Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic
Bertha Ocasio

Bertha Ocasio

Therapeutic Teacher
Allentown,Pa

Summary

Dynamic educator with extensive experience at Community Services for Children Inc, adept at creative curriculum implementation and fostering student engagement. Proven ability to develop individualized education plans and enhance family involvement strategies, ensuring a supportive learning environment. Skilled in collaboration and effective communication, driving positive outcomes for diverse learners.

Overview

44
44
years of professional experience

Work History

Therapeutic Teacher

Community Services for Children Inc
Allentown, Pennsylvania
12.2013 - Current
  • Scheduled and conducted parent-teacher conferences to update parents on academic performance.
  • Implemented behavior management strategies to uphold classroom discipline.
  • Established positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.
  • Managed classroom behavior by enforcing rules and procedures.
  • Developed child-centered, hands-on curriculum to enhance student engagement.
  • Supervised students during classroom activities and breaks.
  • Prepared classroom environments conducive to academic and social-emotional development.
  • Created lesson plans and selected materials to enrich learning experiences.

Director of Religious Education

Saint Francis of Assisi Parish
Allentown, Pa
08.2018 - 05.2022
  • Pastoral Parish Committee
  • Prep Teacher
  • Eucharistic Ministry
  • Gathered In Grace
  • Conferred with parents and staff to discuss educational activities, policies and student behavior or learning problems.
  • Recruited, hired and trained primary and supplemental teaching staff.
  • Determined allocations of funds for classroom supplies and materials, authorizing purchases.
  • Partnered with teaching staff to develop and improve curriculum offerings for students.
  • Developed lesson plans in accordance with curricula and core church beliefs.
  • Created congregational awareness to encourage religious education program participation.
  • Tailored instruction to provide access and inclusion for children with special learning needs.
  • Guided instruction by mentoring teachers to improve leadership and teaching effectiveness.
  • Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
  • Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Cedarbrook Nursing Home
Allentown, Pa
10.2009 - 03.2021
  • Used mobility devices to transport patients.
  • Supported non-ambulatory residents in range of motion exercises.
  • Exhibited compassionate care and communication regarding issues surrounding death and dying.
  • Documented activities and recorded information in EMR system.
  • Assisted patients with shaving, bathing, and oral hygiene to promote healthy habits and overall wellness.
  • Answered signal lights, bells or intercom systems to determine resident needs.
  • Conducted routine checks on patient vitals, blood pressure, blood sugar, and heart rate.
  • Turned and repositioned residents using proper body mechanics to prevent pressure ulcers.
  • Observed and reported unusual symptoms and changes to charge nurse.
  • Assisted residents with bathing and dressing to promote personal hygiene.
  • Maintained accurate, timely flow of information by completing thorough patient records and updating healthcare team on patient status.
  • Rendered hands-on nursing care under direct RN supervision, adhering to medical center policies and procedures.

Middle States Committee member Parent-Coordinator

Allentown Central Catholic High School
Allentown, Pa
09.2015 - 05.2016
  • Coordinated Plans of Action
  • Gathered Data from Teaching Staff, Students, Parents and Stakeholders
  • Assisted in planning of Evaluators

CEO/Director/Owner

The Ocasio Family Daycare Home
Allentown, Pa
10.1997 - 11.2010
  • Coordinate daily operations of my program.
  • To advocate for children, families and community.
  • Supervise staff

Certified Nursing Assistant

Phoebe Nursing Home
Allentown, Pa
01.2004 - 05.2005
  • Assist Residents with Personal Care.
  • Take Blood Pressures
  • TPR
  • Assist with Therapies
  • Assist with Feedings
  • Collect Samples
  • Test blood

Lead Teacher

Bessie's Daycare Home
Allentown, Pennsylvania
12.1993 - 10.1997
  • Lead teacher in the Pre Kindergarten Room.
  • Create an atmosphere that promotes learning.
  • Supervise all children at all times.
  • Advocate for children and their families.

Counselor

Community Services Incorporated
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
12.1985 - 05.1986
  • To maintain and promote daily life skills in a residential setting for mentally challenged residents.
  • Advised and guide the residents during times of emotional duress.
  • Worked in coordination with therapists to create therapeutic environments with residents.
  • Worked in maintaining the dignity and respect of each resident.
  • Completed and maintained daily, weekly and monthly paperwork to stay compliant with the State of Pennsylvania.

Assistant Teacher

Volunteers of America
Allentown, Pennsylvania
06.1982 - 05.1983
  • To assist the head teacher and children.

Education

Bachelors of Science - Early Childhood Professional

East Stroudsburg University
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
12-2010

Associates Degree - Early Intervention/Early Education

Lehigh County Community College
Scnecksville, Pennsylvania
05-1998

High School Diploma -

Louis E Dieruff High School
Allentown, Pa
06-1985

Master of Science - Early Childhood Studies

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ

Skills

  • Creative curriculum implementation
  • Lesson planning and assessments
  • Student observations and screenings
  • Individualized education plans
  • Developmentally appropriate practices
  • Therapeutic mental health strategies
  • Collaboration and engagement
  • Effective communication skills
  • Home visits and conferences
  • Multidisciplinary team meetings
  • Partnership development
  • Supervision and training
  • Evaluation techniques
  • Learning style assessments
  • Family involvement strategies
  • Social-emotional learning initiatives
  • Student-centered approaches
  • Group instruction methods
  • Needs assessment for students
  • Empathy and cultural sensitivity

Languages

English

References

  • Terry Jones-Del Rae-RN BSN, 484-221-5101
  • Deacon Robert Young, 610-704-7214
  • Diane Colom, 610-751-6079
  • Rachel Martenco, (570) 242-3461
  • Dr. Susan Harlan, (610) 360-2806
  • Denielle Smith, (631) 512-3287

Timeline

Director of Religious Education

Saint Francis of Assisi Parish
08.2018 - 05.2022

Middle States Committee member Parent-Coordinator

Allentown Central Catholic High School
09.2015 - 05.2016

Therapeutic Teacher

Community Services for Children Inc
12.2013 - Current

Certified Nursing Assistant

Cedarbrook Nursing Home
10.2009 - 03.2021

Certified Nursing Assistant

Phoebe Nursing Home
01.2004 - 05.2005

CEO/Director/Owner

The Ocasio Family Daycare Home
10.1997 - 11.2010

Lead Teacher

Bessie's Daycare Home
12.1993 - 10.1997

Counselor

Community Services Incorporated
12.1985 - 05.1986

Assistant Teacher

Volunteers of America
06.1982 - 05.1983

Bachelors of Science - Early Childhood Professional

East Stroudsburg University

Associates Degree - Early Intervention/Early Education

Lehigh County Community College

High School Diploma -

Louis E Dieruff High School

Master of Science - Early Childhood Studies

Grand Canyon University
Bertha OcasioTherapeutic Teacher