JESSICA CIERA-NICOLE TORBENSON
Moorhead,MN
Summary
Highly disciplined May 2026 Honors Graduate with a double major in Liberal Arts & Sciences and American Sign Language (ASL). Achieved consistent academic excellence with a GPA of 3.8–4.0, Earning repeated placement on the President’s List. Seeking a professional role within the Minot community that utilizes my expertise in ASL, Special Education (SPED) advocacy, and healthcare. A dedicated leader and "Case Manager" by experience, specializing in bridging communication gaps for neurodiverse populations and providing high-standard medical and educational advocacy.
Motivational Advocate successful in maintaining direct contact with over 1 student to develop action plans for academic success. Well-versed in assisting students in developing class schedules, and encouraging academic improvement.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
EDUCATIONAL ADVOCATE
- Specialized ASD Support
- Directly navigated complex IEP systems, educational placements, and insurance requirements for my own child with severe autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams (teachers, therapists, and administrators) to ensure federal compliance and student-centered support.
- Expertise in translating clinical and educational jargon into actionable support plans.
HEALTHCARE ADVOCATE & CNA
- Hospice & Memory Care Specialist
- Provided dedicated support for patients with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, focusing on specialized communication and behavioral needs.
- Collaborated alongside Hospice teams to deliver compassionate end-of-life care, prioritizing patient dignity and family support.
- Maintained emotional resilience and professional ethics in sensitive, high-stakes medical environments.
Volunteer
Special Olympics Cass County
01.2024 - 06.2026
- Assisted with event logistics and participant registration for local competitions.
- Supported athletes in training activities, fostering a positive environment.
- Coordinated volunteer scheduling to ensure adequate support during events.
- Maintained communication with team members to streamline event operations.
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Mexican Village
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Directed daily business operations and managed personnel across multiple high-volume locations for four years.
- Spearheaded operational transitions and ensured strict adherence to safety, health, and operational protocols.
- Utilized strong conflict-resolution and leadership skills to maintain a productive and collaborative team environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Communication Disorders / Interpreting
Minot State University
Minot, ND05.2030
Associate of Applied Science - American Sign Language (Pre-Interpreting)
Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State)
Moorhead, MN05-2026
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts and Sciences
Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State)
Moorhead, MN05-2026
Skills
- Linguistic & Communication: Advanced ASL Proficiency; PSE (Pidgin Signed English); Educational Interpreting; Non-Verbal Communication Strategies; Cross-Cultural Deaf Studies
- Medical & Crisis Management: Hospice & End-of-Life Care; Memory Care (Alzheimer’s/Dementia); Patient Advocacy; De-escalation; HIPAA Compliance & Confidentiality
- Educational & Behavioral: IEP (Individualized Education Program) Navigation; Special Education Law; Classroom Inclusion Strategies; Neurodiversity Advocacy
- Operational & Leadership: Multi-location Management; Personnel Training & Development; Conflict Resolution; Logistics & Scheduling; Budget Oversight
- IEP development
- Organization
- Teaching strategies
- Curriculum planning
- Disability awareness
- Legal compliance
- Social media
Accomplishments
Lifelong Student Advocate: Deep expertise in navigating school district special education frameworks, facilitating complex IEP meetings, and coordinating cross-functional therapies both inside and outside the academic environment.
Certification
Recipient of two certificates one for ASL and Deaf Culture
Languages
ASL
Limited Working
Timeline
Volunteer
Special Olympics Cass County
01.2024 - 06.2026
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Mexican Village
01.2020 - 01.2024
HEALTHCARE ADVOCATE & CNA
Associate of Applied Science - American Sign Language (Pre-Interpreting)
Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State)
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts and Sciences
Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State)
EDUCATIONAL ADVOCATE
Bachelor of Science - Communication Disorders / Interpreting
Minot State University