Ahna MacCarthy
La Mesa,CA
Summary
Passionate and dedicated childcare and education professional with a strong love for working with children—especially those with disabilities. Brings both personal commitment and hands-on experience supporting children through individualized, encouraging care. Skilled in program and school-based support, including Habilitation (HAB), respite services, and experience as a Special Education (Sped) Paraeducator. Experienced working alongside educators to promote safe, inclusive learning environments and help students build confidence and progress at their own pace. Known for patience, empathy, and motivation, with a genuine drive to help children grow, learn, and succeed through encouragement and tailored support.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
SpedParaeducator/RBT
Eastside Elementary
09.2023 - 06.2026
- Develop individualized teaching plans for students based on skill assessments and daily support needs.
- Implement 100% compliance with IEP/504/BIP standards while coordinating instruction with general education teachers.
- Establish behavior rules and consistent classroom procedures to maintain a well-disciplined learning environment.
- Provide ongoing feedback and family communication that supports student engagement in academic and non-academic activities.
- Support instruction with visual supports, antecedent intervention, and token economy systems tailored to student needs.
- Monitor behavior and safety during classroom routines, reinforcing positive choices and appropriate social interaction.
- Assist students with activities of daily living and personal care needs when required in the school setting.
Respite/Hab
Arizona Autism
04.2022 - 08.2023
- Supported 3-6 individuals weekly through respite care, socialization activities, and structured daily routines.
- Implemented socialization activities that encouraged engagement and supported individual participation in daily routines.
- Handled daily duties accurately and efficiently, including personal care, household management, and routine support tasks.
- Reported behavior and health changes promptly, supporting behavior monitoring and consistent communication with care teams.
- Maintained a safe environment by preventing accidents and following safe work practices during direct support activities.
Sales Associate
Cotton On
11.2016 - 03.2022
- Delivered a consistently positive, helpful customer experience while greeting shoppers and coworkers professionally.
- Stocked, replenished, and organized inventory with accuracy to keep merchandise accessible and the sales floor orderly.
- Followed company policies and procedures to support a safe, welcoming environment for customers and staff.
- Resolved customer concerns quickly and notified supervisors immediately when problems required escalation.
- Applied strong organization and attention to detail to manage replenishment tasks efficiently during busy store periods.
Dance Instructor
Vernetta's Dance Studio
01.2017 - 12.2019
- Coordinated daily studio operations and assisted with program administration across the full dance schedule.
- Greeted clients, guests, and coworkers with a positive, helpful approach at the studio entrance.
- Built professional relationships with dance professionals, choreographers, and performers through clear communication.
- Adapted instruction for students needing extra help using classroom management and individualized education planning.
- Applied visual supports, positive behavior support, and reinforcement schedules to strengthen participation and focus.
Education
High School Diploma -
The Charter School of San Diego
National City, CA06.2018
Skills
- Child development and disabilities
- Classroom management and individualized education planning
- Personal care and household management principles and practices
- Social skills support
- Instructional support
- Disability support
- Applied behavior analysis
- Behavior data collection
- Reinforcement schedules
- Positive behavior support
- Antecedent intervention
- Visual supports
- Token economy systems
- Crisis intervention
Timeline
SpedParaeducator/RBT
Eastside Elementary
09.2023 - 06.2026
Respite/Hab
Arizona Autism
04.2022 - 08.2023
Dance Instructor
Vernetta's Dance Studio
01.2017 - 12.2019
Sales Associate
Cotton On
11.2016 - 03.2022
High School Diploma -
The Charter School of San Diego