Jacqueline Porter
August 27, 2019
Las Vegas, N.M. – Jacqueline Porter is the is the new advocacy and education coordinator at the main Las Vegas campus for HU–CARES, the Center for Advocacy, Resources, Education and Support.
Porter brings 17 years as a mental health professional and teacher to her position at HU–CARES.
“Jacqueline’s biggest strengths are her excellent experiences relating to youth and being able to support, encourage and empower them,” said Ruthy Watson, HU-CARES director. “Jacqueline’s broad experience in mental health and education make her qualified to work with a diverse student body such as the one we have at Highlands.”
Porter said one of her top goals is to continue to provide a safe haven at HU-CARES for students who need support and advocacy.
“Advocacy and support can cover a wide range of circumstances from stalking to academic interventions,” Porter said.
Porter said she was attracted to the position at Highlands because she’s comfortable with both advocating for and educating young people as well as adults.
“Some of my most rewarding work has been advocating for individuals from low socio-economic conditions who need a voice to speak for them. Working many years in the mental health profession, I’ve learned that socioeconomic factors play a major role in a person’s wellbeing. I’m looking forward to working with this demographic and other diverse demographics here at Highlands,” Porter said.
Porter earned her master’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in juvenile justice from Southern University at New Orleans in 2016. She completed a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Nicholls State University in 2000 with a minor in family and youth advocacy.
Previous positions for Porter include working as a mental health professional for the Phoenix Family Life Center in New Orleans from 2013 to 2015, providing direct services, case management and community resources for individuals. Her positions with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services from 2005 to 2011 included managing a program for blind consumers to being a rehabilitation counselor and rehabilitation employment specialist.
From 2001 to 2004, Porter was a program manager for Options for Independence, a New Orleans nonprofit agency. Most recently, Porter taught elementary and middle school age students in the New Orleans public schools from 2016 to 2019.
“I taught because I wanted to make an impact on students when they were younger, and motivate them to know they are important,” Porter said.
Watson said she believes Porter will have a big impact on students at Highlands.
“Students, staff and faculty at Highlands will find Jacqueline easy to communicate with,” Watson said. “She comes to us highly recommended and I know she will be an asset to Highlands. I’m thrilled to have her join the HU-CARES staff.”
“I’m excited that Highlands’ Center for Advocacy, Resources and Education is such a great resource for students, and I hope they take advantage of the services we have to offer,” Porter said.
Porter may be reached by email at jhporter@nmhu.edu.