Anikka Mendonsa
Grand Rapids,MN
Summary
Attentive and creative professional passionate about helping young children develop emotional, social and educational skills. Familiar with developmentally appropriate activities and experienced by providing nurturing environments conducive to learning. Promote physical, emotional and social health to complement academic progress.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Preschool Teacher
Itasca County Family Ymca
Grand Rapids, MN
08.2022 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse preschool age groups.
- Fostered a nurturing and safe classroom environment for children.
- Implemented daily activities promoting social and emotional development.
- Managed classroom behavior through positive reinforcement techniques.
- Organized educational materials and resources for effective teaching.
- Conducted assessments to monitor student progress and development.
- Led group activities encouraging teamwork and cooperation among students.
- Assisted in providing a safe and secure environment for children.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Supervised outdoor playtime while ensuring safety regulations were followed.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers on various projects related to curriculum design and implementation.
- Attended professional development workshops to stay current on best practices for early childhood education.
- Established indoor and outdoor safe play environments for toddler-age children.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.
- Read stories to children and taught painting, drawing, and crafts.
- Engaged with children on an individual basis to build positive, trusting relationships.
Family Nanny
Holly Tahtinen
Grand Rapids, MN
01.2020 - 09.2021
- Supervised daily activities and routines for children in a safe environment.
- Prepared nutritious meals and snacks according to dietary guidelines.
- Assisted with homework and provided tutoring support as needed.
- Managed household tasks such as laundry, light cleaning duties and grocery shopping when necessary.
- Created daily routines that included naps, meals and playtime.
- Transported children to and from school, extra-curricular activities and play-dates.
- Facilitated safe, caring, and warm environment for children to stimulate development.
- Developed lasting, professional relationships with families by encouraging open communication and delivering positive feedback.
- Provided emotional support during times of stress or transition.
- Encouraged positive behavior by providing clear expectations and consistent discipline techniques.
- Created nurturing, safe environments to promote emotional, social, and intellectual growth.
- Minimized TV and mobile device time by engaging children with games and physical books.
Family Nanny
Jenny Johnson
Grand Rapids, MN
06.2017 - 09.2017
- Supervised daily activities and routines for children in a safe environment.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of children's living spaces and play areas.
- Assisted with homework and educational activities to support academic achievement.
- Assigned age-appropriate chores to encourage self-confidence and responsibility.
- Facilitated outdoor and physical activities to promote healthy lifestyles.
Education
CDA - Child Development
YWCA
10.2024 - 03.2025
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Development
Minnesota North
Grand Rapids, MN 08.2020 - 03.2022
Skills
- Lesson planning
- Child behavior management
- Student assessment
- Early childhood education
- Parent communication
- Toileting and feeding
- Adept at working with special needs children
- Creative lesson planning
- Empathy and compassion
- Cultural sensitivity
- Certified in early childhood education
- Storytelling techniques
- Training in food handling preparation
- Effective listening
- Child development
- Social skills development
- Parent-teacher communication
- Calm and patient
- Social-emotional learning
- Observational skills
- Heartsaver first aid CPR AED
- Early literacy development
- Arts and crafts aptitude
Timeline
CDA - Child Development
YWCA
10.2024 - 03.2025
Preschool Teacher
Itasca County Family Ymca
08.2022 - Current
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Development
Minnesota North
08.2020 - 03.2022
Family Nanny
Holly Tahtinen
01.2020 - 09.2021
Family Nanny
Jenny Johnson
06.2017 - 09.2017