Cristina O'Keeffe
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Vision-driven change agent with a career-long record of working with at-risk children and young adults, nonprofit development, and social work supervision. Passionate about teaching and supporting young students, their families, and the community in setting foundation for life-long success and wellness.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Childhood Educator
Kent International Academy
10.2022 - Current
- Maintained and fostered positive and constructive interactions with staff, families, and children.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Communicated with parents and other staff about student progress.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
Dean of Students/Subject Expert Teacher
BASIS Primary North Central
08.2018 - 06.2022
- Developed and implemented successful strategies to increase parental and community engagement within the school
- Maintained organized records to document student behaviors, consequences, interventions and outcomes using PowerSchool and school's network software programs for 350+ children
- In collaboration with our Director of Student Affairs, coordinated and implemented school-wide initiatives and events, including school spirit week, award ceremonies, and cultural events
- Collaborated with teachers to understand and improve classroom conditions as well as planning and implementing professional development training
- Conducted teacher observations and monthly meetings as part of the Craft Coaching Program that focuses on helping teachers set goals towards achieving their full potential in the classrooms
- Established learning objectives to satisfy state and federal educational standards
- Maintained student development records and focused on meeting improvement goals
- Designed lesson plans, course handouts and homework assignments based on textbook material and coursework.
Lead Educational Facilitator
BCFS HHS
11.2017 - 08.2018
- Supervised and oversaw the Educational Program and its staff at an international immigrant shelter with 100+ children and young adults in care
- Coordinated with the Educational Program Coordinator to hire, train, supervise, and evaluate assigned program personnel
- Provided instructional leadership, direction, and feedback to faculty and staff including facilitators, teacher aides and English as a Second Language Coordinators in order to ensure the proper implementation and success of the Bilingual/English as a Second Language program
- Identified each students' instructional needs, including those of limited English proficiency and developed curriculum to meet those needs
- Ensured the education program and all curriculum was consistent with state and federal education requirements as well as BCFS' philosophy, goals and objectives
- Prepared timely reports to include schedule, quarterly, and annual data collection required by state and federal education requirements.
Foster Home Development Supervisor
BCFS HHS
09.2015 - 11.2017
- Coordinated with the Program Director to hire, train, supervise, and evaluate assigned program personnel
- Supervised six people across Home Development, Training, and Intake departments to ensure departmental success and compliance with federal and BCFS guidelines and standards
- Reviewed, completed, and oversaw significant incident reports and other case file documentation to ensure quality standards and compliance in accordance with federal regulatory guidelines
- Organized and delivered information sessions and met with community groups and organizations to promote BCFS foster parent programs
- Lead all interactions with foster parent candidates, foster parents, trainers, and other stakeholders in a professional manner and according to BCFS HHS policies and procedures
- Facilitated foster parent trainings and orientations, leading to foster parent certification while ensuring continued training and support
- Preserved a communication and connection with families during and following the verification process to help provide ongoing support
- Completed, edited and approved home evaluations/assessments according to minimum standards.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI12.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Catholic University of Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic12.2007
Skills
- Communication and Building Relationships
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Strong Work Ethic and Dependable
- Early Childhood Education Specialist
- Child's CPR Certified
- School Community Relations
- Student Behavior and Progress Reporting
- Behavior Modification Techniques
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Early Childhood Educator
Kent International Academy
10.2022 - Current
Dean of Students/Subject Expert Teacher
BASIS Primary North Central
08.2018 - 06.2022
Lead Educational Facilitator
BCFS HHS
11.2017 - 08.2018
Foster Home Development Supervisor
BCFS HHS
09.2015 - 11.2017
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Western Michigan University
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Catholic University of Santo Domingo
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