• Coursework: Health communication theory, social marketing, mental health, epidemiology, campaign design, new media, advertising
• Research Projects: Effects of social support on cancer; Family communication regarding cancer diagnosis; Doctor-patient communication regarding cancer screening for minority women; Social marketing campaign for diabetes patients; Communication practices for college-age females in providing social support to those with disordered eating

Bachelor of Arts, Communication – Michigan State University 09/2004-05/2008

• Coursework: interpersonal, mass media, and organizational communication
•  Cognate: Social science program providing a cross-disciplinary experience in approaching communication

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ComPsych Corporation: FMLASource - Chicago, IL

FMLA Trainer - 2/2012-Present

• Maintain an extensive and constantly updated understanding of federal and state family medical leave laws
• Train all new hires and promotions for the department
• Act as a resource for employees with process, system, and law questions
• Work cohesively with the FMLASource management team to provide new innovations for our department as well as identifying training needs.

FMLA Specialist 12/2010-2/2012

• Assist employees, HR professionals, and healthcare providers in navigating the Family Medical Leave Act.
• Communicate the intricacies of FMLA law to members of public and health sectors.
• Provide excellent customer service in a fast paced call-center environment.
• Work cohesively with the FMLASource team to provide an excellent and well maintained resource system for our clients and their employees.

Douglas J Companies: AVEDA Institutes and Salons - East Lansing, MI and Chicago, IL - 05/2008-Present

Marketing Team Member 

• Work to promote Douglas J Salons at a variety of community events in Michigan
• Assist in fundraising, planning, and execution for corporate philanthropic ventures
• Uphold exceptional standards for customer service in high-end salons as well as family oriented events
• Gaining valuable experience in marketing, sales, and relationship building.

MSU Counseling Center - East Lansing, MI - 08/2009-01/2010

Lead Campaign Coordinator - Internship

• Developed student outreach campaign to increase awareness for services available on campus
• Aided in recruitment and implementation of a volunteer student advisory board for the counseling center
• Designed print and social media awareness materials for mental health initiatives

MSU Department of Communication – East Lansing, MI - 08/2007-05/2010

Course Coordinator - Introduction to Communication and Public Speaking

• Oversaw proper execution of course polices and addressed student and staff concerns
• Created course documents and resources for over 500 students each semester
• Developed and implemented training programs for graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants

Teaching Assistant - Relational Sales and Organizational Communication

•  Presented lectures on course content for groups of students from 20 to 200
• Graded and maintained records for multiple classes and levels of coursework
• Fostered and maintained corporate partnerships with area sales organizations

American Cancer Society - East Lansing, Michigan 09/2006-05/2008

 Intern and Relay for Life Event Chair (2007-2008)

•  Contributed to growth of volunteer planning committee, increasing size and re-organizing structure
• Managed event recruitment, publicity, planning, mission delivery, and survivorship committees
• Planned logistics for 80 team overnight fundraising event with over 1,000 participants

Volunteer Relay for Life Team Development Chair (2006-2007)

•  Implemented team recruitment strategies and facilitated team interactions
• Acted as an information resource for over 60 team captains leading up to the event
• Planned and led biweekly team captain meetings providing guidance and leadership training

OTHER RELATED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

•  Passionate supporter of cancer prevention and awareness: Family member caregiver and dedicated volunteer
• Previous experience with children and youth through childcare, camp counselor, and instructor positions.
•  Proficient in MS office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher) for Macintosh and PC and Social Media for Advertising (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Blogs, YouTube, Digg/StumbleUpon), Typing speed 80 WPM
•  MSU Dance Club: Founder and president of eighty member student run organization promoting dance
• Working knowledge of the Spanish language, pursuing proficiency through Rosetta curriculum