

Aleesa Nutting, MA
Survivor, Advocate, Researcher
Email:
Research Interests
Domestic minor sex trafficking, human rights, evidence-based practices, traumatology, community health, residential care, religious nonprofits, critical humanitarianism
Education
Master of Arts- Social Justice and Human Rights
Arizona State University
Awards & Accomplishments:
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4.0 GPA
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Elected- Director of Operations for Social Justice Club
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Badass Woman of ASU award
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Research assistant for immigration federalism group research project
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Conducted independent research
Bachelor of Arts- Psychology & Family Services
University of Northern Iowa
Awards & Acomplishments
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3.59 GPA
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Psy Chi Honor Society
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400 hour internship @ Orchard Place PMIC
August 2020- May 2022
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August 2011-December 2014
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Professional Experiences
Resilience Rising- Denver, CO
During my two years at Resilience Rising I served as an overnight supervisor, lead residential supervisor, and eventually as the assistant director. At the time I was with the organization, Resilience Rising ran a safe house for female youth (ages 11-21) who were survivors of sex trafficking. Through this experience I gained experience as a leader, website builder, grant writer, and direct service provider.
Denver Public Schools Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE)
Over the course of a 490 hour internship, I provided case management through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (W.I.O.A) program. Through 1:1 and group mentorship, students with government identified "high-risk" barriers to graduation were served. As part of the internship, weekly meetings were held to identify opportunities for skill building, connection to course materials, and to develop professionalism. This opportunity provided access to training on motivational interviewing, in-depth application and evaluation of SMART goals, and the opportunity to work within a large, urban early college school setting.
Adams County Department of Human Services: Family and Community Engagement- Chafee Program
Serving as the Chafee Case Aide, I provided programming support for the Chafee Counselors and their caseloads of youth transitioning to independent living following foster care involvement. In addition to 1:1 community support, I co-led skill groups focused on gaining employment, exploring post secondary education, and housing. This opportunity allowed me to showcase my skills in turning traditionally in personal learning materials into engaging, web based offerings.
Lutheran Services of Iowa- Bremwood Campus
As a Youth Associate, later promoted to Youth Specialist, I provided direct care to youth living in a residential program. This experience provided the opportunity to become skilled in crisis deescalation techniques, facilitate and create skill groups tailored to meet the individual therapeutic goals of each member, and learn to identify the challenges, benefits, and limitations of out of home care for children.