Mary Medina

Bilingual and culturally responsive Spanish Teacher with a Master's in Forensic Psychology, an MSW (in progress), and a Utah Associate Educator License (AEL) eligible for immediate LEA-sponsored renewal upon employment. Certified with professional Spanish fluency via ACTFL standards, meeting state criteria for language proficiency. Expert in designing differentiated lesson plans for both elementary and secondary students.

Balancing foundational language acquisition with deep cultural immersion. Adept at positive classroom management, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and leveraging behavioral expertise to create safe, inclusive, and high-engagement learning environments for diverse age groups.

Social Services Investigator at Salt Lake Legal Defenders Association (2021-01 – 2026-02)

• Conducted comprehensive client and witness interviews, examined legal evidence, preserved crime scenes, and served legal subpoenas for criminal defense cases.
• Provided crisis intervention, mental health support, and behavioral assessments to clients navigating the criminal justice system.
• Drafted rigorous legal and investigative reports and delivered formal, expert testimony in Utah State Courts as required.

Mental Health Peer Support Intern at Latino Behavioral Health Services (2022-05 – 2022-12)

• Facilitated one-on-one peer support and group counseling sessions focused on emotional, psychological, and social well-being for the Hispanic community.
• Utilized culturally competent practices and Spanish language skills to reduce mental health stigmas and deliver psychoeducational resources.

Special Behavior Education Paraeducator at Murray School District (2019-09 – 2021-03)

• Managed inclusive classroom environments for youth groups requiring specialized behavioral modifications and emotional support.
• Collaborated with educators and specialists to implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and promote social-emotional learning (SEL).

Community Outreach Specialist & Program Instructor at Centro de la Familia (non-profit) (2018-11 – 2020-09)

• Partnered with the Mexican Consulate to design and execute educational, literacy, and community development programs for children, youth, and adults.
• Delivered bilingual instruction and successfully connected vulnerable families to critical local, state, and educational resources.

Civics and Citizenship Tutor at International Rescue Committee (IRC) (2018-12 – 2019-10)

• Instructed refugee and immigrant populations in civics, history, and language structures necessary to pass the U.S. Naturalization exam.

Mail Services Specialist & Clerical Support at Salt Lake Community College (2016-06 – 2019-11)

• Managed domestic and international logistics, including confidential campus documents, inter-campus memos, and official regulatory flyers.
• Delivered high-quality customer service, handled phone routing, and executed office administration tasks.

Legal Aid Department Intern (CO-OP) at Utah State Court (2016-06 – 2016-09)

• Reviewed daily court dockets, audited legal documents, and assisted clients in completing complex electronic and physical court filings.

Specialist III at Social Security Administration (2014-01 – 2016-06)

• Processed federal applications for Social Security records, maintained sensitive file distribution under strict privacy compliance, and drafted internal administrative memorandums.

Master of Social Work in Social Work – University of Utah (2028-05)

Master of Science in Forensic Psychology – Grand Canyon University (2025-05)

Bachelor of Social Work in Social Work – University of Utah (2022-05)

Associate of Applied Science in Legal Studies / Paralegal – Salt Lake Community College (2018-05)