Isabel Cardenas
Leeds,West Yorkshire
Summary
Dedicated final-year Criminology with Psychology student with a diverse cultural background and experience supporting vulnerable individuals, including women, young people, and survivors of abuse. Skilled in trauma-informed practice, active listening, and building trusting relationships, with a proven ability to support individuals through complex challenges. Committed to promoting empowerment, safeguarding, and positive long-term outcomes for those facing complex needs.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work history
Helpline Adviser
RASAC
Huddersfield, Kirklees
10.2025 - Current
- Delivered trauma-informed emotional support to survivors of sexual and/or domestic abuse, demonstrating high levels of empathy, patience and active listening during high-pressure situations.
- Trained in trauma, safeguarding and coping-mechanisms to enable informed and sensitive communication with clients in distress.
- Maintained accurate and confidential client records and call logs using digital systems, ensuring compliance with data-protection and quality standards and demonstrating strong IT skills.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team (therapists, advisors, volunteers) to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery within an intersectional feminist framework.
Crisis Helpline Operator
MYH
Leeds, West Yorkshire
05.2025 - Current
- Delivered confidential emotional support to individuals in distress, demonstrating advanced communication, empathy, and active listening skills.
- De-escalated crises effectively using negotiation and problem-solving techniques, ensuring client safety and wellbeing.
- Maintained accurate call logs and confidential records to uphold data integrity.
- Assessed risk levels of clients and implemented appropriate safety protocols in line with organisational procedures.
- Empowered clients by validating their experiences, providing guidance, and signposting to relevant resources.
Student Ambassador
Leeds Beckett University
Leeds, West Yorkshire
09.2023 - Current
- Served as a course representative at university open and applicant days, engaging with prospective students and their parents to provide an informative and welcoming experience.
- Managing event logistics such as guest registration, campus guidance, and answering general queries about university life and student support.
Assistant Personal Trainer/ Kids Swimming Coach
Athletic Zone
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
08.2021 - 09.2024
- Planned and led swimming lessons for children aged 4-10.
- Assisted adult clients in setting realistic fitness goals and tracking progress, promoting long-term motivation and positive lifestyle habits.
Spanish Tutor
Freelance
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
09.2019 - 08.2021
- Provided one-to-one and small group tutoring in Spanish to children of various ages, both online and in person, during and after the pandemic.
- Received multiple recommendations from parents, leading to a growing client base and sustained tutoring demand.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology with Psychology
Leeds Beckett University
Leeds 09.2023 -
Foundation Degree in Science - Law and Social Sciences
Leeds International Study Centre
Leeds 01.2023 - 07.2023
Skills
Empathy
Active Listening
Communication
Interpersonal Skills
Resilience
Adaptability
Conflict Resolution
Trauma-Informed Practice
Cultural Awareness
Emotional Intelligence
IT and Administrative Skills
Languages
English
Fluent
Spanish
Native
Timeline
Helpline Adviser
RASAC
10.2025 - Current
Crisis Helpline Operator
MYH
05.2025 - Current
Student Ambassador
Leeds Beckett University
09.2023 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology with Psychology
Leeds Beckett University
09.2023 -
Foundation Degree in Science - Law and Social Sciences
Leeds International Study Centre
01.2023 - 07.2023
Assistant Personal Trainer/ Kids Swimming Coach
Athletic Zone
08.2021 - 09.2024
Spanish Tutor
Freelance
09.2019 - 08.2021