Melissa Benton Email & Phone Number

-Provide library resources, programs, and services, primarily outside of the branches, to culturally diverse populations throughout the District. Plan and implement programs and provide programming support.-Plan and facilitate Spanish / English Bilingual Storytimes for Pre-K and elementary school children at community locations.-Demonstrate positive.

Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

-Supported 40 highly-engaged volunteer "ESL Mentors" serving as language and cultural facilitators to intermediate and advanced English Language Learners.-Organized virtual and in-person volunteer training workshops and quarterly English learner presentation events as the culmination of learners' project-based activities. Coordinated guest speakers and.

Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

-Designed and facilitated "Nature at Your Doorstep" after-school enrichment activity for 2nd and 3rd grade students.-Sparked student curiosity through hands-on activities such as making seed bombs, bird feeders, bee hotels, and bird houses.-Utilized online resources made available through the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas, Cornell University Bird Lab.

Cape Verde, West Africa

• Served as a Community Development Specialist with the UN funded “Project for the Consolidation of the Protected Areas of Cape Verde” in partnership with the Cape Verdean government. Designed programs to ensure that.
• Co-authored a Portuguese language socio-economic report impacting program priorities. Researched relevant data and created a Community Assessment Questionnaire. Trained and supported 24 Cape Verdean employees.
• Initiated partnerships with 7 schools to launch an environmental education program emphasizing hands-on learning, critical thinking skills and environmental stewardship. Overcame challenges related to scarce resources.
• Collaborated with community associations to organize town hall meetings, commemorative events surrounding environmentally themed days, theater presentation, and interpretive sessions customized for participants of.
• Supported the parks' ecology team in the design and application of a community-based program for the protection of two critically endangered plant species.
• Designed and implemented secondary projects, many of which focused on developing opportunities for women and girls. Wrote grant proposals and received international and/or local funding for 7 programs. Responsible for.

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

• Developed relationships with area business leaders in order to connect employers with appropriate Workforce Development services.
• Increased utilization of the WorkKeys assessment tool by presenting to chamber of commerce groups, industry sector groups, individual company representatives and academic institutions.
• Created and distributed marketing pieces including e-newsletters, brochures, and success stories. Maintained listserv.

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

• Identified lags in efficiency and implemented new record keeping systems for improved organization and accuracy.
• Composed reports outlining use of funds, services rendered, and populations served.
• Monitored compliance with federal regulations and local funding stipulations.
• Implemented organizational changes in accordance with Civil Rights Compliance Regulations (EO, LEP), and translated vital documents into Spanish.
• Created a community needs assessment questionnaire to assist in determining agency program priorities.

Bancroft, WI

• Presented English language lessons through bilingual instruction (English / Spanish) to migrant farm workers.
• Assessed students' needs, created targeted lessons, and documented improvement through pre/post-testing and dialogue with students.

Greater St. Louis Area

• Achieved Certification as a "Community Action Professional" by demonstrating leadership in the field of Community Development
• Coordinated and hosted county-wide job fairs attracting a four-fold increase in participating employers.
• Increased program recruitment through advertising campaigns including press releases, television and radio appearances, creation of listserv, and improved marketing materials. Composed success stories for publication.
• Developed relationships with more than 200 area community partners fostering better communication and increased appropriate referrals.
• Identified and implemented procedural and contractual adjustments resulting in a 300% funding increase during the course of one year.
• Composed and presented 15-hr job readiness curriculum tailored to the unique needs of single mothers, homeless individuals, ex-offenders, and job seekers with significant barriers to employment.

St. Louis, Missouri

• Interpreted spoken Spanish < > English in medical settings. Retained professional tone and accuracy in interpretation through careful word choice.
• Maintained a high standard of confidentiality and adherence to HIPAA regulations.
• Completed a 40-hr “Bridging the Gap” Medical Interpreter training as well as a 36-hr Mental Health Interpreter Certificate Program

Greater St. Louis Area

• Created and presented English Language instruction to learners of a wide range of cultural / linguistic backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and ages (17-85).
• Participated in the creation and piloting of the Missouri Adult Learner Content Standards; Created a matrix of life skills relevant to Adult Basic Education and determined corresponding English language capacities by.