Cristina Eklund
Hixson
Summary
A background in creative communication and trauma support enhances qualifications to pursue a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling. Strong interpersonal communication skills facilitate effective, relational engagement. Demonstrated success in contributing to projects that yield positive results. Commitment to meaningful and compassionate impact, rooted in faith-based service.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Family Services Mentor
Choices Pregnancy Resource Center
Chattanooga
01.2024 - Current
- Provided support and resources to clients planning full-term pregnancies.
- Facilitated discussions on pregnancy and parenting, emphasizing faith-based perspectives.
- Logged detailed notes on all client interactions to track progress and needs.
High School English Teacher
Shanan Academy
Franklin
08.2023 - Current
- Developed engaging teaching plans for Literature curriculum in collaboration with colleagues.
- Mentored students to enhance literary analysis and writing skills.
- Advised student-run publications, providing guidance on content and organization.
Event Lead Organizer
A Glorious Feast
Concord
04.2018 - 04.2022
- Created promotional materials for in-print and online platforms for A Garden & A Library conference and various author meet-ups.
- Developed event timelines, facilitating speakers agenda and directing all day-of responsibilities.
- Managed vendor relationships to secure services for ticketing, catering, set-up, tear-down, and attendee gifts.
Missionary
Mexico & Nicaragua
Managua
06.2005 - 08.2016
- Organized outreach vacation Bible school in underserved regions of Mexico and Nicaragua.
- Collaborated with local leaders at Sala Evangelica and Mascota Evangelical Church to support discipleship training.
- Created marketing materials for vocational training initiatives, enhancing support for women working in unsafe industries.
Senior Manager, Brand Marketing
The Gap, Incorporated
01.1999 - 06.2005
- Assisted the Creative Director with style trends and merchandising strategies for in-store experiences through print campaigns.
- Mentored junior managers to cultivate leadership skills and strengthen team cohesion.
- Led cross-functional teams to improve operational efficiency and integrate creative and merchant directives more seamlessly.
Education
Associate of Arts - Visual Communication
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Los Angeles, CA05-1999
Some College (No Degree) - Biblical Studies
West Coast Baptist College
Lancaster, CASkills
- Faith-based mentoring
- Cross-functional team collaboration
- Creative problem solving
- Case documentation
- Interpersonal communication
- Life skills training
- Project management
- Visual storytelling
Timeline
Family Services Mentor
Choices Pregnancy Resource Center
01.2024 - Current
High School English Teacher
Shanan Academy
08.2023 - Current
Event Lead Organizer
A Glorious Feast
04.2018 - 04.2022
Missionary
Mexico & Nicaragua
06.2005 - 08.2016
Senior Manager, Brand Marketing
The Gap, Incorporated
01.1999 - 06.2005
Associate of Arts - Visual Communication
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Some College (No Degree) - Biblical Studies
West Coast Baptist College