Dedicated paraprofessional with a strong foundation in educational support and classroom management, enhancing instructional tasks and cultivating a positive learning environment. Proven adaptability to evolving needs, achieving results through effective communication and collaboration to ensure a supportive and engaging atmosphere for all students. Strong interpersonal skills foster meaningful relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, while a patient demeanor encourages open dialogue and inquiry. Actively pursuing degree completion in education, driven by a passion for empowering others and addressing the diverse needs of learners, with expertise in classroom management, individualized instruction, and behavioral support.
Overview
1
1
Certification
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Paraprofessional
Watervliet Public Schools
Watervliet, MI
12.2024 - Current
Supported classroom instruction by assisting teachers with lesson planning and student engagement.
Implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) to support diverse learning needs.
Facilitated small group activities to enhance student collaboration and understanding of concepts.
Monitored student behavior, providing guidance and support to promote a positive learning environment.
Collaborated with special education staff to ensure compliance with educational regulations and standards.
Coordinated communication between teachers and support staff to address student needs effectively.
Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
Promoted a respectful classroom culture by modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing positive interactions among peers.
Supported school initiatives by participating in professional development opportunities and collaborating with colleagues on best practices for student growth and achievement.
Facilitated communication between general education and special education staff, promoting effective collaboration on behalf of students'' best interests.
Administered tests and assessments to evaluate student progress and performance.
Provided one-on-one support to students with special needs, fostering supportive learning environment.
Adapted teaching materials for special education students, meeting diverse learning needs.
Demonstrated ability to function independently on the following procedures: CABG on and off pump Mitral and Aortic valve replacement Endoluminal graft Cardiac catheterometry Mini-maze Thoracoscopy and thoracotomy Bronchoscopy.
Supported the development of more efficient surgical processes by offering valuable input during team meetings.
Handled and processed surgical specimens according to established policy and procedure.
Provided exceptional support to surgeons during complex CVOR procedures, ensuring smooth operations.
Mentored junior Surgical Technologists in best practices within the CVOR setting, enhancing overall team performance.
Contributed to the overall success of the surgical team by consistently adhering to established protocols, guidelines, and best practices within the CVOR setting.
Prevented complications during surgery by closely monitoring patient vital signs and alerting medical staff if any irregularities were detected.
Improved patient experience by addressing questions and concerns about upcoming surgeries with empathy and clarity.
Anticipated usual and unexpected events during surgical procedure and responded appropriately.
Prepared operating room for surgical procedures.
Possesses the basic knowledge of cardio thoracic procedures.
Work with Housekeeping and Central Processing staff to clean the Operating Rooms and equipment between patients following facility policies and procedures.
Participate in safety initiatives to ensure correct surgery inpatient identification, and verification of the procedure to be performed within the OR when the patient is present and prior to the surgical prep.
Experience to anticipate and meet the needs of the surgeon.
Counted all sponges, needles and instruments with the circulating RN on all surgical procedures done in the Operating Room following facility policies and procedures. In the event a sponge/needle count is incorrect, the circulating RN will inform the attending surgeon and the Anesthesiologist and a course of action will be determined and the action will be documented on the Operating Room Record as defined by facility policies and procedures.
Followed patient and employee safety/security policies and protocols, including hand hygiene, use of universal precautions, use of personal protective equipment, and adherence to isolation procedures.
Consistently assisted the patient care team with maintaining a clean, well-stocked/organized, and safe patient care environment.
Assisted in preparation and maintenance of sterile surgical instruments and supplies.
Collaborated with surgical team to ensure efficient workflow during procedures.
Monitored patient safety and comfort throughout surgical processes.
Trained new staff on sterile techniques and equipment handling protocols.
Implemented process improvements that enhanced instrument turnover times.
Ensured compliance with hospital policies and infection control standards.
Evaluated and recommended new surgical technologies to improve efficiency.
Facilitated communication between surgical team members during procedures to ensure seamless coordination and optimal patient care.
Reduced surgery time by efficiently setting up the operating room for each procedure.
Strengthened relationships between interdisciplinary teams involved in patient care by effectively communicating and coordinating tasks during CVOR procedures.
Contributed to successful surgeries by anticipating surgeon needs and promptly providing required instruments or supplies.
Assisted with inventory management, ordering necessary supplies and maintaining accurate records.
Maintained a sterile environment in the operating room, minimizing risk of infection for patients.
Office Manager
Wallace Agency
Saint Joseph, MI
08.2022 - 01.2023
Managed scheduling of meetings and appointments, answered phone calls, and maintained efficient communication.
Maintaining the book and office records for policy renewals as well as new sales.
Built strong relationships with clients through consistent communication and excellent customer service.
Responded to customer calls swiftly to resolve issues and answer questions.
Efficiently managed policy renewals, ensuring timely processing and accurate coverage updates.
Educated clients on the importance of adequate insurance coverage, fostering trust and loyalty among the existing client base.
I was able to organize and efficiently condense multiple areas of files and folders into one systematic format.
Supervised daily front office operations, ensuring seamless client experiences and staff efficiency.
Streamlined check-in/check-out processes, reducing wait times and improving overall client satisfaction metrics.
Monitored financial transactions at the front desk, ensuring accurate billing procedures and minimizing discrepancies.
Reconciled end-of-day reports to determine accurate billing and payment processing.
Managed appointments and inquiries over phone/email/web platforms effectively ensuring maximized scheduling for agency.
Maintained a clean and organized work environment, promoting a professional image.
Conducted comprehensive policy reviews and identified coverage gaps for clients.
Education
Associate's Degree - Surgical Technology
USAF
06-2010
Education
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
05-2027
Skills
Surgery
Hospital Experience
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Powerpoint
Microsoft Word
Medical Terminology
Supervising Experience
Management
Microsoft Excel
Leadership
Critical thinking
Crisis management
Aseptic Technique
Vital Signs
Patient Care
Behavior management
Effective communication
Helping students with special needs
Small group and individual assistance
Special education support
Calm and patient demeanor
Classroom support
CPR and first aid
Computer skills
Student supervision
Instructional support
Documentation
Emotional support
Relationship building
Reading and writing support
Schedule management
IEP compliance
Conflict resolution techniques
Educational assistance
Individual student assistance
Clerical support
Individual instruction
Note-taking assistance
Multidisciplinary team collaboration
Test proctoring
Reporting requirements
Friendly and outgoing
Verbal and written communication
Organization and prioritization
Safety
Strong organization
Exceptional communication
Document management
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Multitasking
Reliability
Adaptability and flexibility
Teacher support
Classroom organization
Teacher support and collaboration
Student health and safety
Small group instruction
Group and individual instruction
Supervising student activities
Differentiated instruction
Disability awareness
Activity oversight
Social-emotional support
Certification
BLS Certification
Certified Surgical Technologist
CPR Certification
CVOR
Military Service
Branch: United States Air Force
Service Country: United States
Rank: Senior Airman
January 2010 to August 2014
During my time in the USAF, I was a highly motivated airman. In the military, I often worked with a variety of people from diverse cultures, demographics and personalities. I communicated frequently with team members to complete objectives and missions. I graduated my Surgical Technician Program ahead of schedule and quickly moved to a training roll where I was instructing new airman on the roles in the operating room. I also served in the base Honor Guard where I was serving in retirement ceremonies, changing of the guard, and military funerals. I became well-versed in preparation and planning. However, when things did not go as planned, I learned how to adapt, overcome obstacles and find a way to get the job done. While in the Air Force, I began to take on high-level roles early in my career, which required developing a strong sense of responsibility and accountability. These experiences help cultivate integrity which is a core value I posses.