SARA MONTIEL

7627 Sheffield Village Lane, Lorton, VA 22079 | 804-387-7272 | smontiel@gmu.edu

EDUCATION
Doctor of Philosophy, George Mason University , Fairfax, VA Expected 2021
Education, Higher Education specialization, emphasis in Educational Psychology

Certificate in Higher Education Administration, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 05/2014

Master of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 05/2011

Educational Psychology, concentration in Learning, Cognition, and Motivation

Bachelor of Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 05/2004

Psychology, minor in Sociology, Magna Cum Laude

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY, School of Integrative Studies, Fairfax, VA 08/2018 – present
Associate Director of Student Services

Work collaboratively with the Executive Director and Director of Academic Services in providing Integrative Studies
majors with quality academic advising and support. Supervises the Student Services team composed of two full-time
Classified Staff and two part-time Graduate Assistant. Coordinates and provides strategic leadership to the school in
areas of student advising, student persistence, recruitment and orientation, and assists graduation compliance.

 Leads the advising efforts of 722 undergraduate Integrative Studies majors in 13 concentrations within the BA
and BS degrees.
 Coordinates and actively participates in recruitment and orientation events.
 Serves as the school’s Internship Coordinator.
 Teach a 1/1 academic load.

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY, School of Integrative Studies, Fairfax, VA 01/2018 – 08/2018

Assistant Director of Student Services

Worked collaboratively with the Director of Student Services in providing Integrative Studies majors with quality
academic advising and support. Coordinates and provides strategic leadership to the school in areas of student
advising, student persistence, recruitment and orientation, as well as graduation compliance.
 Advise Integrative Studies majors in a variety of concentrations.
 Managed the Graduation Compliance process.
 Coordinated support for Students of Concern – those on academic warning and probation.
 Actively participated in recruitment and orientation events.
 Served as the school’s Internship Coordinator.
 Taught a 1/1 academic load.

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY, College of Education and Human Development, Student and Academic Affairs,
Fairfax, VA 11/2014 – 01/2018
Advising & Retention Coordinator

Worked collaboratively with college and university partners to develop and implement interventions and strategies
SARA MONTIEL Page 2

to improve student retention among students of greatest risk of failing to realize their academic goals. Proficient in
tools and technologies that helped identify undergraduate students for targeted outreach and support. While
working in individual and group settings, would take and make appropriate referrals to university resources to help
students identify and clarify academic, career, and life goals.
 Demonstrated ability to develop and implement new initiatives with the creation of the CEHD Academic
Success Program (ASP), an academic intervention program for undergraduates on academic warning and
probation. ASP was piloted in fall 2015 and eventually implemented to all undergraduate majors. Students
that completed the ASP program on average raised their cumulative GPA by .51 points.
o Conducted one-on-one initial and follow-up Retention Advising appointments for students in the ASP
program.
 Part of CEHD freshman and transfer student orientation team and key contributor for content, feedback, and
implementation.
o Lead College 101 presentations as well as advising, when needed, for various CEHD/RHT majors.
 Collaborator and co-creator of the CEHD/RHT Transfer Student Onboarding Blackboard Organization, aimed
to help transition transfer student population into the college and majors.
 Initiated and disseminated the Undergraduate Directors and Advisors communication email that updated key
faculty and staff on policy and general information related to academic advising at the college- and
university-level.
 Created and maintained an online advisee check-in form and system to facilitate communication between
students, SAA front desk staff, and advisors in Teacher Preparation, RHT, and Student Affairs.
 In collaboration with Director of Student Success, co-facilitated the Graduate Advisor Workgroup for CEHD
advisors.
 Assisted and maintained working knowledge of college-wide celebratory events including convocation and
commencement ceremonies, and Research Symposium.
 Co-chair and content developer for the inaugural CEHD Academic Advising Summit, summer 2017, in which
we brought together advisors, faculty, and staff to discuss important academic advising issues through
activities, case studies, and panels.

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY, Center for Academic Advising, Retention & Transitions, Fairfax, VA
Advisor & Technology Coordinator 12/2012 – 11/2014

Provided information, referrals, and support to undergraduates in their transition to Mason and prospective majors.
Worked closely with students on academic warning, probation, and suspension by establishing a retention plan and
tracking progress for their individual needs.
 Planned and participated in university-wide admissions and orientation events, including Registration
Awareness Week, academic advising information sessions, and freshman and transfer spotlights.
 Collaborated with a team of 3 to create and implement new student initiatives and collaborations with
University Career Services to reach freshman and transfer students.
 Tracked 200+ student caseload and initiated contact when appropriate while keeping accurate and concise
student records through tools such as Microsoft Access and the Student Success Collaborative.
 Developed content and managed the Center for Academic Advising, Retention & Transitions (CAART) social
media outlets including the CAART website, Facebook, and YouTube.
o Raised the department Facebook “Likes” by 165%.
o Created department YouTube and pre-orientation video for incoming freshmen to view before pre-
orientation appointments.
 Responded to student inquiries for the department “Ask an Advisor” email account.
 Supervised and trained 6 student leaders for the Peer Academic Advisor summer program.
 Chaired the Marketing/Communications committee for the Beacon Early Alert survey.
SARA MONTIEL Page 3

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY, Department of Psychology, Fairfax, VA 01/2009 – 12/2012

Undergraduate Program Coordinator

Served as coordinator of undergraduate affairs and occupied such roles as Curriculum, Grading, and Textbook
Coordinator for one of the university’s largest undergraduate programs. Assisted in undergraduate advising and
engaged in daily interaction with students, faculty, and various GMU departments. Successfully advocated for
participation in Undergraduate Directors meetings for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and
departmental Undergraduate Committee.
 Provided program support for approximately 1,200 undergraduate majors and over 60 full-time faculty and
part-time instructors.
 Assistance in the Undergraduate Advising Office – regularly counsel undergraduate students and conduct
orientation sessions.
 Developed and marketed the Undergraduate and Graduate programs through social media including,
Facebook and Twitter; assisted in the management of the department webpage.
 Created contracts for Graduate Teaching, Graduate Research Assistant, and part-time faculty and served as
their point of contact for hiring, administrative, and general departmental support.
 Planned annual undergraduate events and award ceremonies; including promotion, catering, creating
programs.

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY, Department of Psychology, Fairfax, VA 03/2007 – 01/2009

Administrative Coordinator

Coordinated the daily administrative duties for a large university department while working closely with a variety of
campus departments and organizations. Knowledgeable in university and College of Humanities and Social Sciences
policies and procedures.
 Responsible for all department and grant purchases, while working closely with Principal Investigators and
Graduate Research Assistants.
 Provided customer service as main point of contact in Undergraduate Advising office, maintained advising
calendar and scheduled student appointments; assisted in freshman and transfer student orientations.
 Served as department Telecom Coordinator and working closely with Events Management to schedule room
requests.
 Worked with Development Office as main planner for the department’s Development Event targeting
department alumni.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Department of Family Services, Alexandria, VA 05/2006 – 03/2007

Youth Counselor II/Case Manager

Part of the Youth Workforce Development Program under the Department of Family Services. Member of team that
served at-risk youth, ages of 14 – 21, with career, education, and personal development goals. Responsibilities
included: recruitment of youth, assessment of participant’s needs and skills, on-going case management and follow-
up of 40+ South Fairfax County residents, job development, and community networking.
 Regularly counsel youth with job search, assist in creation of academic goals and enlisting a plan of action to
obtain them, assist in developing study skills and obtaining necessary credentials for academic pursuits
and/or employment requirements.
 Mentored small group of Fairfax County Foster Care youth in Choices for Success program.
 Frequently conduct presentations for classes and community groups in requested subject matters.
Presentations included: job search, resume building, choices for success, dressing for success, study skills, life
after high school.
SARA MONTIEL Page 4

FAIFFAX COUNTY, Department of Family Services, Falls Church, VA 11/2004 – 05/2006

Human Services Worker II/ Case Manager

Determined eligibility for various state programs, including: Child and Family Medicaid, Food Stamps, TANF, and
General Relief. Implemented federal and state policy when determining eligibility and renewal applications.
Managed caseload of over 400 clients.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Coordinator, Living Learning Community – Mindful Living 08/2018 – present
Cluster Facilitator, LeaderShape 05/2017
Chair, Registration Awareness Week Committee 05/2017 – present
Co-Chair, Mason Academic Advisor Network 06/2016 – 06/2017
Chair, Mason Academic Advisor Network Social Team 03/2013 – 12/2016
Supervisor, Peer Academic Advisor Summer Program 05/2014 – 08/2014
Chair, Marketing/Communications Committee for Beacon Early Intervention 06/2014 – 09/2014
Chair, Marketing/Hospitality Committee for NACADA Virginia Drive-In 01/2013 – 09/2013

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
INTS 490: Internships Fall 2018, Summer 2018, Spring 2018
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Faculty for course designed to connect the student’s academic course work to experiences and challenges outside the
university classroom. Enrolled students complete a series of reflection papers, resume drafts, midterm assessment,
as well as a final paper.

HE 792: Policy and Retention, Graduate Teaching Assistant Summer 2017

George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Graduate Teaching Assistant for course designed to explore the ways in which educational policy at the state and
national level shapes student retention programs and policies. Assisted primary instructor in developing course
content, activities, and assignments. Aided in course grading.

University 100: Freshman Transition Fall, 2018, Fall 2015, Fall 2013, Fall 2012
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Faculty instructor for course designed to assist first-year students with their transition from high school to college life.
Support student development through academic skill-building, educational planning, and career preparation. Help
direct students to campus resources and ways to engage in the university community.

University 421: College to Graduate School Fall 2016, Fall 2014, Spring 2014, Fall 2013
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Faculty instructor for graduate school readiness course. Lead topics covering the application process, testing
strategies, interviewing, budgeting, and career development.

PSY 201 & PSY 202: Introduction to Psychology I & II, Guest Lecturer Spring 2018, Fall 2016, Spring 2013
Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale, VA
Introductory overview of classical and current psychological theories and their applications to human behavior,
motivation, cognition, and emotions. An innovative, cross-cultural, and critical analysis dealing with the intersection
of psychology with modern research in medicine, biology, sociology, and history.
SARA MONTIEL Page 5

PRESENTATIONS
Lester, J., Davis, S., Berry, I., Montiel, S. & Lukes, L. (2019). Academic Panel: Trends in Academia. Panel participant at
the University Life, Student Success Symposium, Fairfax, VA.

Galvin, M., Holmes, K.M., Lash, E. & Montiel, S. (2018). Patriot success: It starts with you! Learning innovation lab
presented at the George Mason University , University Life, Student Success Symposium, Fairfax, VA.

Montiel, S. & Quiles, B. (2018). Research: The missing ingredient. Undergraduate student workshop presented at
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.

Montiel, S., Barnett, S., Kansal, S., Yi, L. & Durham, L. (2017). Mason core and the transfer student. Presented at the
Mason/Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Advising Symposium, Fairfax, VA.

Blue, L., Montiel, S. & Gnoleba, M. (2017). College 101: School of recreation, health & tourism. Presented at the
Mason/Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Advising Symposium, Fairfax, VA.

Blue, L., Montiel, S. (2016). College of education and human development: Recreation, health & tourism: Study what
moves you! Presented at the Mason/Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Advising Symposium, Fairfax,
VA.

RELEVANT COURSE WORK

George Mason University:
EDEP 551 Principles of Learner Motivation EDEP 653 Culture and Intelligence
CTCH 792 Beyond GI Joe: Continuing College Student CTCH 626 Assessment in Higher Education
CTCH 622 Organization/Administration in Higher Education CTCH 644 Student Services in Higher Education
CTCH 624 Financial/Fiscal Management in Higher Education HE 710 Leadership in Higher Education
EDEP 821 Sociocultural Processes in Learning, Instruction and Motivation

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFLIATIONS

National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Golden Key International Honour Society
Mason Dream Catcher Psi Chi Honor Society for Psychology
GMU Military Alliance Program Phi Beta Kappa

CAMPUS AFFILIATIONS REPRESENTING SIS

Mason Academic Advisor Network (MAAN) Academic Advising Council
MAAN Steering Committee Campus Retention Group
Student Educational Planner Advising Team Student Learning Outcomes for Advising
Student Experience Redesign – 24/7 Service Team Off-Campus Students’ Advisory Board
Interventions for Student Success – Marketing & Comm. Team

TRAININGS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Racial Healing Circle Facilitator Training Leadership Legacy Cohort 8 (Fall 2017)
Mental Health First-Aid FERPA
Penn Equity Institute for Doctoral Students Mason Advisor Certificate Program
At-Risk Interactive Suicide Prevention Module Mason Cares Suicide Prevention Training
GMU Safe Zone for LGBTQ Community and Allies Advanced and Expert Customer Service
SARA MONTIEL Page 6

Equal Opportunity/Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Fairfax County L.E.A.D.

SPECIAL SKILLS
 Computer Skills: Microsoft office suite, Windows and Mac operating systems, eVA Ariba Network, Ellucian
Internet Native Banner, Blackboard, Workflow, HireRight Background Check Systems, Oracle Calendar, SPSS,
Camtasia, Photoshop, Weebly, WordPress
 Academic Advising: DegreeWorks, Student Success Collaborative/Navigate Mason, Ellucian Native Banner,
MicroStrategy
 Languages: Spanish