Wanda Conner

I am a youth and family services professional with more than 25 years of experience supporting youth, families, and adult learners in academic, family and personal development. With a Master of Science in Family Studies, I bring a passion for teaching, mentoring, and encouraging students and families to help them reach their greatest potential. I have experience in online student and staff engagement, instructional support, training and coaching using digital platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet.

Throughout the years through my positions as program trainer, program coordinator and program director, I have developed strong verbal and written communication skills. I also possess exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to build meaningful connections with families, youth and major stakeholders.

Director of Prevention Services - Volunteers of America Texas

(2016-01 - 2024-12)

• Mentored and coached youth and families, conducting regular group sessions to monitor progress and provide personalized support.
• Guided students in setting academic, behavioral, and personal goals, tracking progress and celebrating achievements with families.
• Identified early signs of disengagement, applying empathy and timely interventions to keep students motivated and on track.
• Designed and facilitated workshops to teach time management, study skills, and digital learning habits.
• Maintained accurate case documentation of student goals, interventions, and outcomes, ensuring accountability and compliance.
• Served as a liaison for families, providing regular updates, answering questions, and equipping caregivers to support student success.
• Supported retention by building trusted relationships and advocating for student needs.
• Created training curriculum for staff and students, for in-person and virtual delivery.
• Established and implemented staff training strategies; performed continuing in-service training for staff and volunteers to ensure program standards.
• Maintained accurate training records, reports, and administrative documentation in compliance with organization and state requirements.
• Worked with collaborators to obtain feedback on program tools, and student experiences, strengthening overall delivery of services.
• Oversaw program budgets, supplies, and staff performance records as well as overall compliance with state, licensing, and funding standards.

Program Coordinator - Volunteers of America Texas

(2014-01 - 2016-12)

• Facilitated virtual and in person trainings for students, parents, and older adults in the community in life skills, parenting skills, conflict resolution, behavior management, and substance awareness abuse prevention.
• Collaborated with instructors, counselors, and administrators to provide holistic support, addressing academic and personal challenges.
• Celebrated student wins with families, reinforcing motivation and strengthening commitment to learning programs.
• Tracked engagement and satisfaction, using data to improve retention strategies.
• Trained staff and volunteers in youth and family engagement best practices, enhancing overall student support delivery.
• Managed a staff of prevention specialist, creating and coordinating work schedules.
• Provided training, support, feedback and progress reports to staff to improve their overall job performances.

Prevention Specialist - Volunteers of America Texas

(2013-01 - 2014-12)

• Conducted weekly in person classroom instructional group sessions focused on social and emotional development, behavior management, and substance abuse awareness and prevention.
• Provided personal training and support, strengthening learning objectives and personal growth.
• Worked with families to address communication and behavior management challenges to help improve student outcomes.
• Facilitated groups that increased student involvement, and success rates.

M.S. - Family Studies - Amberton University (2026-02)

B.S. - Religion - Liberty University (2023-05)