1. Joanna Castro
434 Krista Ct, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 578-8671 ∙ jcm021983@gmail.com ∙ www.linkedin.com/pub/joanna-castro/43/647/8a8
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE:
Senior Financial Aid Coordinator and VA certifying official at largest ITT Technical Institute in the nation;
Outgoing, personable, strong work ethic in a for-profit post-secondary institute, optimistic, personable, and
approachable, assisting students, prospective students, and parents with the financial aid process, eligibility, and
requirements, to utilize my years of knowledge at a community college or a four year university with more
opportunities for career advancement and growth.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS:
• 100% compliant with federal laws and regulations
• Collect, review, analyze Student Aid Reports and complete necessary federal verifications
• Highly skilled in counseling existing and prospective students in financial aid programs
• In depth knowledge of Federal and State Grant and loan programs
• Enjoy meeting with prospective/active students and their families in a one-an- one environment or in a
group setting to discuss, assist and counsel on all aspects programs and aid eligibility requirements
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Veteran Affairs School Certifying Official, ITT Technical Institute, December 2013 - Present
• Assist Veterans with the admissions process
• Keep Veteran Affairs informed of the enrollment status of VA students and other eligible persons
• Report all changes in enrollment or attendance, including interruption or termination of training to the
VA via VAONCE
• Track the annual amount of tuition and fees and certify accordingly
• Certify in accordance with the school’s Yellow Ribbon agreement
• Request and track Veterans official transcripts for all colleges attended

2. • Assist student with payment problems by utilizing VA right now web
Senior I Financial Aid Administrator, ITT Technical Institute, November 2008 – Present
• In 2009 met and exceeded company annual goals resulting in a promotion from Financial Aid
Coordinator to Senior I Financial Aid Coordinator
• Assist students and parents in regards to the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(Pell Grant, Cal Grant), the Master Promissory Note for Federal Stafford loans, PLUS loans, Perkins
applications, private loan applications, and all required federal documents and forms.
• Conduct entrance and exit interviews and administer the necessary loan testing as required by Title IV
regulations; handle all necessary paperwork related to students’ re-entries; monitor students’ loan
disbursements
• Audit and balance student accounts on a quarterly basis
• Assist students and parents with financial aid process
• Conduct financial aid information sessions and assists prospective and current students with the
completion of their applications through the online student finance application system
• Inform students on available funding in accordance to their needs assessment, as well as communicate
with loan co-signers when necessary
• Track student progress on financial aid packages. Verify student academic progress and financial aid
eligibility
• Exercise professional judgments when eligible and dependency overrides
• Determine eligibility for and tracking of Federal Work-Study Program
• Audit and balance student accounts on a quarterly basis
• Coordinate new student orientations
Marketing Secretary, ITT Technical Institute, February 2003 - November 2008
• Responsible for reviewing and updating representatives’ Excel reports
• Entering prospective student Data in IRIS database

3. • Writing representative correspondence and memorandums without direct supervision
• Coordinate quarterly events; Open house, orientation, and schedule job fairs
• Review all of company’s timecards before final approval
• Assist Director of Recruitment to report total weekly numbers to district office
• Supervise all aspects of front desk, including resolution of customer service issues
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS:
• Interpersonal skills: Problem Solver, communicator, active listener, approachable
• Organizational skills: Prioritize projects, schedule, time, consistency. Manage high detail orientated
task
• Technical skills: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Excel. Access and navigate through federal
websites such as National Student Loan Data System, and CPS for financial aid administrators, COD,
VAOnce
• Languages: Bilingual (speak, read, and write Spanish and English)
EDUCATION:
ITT Technical Institute, National City, CA
Associate of Science Degree in Business Management
Graduated: June 2015
References Available Upon Request