Learn more about Brenda Hernandez, the new learner specialist at Minnesota Child Welfare Training Academy

Brenda Hernandez

What is your job title, and what will you be doing?

My job title is MNCWTA Learner Specialist, and I will be providing learner support by answering their questions, assisting with the registration process, and helping with updating and building MNCWTA courses using Canvas.

Tell us about your education and/or work experience prior to joining the MNCWTA.

I graduated from the College of Education and Human Development with my Bachelor of Science in Youth Studies. My first job out of college was working as an elementary educational assistant in the kindergarten classrooms – one of my favorite jobs I've had! I moved on to working at Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Service (CLUES), supporting their Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), and then I worked at SPS Commerce as a Customer Support Analyst. My most recent position was working for Century College as their Academic Database Specialist. I worked there for two years, building their courses for online course registration, managing their catalog, and assisting with the curriculum approval process.

What are you most passionate about professionally?

I am passionate about continuously learning and positively impacting the lives of young people whether it is indirectly or directly.

What are you surprisingly good at? (or what do you wish you were good at?)

I wish I were good at dancing, especially salsa! I love watching people dance; it can be so entertaining. I love dancing, but I have no rhythm or skill!

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy going on hikes with my husband and two dogs (Luna and Snoopy), spending time with my family and friends, putting puzzles together, trying new food, and bird watching/nature walks.