Serena Pollard

I have developed expertise in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, community engagement and teamwork focused practices. I focus on fostering supportive environments that facilitate client growth and community stability. I possess strong leadership, case management, program evaluation, and grant writing skills.

YOUTH PROTECTION COMPLIANCE & POLICY ADVOCATE - UW Compliance and Risk Services

(2025-09 - 2026-06)

• Analyzed system gaps to inform the development of resources and tools to strengthen youth program effectiveness
• Created and distributed evidence‑based guidelines on youth protection, abuse prevention, and youth development
• Advised stakeholders on the implementation of university policies and risk‑mitigation strategies to safeguard youth participants
• Researched best practices for youth protection in higher education to enhance compliance and program improvement

SOCIAL WORK ADVOCATE- TULALIP TRIBAL COURT - UW School of Law

(2024-09 - 2025-06)

• Collaborated with University of Washington law students to advocate for clients within the tribal judicial system
• Regularly attended court proceedings to deepen my understanding of the legal system
• Developed a comprehensive resource manual to guide future attorneys to advocate for rehabilitation over incarceration
• Proactively identified culturally relevant resources to support rehabilitation efforts

IDD CLINICIAN - Sound Mental Health

(2023-03 - 2024-08)

• Served individuals with ID/DD in their homes and communities to facilitate easier access to services
• Developed customized treatment plans for a caseload of 30 ID/DD clients to measure and track client and family goals
• Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions utilizing modalities such as CBT, DBT, CPT, meditation and art therapy
• Collaborated with DCYF, DVR, Seattle Children Hospital and other agencies to establish a comprehensive system of care

LEAD FIELD GUIDE - Evoke Wilderness Therapy Program

(2022-09 - 2023-02)

• Supervised the wellbeing of young adults in crisis during eight-day long shifts in environmentally challenging conditions
• Created varied daily schedules featuring therapeutic activities such as meditation, group therapy, art therapy, and CBT
• Delivered weekly presentations on client progress to update the care team on the client's challenges and milestones
• Managed crisis situations to safely and effectively address self-harm, physical altercations and intergroup conflict

LEAD PRESCHOOL TEACHER - KinderCare Learning Centers

(2021-01 - 2022-08)

• Oversaw a diverse group of 20 children, aged three, effectively addressing their varied physical and emotional needs
• Fostered a supportive and nurturing environment to empower families to seek my assistance with behavioral strategies
• Adapted curriculum to meet diverse learning needs, improving educational and socio-emotional outcomes
• Guided co-teachers with feedback, fostering professional growth and enriching classroom dynamics

Masters of Social Work - Social Work - University of Washington (2026-06)

B.A. - Psychology - University of California Santa Cruz (2021-06)