Blake Benekas
Puyallup,WA
Summary
Dynamic and empathetic professional with extensive experience in child development and special needs support, notably with YMCA Of Pierce And Kitsap Counties. Excelled in creating and helping create engaging lesson plans and fostering positive environments, achieving significant improvements in independence and classroom behavior. Skilled in first aid and CPR.
Compassionate individual with established experience providing support to students. Demonstrated ability to create lesson plans and assess student progress. I also love making parent engagement actives for my center every month
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Preschool Teacher's Assistant
YMCA Of Pierce And Kitsap Counties
12.2023 - Current
- Supervised children during in-classroom activities and on playground.
- Interacted with children one-on-one and in small groups to enhance and support learning activities.
- Engaged and entertained children through recreational and educational activities.
- Supported children's social and emotional development by encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
- Communicated with parents to inform about child's progress and classroom behavior.
- Prepared for lessons by gathering educational materials and setting up equipment.
- Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.
- Collaborated with instructors to develop engaging lesson plans.
Caregiver, Special Needs
Consumer Direct Care
09.2017 - 12.2024
- Prepared meals and snacks and fed clients.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Enhanced the quality of life for special needs individuals by providing personalized care and attention.
- Assisted clients in achieving their daily goals by offering physical support and emotional encouragement.
- Developed strong relationships with clients and families, fostering trust and open communication regarding care plans.
- Developed strong crisis management skills, working proactively to diffuse challenging situations and maintain a calm, supportive environment for special needs individuals.
- Increased client''s independence with consistent skill-building exercises and positive reinforcement.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to address challenging behaviors while maintaining respect for each individual''s unique needs.
Electronics Team Member
Walmart
07.2012 - 09.2017
- Developed strong relationships with customers, leading to repeat business and personal referrals.
- Participated in regular team meetings, sharing insights and offering suggestions for improvements within the electronics department.
- Streamlined communication between team members by utilizing internal systems to share information about product updates and availability.
- Managed time effectively during busy periods, prioritizing tasks according to urgency levels without sacrificing quality of service.
- Assisted customers with returns and exchanges while adhering to company policies, maintaining a professional demeanor throughout the process.
- Supported loss prevention efforts by closely monitoring high-value items and reporting suspicious activity when necessary.
Education
High School Diploma -
White River Alternative Program
Buckley, WA06-2012
Skills
- Age-appropriate activities
- Positive reinforcement
- Special needs support
- Lesson implementation
- Child development
- First aid and CPR
- Communicating with parents and teachers
- Conflict resolution
- Caring and empathetic demeanor
- Health and safety
Timeline
Preschool Teacher's Assistant
YMCA Of Pierce And Kitsap Counties
12.2023 - Current
Caregiver, Special Needs
Consumer Direct Care
09.2017 - 12.2024
Electronics Team Member
Walmart
07.2012 - 09.2017
High School Diploma -
White River Alternative Program
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