California State University, Northridge

I manage the operations of the Thriving and Achieving Program, which is an Academic Coaching Program for students registered with the Disability Resources and Educational Services Office at California State University, Northridge. I provide mentoring and leadership development to our academic coaches, provide weekly professional development, distribute cases to coaches, oversee scheduling, and meet with students to understand their specific needs. 

Our program is certified by the College Reading and Learning Association, and each coach receives a peer mentor certification upon completion of the Association's requirements. 

In addition, I meet with local high schools, community colleges, and local organizations to share our services and provide self-advocacy skills and training. 

Each summer our department hosts a new student orientation and I manage the logistics of the program. 

We are proud to offer the Gallup Strengths Finder to all students and coaches to empower them to live in their purpose.

Program Manager, Thriving and Achieving Program

LBee Health

Group Support Leader

Bloom with Cara

Founder & Coach

Certified Life Coach

Mount Saint Mary's University

Student Success and Retention Manager

Teach courses in undergraduate psychology and counseling; First-Year Seminar/Experience Program.

Adjunct Instructor

Academic Program Manager/Academic Advisor 

College of the Canyons

-Advised students and community members in one-on-one appointments and in group sessions with major selection, career planning, resume development, interview preparation, and job/internship search strategies.
-Administered career assessments and interpreted results to guide students’ exploration.
-Presented career development workshops and class presentations. 
-Planned bi-yearly Career Fairs by contacting local employers, developed marketing materials, assisted with event logistics and recruited volunteers.

Career Development Coach

Academic Coach

Cara is passionate about creating spaces that support healing, self-awareness, and resilience, both personally and professionally.

She currently serves as a Disability Support Professional in the education space. Cara also serves as a group support leader for LBee Health. 

Cara’s work is grounded in a commitment to empowerment—as she focuses on self-advocacy, confidence-building, and the psychological impact of chronic conditions.

"Being human is not about being any one particular way; it is about being as life creates you—with your own particular strengths and weaknesses, gifts and challenges, quirks and oddities."
— Kristin Neff

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Cara Nissen's Linkedin Analytics

Cara Nissen

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