Karis Herndon
Sun Valley
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in residential life at Native American Christian Academy, excelling in counseling and community outreach. Proven ability to foster relationships and enhance resident acclimation, while implementing safety protocols and crisis prevention strategies. Multilingual communicator adept at engaging diverse populations and building strong, supportive environments. Resourceful Residential Director known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Specialize in strategic planning, operational management, and team leadership. Excel in communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, ensuring smooth operation of residential facilities and well-being of residents. Committed to fostering supportive environments and achieving organizational goals through collaborative efforts. Compassionate professional in the field of residential guidance, known for high productivity and efficiency in task completion. Possess specialized skills in conflict resolution, program development, and community building. Excel in empathy, communication, and leadership, ensuring positive outcomes in diverse living environments.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Residential Director
Native American Christian Academy
Sun Valley
08.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with teachers to integrate educational activities into residential life.
- Fostered relationships with residents and worked with new residents to optimize acclimation and ease transition to new living environment.
- Instructed staff and residents regarding routine procedures to maintain sanitary and healthy environment.
- Communicated with students' parents and guardians, while many were involved with Child Protective Services and/or on probation.
- Provided guidance, counseling, and support to residents in need of assistance.
- Conducted regular inspections of properties to ensure safety standards were met.
- Organized community events such as holiday parties, potlucks, movie nights.
University Representative Admissions
Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais
12.2024 - 05.2025
- Provided detailed information about academic programs and campus resources.
- Due to my fluency in two other languages, I was in charge of tours and enrollment processes for families whose first language was not English.
- Collaborated with faculty to enhance student outreach initiatives.
- I attended conferences and assemblies to bring in other student prospects from around the country.
Safe House Volunteer
Open Door Foundation
10.2019 - 05.2023
Open Door Foundation was our number one outreach program during our time serving in Romania. In Bucharest, Romania, the Nazarene Church runs a safe house for survivors of human trafficking. We take care of education for the mothers, purchase necessities for the infants that come with them, and give them the best opportunity for a better life.
Education
Social Work
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, INSkills
- Counseling techniques
- Resident relations
- Team building
- Conflict resolution
- Community outreach
- Project management
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Professionalism
- Residential Life Experience
- Behavioral intervention plans
- Relationship building
- Safety protocols
- Staff communication
- Mental health disorders
- Language learning
- Crisis prevention intervention
- Care plan management
Affiliations
- On a weekly basis I am in charge of our community food bank, based at Native American Christian Academy. I oversee the organization of our ministry, and connect new visitors to our food bank.
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Italian
Professional
Romanian
Professional
Timeline
University Representative Admissions
Olivet Nazarene University
12.2024 - 05.2025
Residential Director
Native American Christian Academy
08.2024 - Current
Safe House Volunteer
Open Door Foundation
10.2019 - 05.2023
Social Work
Indiana Wesleyan University