Colleen McShea

2199 Oak Hill Drive, Lisle IL, 60532 | 630-441-5250 | Colleen.McShea@Loras.edu

Profile
Apply my Psychology, Spanish and Sociology skills while demonstrating sensitivity to those I work
with and lead by example with inclusion, education and respect.

Education
BACHELOR OF ARTS (MAY 2021) | LORAS COLLEGE
Major: Psychology
Related coursework: Cross-Cultural Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Research Methods &
Statistics, Motivation & Emotion
Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology

Major: Spanish
Related coursework: Advanced Communicative Modes, Critical Analysis, El Mundo Hispano, U.S.
Latino Culture & Literature, Advanced Spanish Grammar

Skills & Abilities

LEADERSHIP
President and Founder of “Active Minds”, a mental health group on campus… Manager of swim
lessons at Sea Lion Aquatic Park, personally training and certifying all instructors… Board
Member to Alliance at my school, which provides advocacy, education and support for the LGBTQ
community and activities to raise awareness in the community… Co-founded a support group on
campus for students who have chronic illnesses where they can connect and share experiences.

COMMUNICATION
Actively participate in “Du-Talk” discussions at Loras, which allow students to discuss and debate
world issues in a respectful manner, allowing others to feel comfortable throughout the
conversation, even when there are opposing views. Also participate in “kikis”, which are
dialogues run by the school’s intercultural programs office, where students can discuss racial and
cultural issues within our community and beyond and work together to find solutions.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE- SPANISH

Taking classes that enhance “real-life” applications of specialized vocabulary and workplace
practices at the intermediate high level.
CREATIVITY/TEAMWORK
Loras College Art Club has enhanced my own creativity and abilities to inspire others through
different modes of art. Also, my involvement in the intramural volleyball program has
strengthened my teamwork skills and dedication.

ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS

PSYCHOLOGY| AUTUMN 2020
o Completed psychology research under Dr. Kirstin Lauritsen, PhD regarding the COVID-19
pandemic, stress, boredom and alcohol and marijuana use in college students.

CHICAGO SHEDD AQUARIUM

PSYCHOLOGY/SPANISH INTERNSHIP | SUMMER 2020
o Demographic research intern that used bilingual communication to assist in the research
process and data collection.

LIVE LIKE JACK INTERN

PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIP | SPRING 2020
o Helped manage the daily functions of Live Like Jack, a non-for-profit company. Co-facilitated
grief support groups for children and teens.

PRESENTATION LANTERN CENTER

ENGLISH/SPANISH TUTOR | 2019-PRESENT
o Tutored Spanish-speaking individuals who were learning English. Worked with a variety of
different language abilities. Tutored in conversation speaking, writing, reading and
grammar.

LORAS COLLEGE
SWIM INSTRUCTOR | 2017-PRESENT
o Taught all ages of people from babies to the elderly proper swimming strokes and breathing
techniques for competitive and leisurely swimming. Trained in CPR, First Aid and Basic Life
Support for this position.
LIFEGUARD | 2017-PRESENT
o Maintained constant surveillance of patrons in my zone of the waterpark, and acted
immediately and appropriately in case of emergency to ensure safety and survival of
patrons.

SEA LION AQUATIC PARK, LISLE PARK DISTRICT

SWIM LESSON MANAGER |2018-PRESENT
o Trained and certified all swim instructors, as well as evaluated them throughout the season.
Am in charge of creating the schedule for all lessons and programs within the pool, and
assigning shifts. Also worked with any concerned or angry parents by addressing them
directly and finding solutions.
SWIM INSTRUCTOR | 2016-2018
o Taught all ages of people from babies to the elderly proper swimming strokes and breathing
techniques for competitive and leisurely swimming. Trained in CPR, First Aid and Basic Life
Support for this position.
GUEST ATTENDANT | 2016-PRESENT
o Ensured the safety of all patrons in the water park by enforcing and educating patrons of
rules. Trained for all emergencies from active shooters to spinal injuries and death.