coordination and Management, Team Leadership, Cross-cultural skills, Interpersonal Skills, Teaching, Diversity and Inclusion training, Multilingual

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Foreign Language Introduction Program (FLIP)                                                                                       Ithaca, NY

Administrative Assistant/Program Manager August 2023 – August 2024

• Currently leading interactive language and cultural classrooms for K-12 students in diverse settings, promoting cultural competence and fostering an inclusive environment.
• Overseeing the recruitment, training, and mentorship of teachers that are Cornell students and Fulbright exchange students in Cornell’s Humphrey Fellowship Program, focusing on developing their leadership skills and enhancing multicultural awareness.
• Designed and developed educational materials and activities tailored to the needs and proficiency levels of students, ensuring comprehensive language acquisition.
• Fostering inclusion and awareness around multicultural education and taking a culturally responsive approach to teaching students
• Providing administrative support with teachers through weekly mentoring sessions to resolve challenges and ensure a motivated and engaged team; Co-facilitate weekly preparatory meetings before each teaching session

Cornell University Human Ecology Admissions Office                                                                              Ithaca, NY

Ambassador February 2022 – May 2024

• Leading recruitment and activities for incoming students and their families, organizing student file
• Serving as liaison between CHE Office of Admissions and prospective students and their families; answering calls/emails; schedule and coordinate meetings

Cornell Research: Adolescent Transitions Lab                                                                                           Ithaca, NY

Research Assistant Aug 2021 – May 2024

• Researched different aspects of adolescent development such as puberty, it’s early-life antecedents, and laying groundwork for future adjustments
• Facilitated discussions regarding developmental psychopathology; performed literature reviews of recent work in the field

CIEE English Classes Amsterdam, Netherlands

English-Dutch Teacher  January 2023 – June 2023

• Effectively communicated with Dutch students, understanding and respecting cultural differences to facilitate learning.
• Developed lesson plans and taught English to elementary and middle school students, adapting teaching methods to suit diverse learning styles.
• Incorporated educational technology tools and resources into lessons to enhance learning outcomes and student engagement, such as interactive language learning.
• Incorporated cultural elements into lesson plans to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of both English and Dutch languages and cultures.

George Mason University Research: Social Skills, Imagination, and Theatre Lab Fairfax, VA

Research Intern                                                                                                                     June 2022 – December 2022

• Researched children’s social and emotional understanding through observation of their involvement in art/fiction
• Transcribed 186 videos of children playing video games to assess creativity when performing tasks
• Recruited and tested over 100 participants for behavioral assessments
• Coded videos of acting classes to explore their psychological foundations

Age-Design Education                                                                                                     Ithaca, NY

Teacher January 2024 – August 2024

• Worked collaboratively with colleagues at BJM Elementary school to develop age-friendly playground designs that meet the needs and desires of the children.
• Encouraged children to express their ideas and preferences for playground structures, fostering creativity and innovation in the design process.
• Successfully managed the process of outlining a playground design project, including planning, coordination, and execution of activities within a specified timeframe.
• Designed and delivered educational activities to engage children in thinking about design principles and the importance of age-friendly structures.
• Effectively communicated findings, recommendations, and design concepts to stakeholders, including school administration, teachers, and students, through reports, presentations, and other mediums.

Ithaca High School                                                                                                   Ithaca, NY

Teacher Assistant                                                                               January 2022 -  March 2022      

• Implemented childhood behavioral research strategies to address students' psychological, sociological, physical, and emotional needs in the classroom.
• Collaborated with local educators and school staff to coordinate lesson activities and support students' academic development.
• Maintained discipline and created a positive learning environment conducive to student engagement and participation.
• Adjusted teaching strategies based on student needs and feedback, demonstrating flexibility in response to evolving classroom dynamics.

OTHER EXPERIENCE

EARS (Empathy, Assistance, and Referral Services)                                                           Ithaca, NY

Peer Volunteer                                                                                                                           January 2022- May 2022

• Trained in comprehensive peer listening, communication, and support skills
• Utilized empathy skills to address people’s problems
• Help students on campus feel less lonely

CIEE Amsterdam  Amsterdam, Netherlands

Media Manager February 2023 – June 2023

• Supervised media publications and analyzed audience feedback
• Advised program directors on expanding audience interaction outside the Netherlands
• Strategized outreach methods to market the program’s educational and international benefits

EDUCATION

Cornell University Ithaca, NY

Bachelor of Science in Human Development August 2021 - May 2024

• GPA: 3.5 / 4.0 | Dean’s List Recipient Spring 2021, Fall 2022, Fall 2023
• Best Courses: Psychology and Law, HR Management, Statistics and Research Design, Psychology of Education, Children's Law and Policy, Childhood and Infancy, Moral Development, Language and Thought, Risk and Opportunity Factors in Childhood and Adolescence

University of Amsterdam - CIEE Alumni (Spring 2023) Amsterdam, Netherlands

Best Courses: International Management, Psychology of Motivation, Cross-Cultural Psychology, Race and Ethnicity, Youth Interventions: Theory, Research and Practice