ANASTASIA DRAKOS
Knoxville,TN
Summary
Enthusiastic and hardworking professional deeply committed to the growth and development of the whole child alongside their families. Provides a solid foundation for lifelong learning by creating an inspiring environment in which each individual's growth opportunities and learning styles are supported. Insightful and trusted individual with a passion for learning, team collaboration, and improving children's lives.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Assurance Specialist
CM Consulting Group
Knoxville, TN
05.2025 - Current
- Conduct thorough reviews of documentation for accuracy, clarity, and adherence to safety standards and requirements for 'Big Brothers Big Sisters of America' agencies across the nation.
- Collaborate with quality assurance team members to identify and resolve issues effectively.
- Maintain comprehensive quality assurance documentation processes to ensure compliance with agency standards.
PaperPie Book Consultant
PaperPie
Knoxville, Tn
02.2017 - Current
- Advocate for the importance of early literacy and provide families, schools and "programs-in-need" with high-quality books and educational resources.
- Listen to customer needs and desires to provide personalized book recommendations, developing strong rapport.
- Spearhead large-scale book drive initiatives to raise resources for programs supporting vulnerable children and adults, such as Garland Oaks safe home for sex-trafficked girls, Isaiah 117 House, East TN Children's Hospital, Clover Hill Senior Living Center, Flood Victims of NC and multiple preschools.
- Support a positive work environment by collaborating with team members to achieve collective book drive and fundraising goals.
Kindergarten Co-Teacher
Cane Bay Elementary
Summerville, SC
08.2015 - 11.2016
- Collaborated with co-teacher to design engaging lesson plans that align with state standards ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality instruction to 20+ students.
- Organized various hands-on activities that captured students' interest while reinforcing key concepts.
- Utilized differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate varied skill levels within the classroom.
- Provided one-on-one support for struggling learners, promoting an inclusive classroom environment where all children could thrive academically.
- Recognized children's physical, emotional and social needs for personalized support.
- Served as a positive role model for students by consistently demonstrating enthusiasm, compassion, and dedication towards their growth as unique individuals.
Theatre Performer
Charleston Performing Arts Center
Charleston, SC
11.2014 - 07.2016
- Sang and danced with creative ensembles.
- Participated in rigorous rehearsal schedules, ensuring smooth transitions and a polished final product.
- Collaborated with directors and fellow cast members to develop strong character portrayal through time period, location and script study.
- Provided constructive feedback to fellow actors during rehearsals, fostering a supportive environment for growth and development.
- Actively participated in post-show discussions with audiences increasing appreciation and understanding for the show.
- Developed strong time management skills while juggling multiple roles simultaneously with other acting groups.
Life Skills Coach for Young Adult With Autism
Team David
Knoxville, TN
05.2013 - 11.2014
- Helped David build life management and coping skills to handle daily needs and specific stressors.
- Utilized active listening skills to build trust and establish strong rapport, while gathering valuable insights into his needs.
- Collaborated with other professionals to provide comprehensive support services, promoting overall wellbeing.
- Empowered David to take responsibility for his actions, leading to increased accountability and self-reliance.
- Encouragement of setting and achieving reasonable goals on weekly basis.
Lead PreK Teacher
Knox County Head Start
Knoxville, TN
01.2010 - 11.2014
- Intentional, interdisciplinary lesson planning that met the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of 20 children.
- Infused fun with challenge to create a thoughtful, stimulating, supportive learning environment.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress to facilitate collaboration with families throughout their child's educational journey.
- Served culturally/racially/socio-economically diverse populations.
- Managed a high-needs, diverse classroom with a majority of DLL students, building a collaborative, inclusive environment that consistently met or exceeded growth benchmarks.
- Participated in on-going professional development trainings, with my work being presented during learning workshops.
- Received exemplary performance marks in all classroom observations.
Lead After-School Teacher and Summer Camp Counselor
Morning Star Child Development Center
Knoxville, TN
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Improved student engagement by creating thematic units of study and interactive group activities for 40 K-5th graders based upon the children's interests.
- Supported academic growth through facilitation of school assignments, modeling problem solving and critical thinking skills.
- Enhanced social and emotional development by presenting challenges that boost self-esteem and confidence.
- Implemented classroom management techniques, fostering a positive learning environment for all students.
- Planned and led field trips that supplemented learning topics being explored in the classroom.
- Supported new teachers by sharing best practices and role modeling effective teaching strategies.
- Established positive relationships with students and families through intentional communication and collaboration.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education, Licensure PreK-4
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN01-2008
Skills
- Creative and engaging teaching tools
- Positive guidance techniques
- Family communication and involvement
- Physical and emotional wellbeing support
- Team collaboration/ Relationship building
- Assessment, documentation and reporting
- Work planning and prioritization
- Multitasking, organization, detail oriented
- Professional development/ Lifelong learner
- Cultural awareness
Accomplishments
- 2014 ECERS (Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale) Score: 5.75 out of 7
- Top Marks in CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System)
- Co-presented at 2014 TAEYC (TN Association for the Education of Young Children)
Timeline
Quality Assurance Specialist
CM Consulting Group
05.2025 - Current
PaperPie Book Consultant
PaperPie
02.2017 - Current
Kindergarten Co-Teacher
Cane Bay Elementary
08.2015 - 11.2016
Theatre Performer
Charleston Performing Arts Center
11.2014 - 07.2016
Life Skills Coach for Young Adult With Autism
Team David
05.2013 - 11.2014
Lead PreK Teacher
Knox County Head Start
01.2010 - 11.2014
Lead After-School Teacher and Summer Camp Counselor
Morning Star Child Development Center
01.2008 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education, Licensure PreK-4
East Tennessee State University