Carmela Cruz
Rockton,USA
Summary
Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Head Start Home Visitor Teacher
City of Rockford
Rockford Il
09.2024 - Current
- Conducts comprehensive family assessments and developmental screenings to create individualized service plans that addresses specific family and child learning needs to ensure tailored support
- Provides families with information on appropriate nutrition, health, safety, discipline practices and child development education to enhance overall well-being and prevent potential health issues and child maltreatment
- Collaborates with other community agencies and families for tailored lesson plans, parenting education and skill building activities based on family needs
- Partners closely with parents to develop individualized Family Partnership Agreements outlining goals related to child development, parental growth and self-sufficiency.
- Coordinates workshops on parenting topics, fostering community engagement, strengthening protective factors hat positively impacts child’s health and development
- Partners and establishes trusting and nurturing relationships using strength-based communication strategies through a trauma informed care that motivates and empowers families to actively consider decisions that lead to change
Office Manager
Trademark Restoration, Inc.
Roscoe, IL
08.2017 - 04.2020
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Coordinated office events and meetings, ensuring timely execution and optimal scheduling for all participants.
- Increased customer satisfaction by developing effective client feedback system that led to service improvements.
- Recruited, scheduled, conducting interviews and onboarding new employees to promote a seamless integration into the team dynamic
Job Coach/ Job Developer (Intern)
CESA 2 VOA
Janesville, WI
12.2010 - 11.2013
- Organized impactful workshops on resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies for improved job placements.
- Tailored job coaching methods to fit individual client needs, resulting in higher satisfaction and job acquisition rates.
- Developed and implementing individualized service agreement plans based on functional assessments and consumer goals
- Monitored client progress and adjusted job coaching strategies to meet needs and ensure success in achieving employment goals.
- Conducted thorough assessments of client strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values to determine appropriate career paths and goals effectively.
- Networked with local employers to create tailored job opportunities with accommodations and strengthening community ties
- Improved employer partnerships through regular communication and follow-up, ensuring successful long-term collaborations.
Youth Crisis Intervention Advocate
Catholic Charities
Peoria, IL
08.2009 - 12.2012
- Supervised, assessed parent/ child or sibling visitations, and completion of comprehensive case notes
- Modeled and taught appropriate parenting skills while ensuring the safety and well-being of children during visits
- Attended youths court hearings and team staffings to coordinate services; Planned connection group events
- Completed and rated assessments, implemented crisis service interventions plans to the model for at risk youths
Community Intervention Specialist
Mildred Berry Center
Rockford, IL
06.2005 - 12.2008
- Developed and facilitated connection group events, creating opportunities for peer support and engagement, significantly improving participants self-esteem.
- Fostered a nurturing environment during home visits, enhancing family dynamics and promoting healthy relationships among children and parents. Guiding targeted interventions that resulted in meaningful progress for clients.
- Implemented tailored treatment plans, leading to noticeable improvements in at risk youth’s emotional health well being
- Built strong relationships with parents and guardians, fostering open communication regarding child progress and needs.
Marketing Assistant
Prudential Financial/Liberty
Rockford, IL
03.2004 - 07.2006
- Generated new business through leads from internet quotes, cross-selling products, wining back clients, networking with businesses, client referrals, and direct marketing
- Supported sales by generating leads through targeted marketing strategies, thereby improving potential customer base.
- Developed and carried out monthly sales plan to achieve personal, office, and regional sales goals
- Generated reports to support development and implementation of marketing plans.
- Gathered client information, explained coverage options, recommending appropriate products, entered data into quote software, and completed paperwork.
- Developed and distributed mass marketing strategies: developing flyers, printing promotional letters and referral cards,
- Reviewed, assessed, and counseled clients on their current liability and property risks, recommended appropriate products, entering data into quote software, and completing paperwork.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Northern Illinois University
High School Graduate -
Harlem High School
Skills
- Motivational interviewing
- First Aid Mental Health
- Reflective listening
- Resource navigation
- Event Management
- Parenting education
- Trauma-informed care
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Microsoft Teams, Office and Outlook
Timeline
Early Head Start Home Visitor Teacher
City of Rockford
09.2024 - Current
Office Manager
Trademark Restoration, Inc.
08.2017 - 04.2020
Job Coach/ Job Developer (Intern)
CESA 2 VOA
12.2010 - 11.2013
Youth Crisis Intervention Advocate
Catholic Charities
08.2009 - 12.2012
Community Intervention Specialist
Mildred Berry Center
06.2005 - 12.2008
Marketing Assistant
Prudential Financial/Liberty
03.2004 - 07.2006
High School Graduate -
Harlem High School
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Northern Illinois University