Cindy Merchand
Haines City,FL
Summary
Dynamic Social Emotional Support Specialist with a proven track record at Livingston Educational Service Agency, skilled in crisis management and empathetic communication. Successfully developed engaging curricula that enhanced child development and fostered collaborative relationships with families, ensuring readiness for kindergarten and promoting positive learning environments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Emotional Support Specialist
Livingston Educational Service Agency -ISD
01.2020 - 07.2024
- Developed and implemented engaging curriculum aligned with social emotional development. Working with the Mental Health Disability Coordinator for the purpose of supporting kindergarten readiness for all children, families, and staff enrolled in the program.
- Fostered a nurturing learning environment, promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development in children.
- Collaborated with parents to support child progress and address developmental concerns effectively.
- Worked in eleven preschool classroom implementing the curriculum Al's Pal's throughout three schools.
- Provided assessments for IEP's meetings.
- Mentored and trained newly hired teachers on classroom management techniques and educational best practices.
Special Shift Advocate, Domestic Violence Shelter
Livingston Area Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Center
06.2009 - 06.2023
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to support comprehensive care for affected children and their families..
- Mentored junior attorneys on case preparation, courtroom procedures, and legal best practices.
- Assisted social workers in developing and implementing treatment plans for diverse client needs.
- Conducted client intakes, gathering essential information to inform service delivery strategies.
- Coordinated community resources, connecting clients with appropriate support services and programs.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Aided clients in navigating complex systems such as housing assistance, healthcare, and employment services.
- Assisted in crisis intervention situations, providing immediate support and coordinating appropriate responses.
- Enhanced client well-being by providing emotional support and guidance during difficult times.
- Maintained accurate client records, ensuring privacy and compliance with regulations.
Early Childhood Lead Head Start Teacher
LESA - ISD
10.2002 - 01.2020
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate curricula to enhance child development and learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with families to support children's educational needs and promote family engagement in learning activities.
- Assessed individual student progress and adjusted teaching strategies to ensure effective learning experiences.
- Led classroom management initiatives, fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all students.
- Mentored junior staff, providing guidance on best practices in early childhood education and program delivery.
- Coordinated with community organizations to enrich the educational experience through external resources and partnerships.
- Participated in ongoing professional development to stay up-to-date on best practices in early childhood education.
Education
CDA - Kindergarten And Preschool Education
Child Development Accreditation -
Washington D.C.06-2024
Bachelor of Arts - Family Life Education
Spring Arbor University
Gaylord MI05-2002
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Charles Stewart Mott Community College
Flint, MI04-1990
Skills
- Skill enhancement coaching
- Crisis management expertise
- Empathetic communication
- Information organization
- Fostering collaborative relationships
- Skilled in client engagement
- Training and coaching
- Incident management
Timeline
Social Emotional Support Specialist
Livingston Educational Service Agency -ISD
01.2020 - 07.2024
Special Shift Advocate, Domestic Violence Shelter
Livingston Area Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Center
06.2009 - 06.2023
Early Childhood Lead Head Start Teacher
LESA - ISD
10.2002 - 01.2020
CDA - Kindergarten And Preschool Education
Child Development Accreditation -
Bachelor of Arts - Family Life Education
Spring Arbor University
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Charles Stewart Mott Community College