Dakota Castro
Honolulu,HI
Summary
I am knowledgeable and hard working individual who has worked in diverse settings. Dog Trainer, ABA Therapist and team leader with deep understanding of behavior and training methodologies in both children and dogs.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ABA Therapist
BAYADA
Honolulu, Hawaii
12.2024 - Current
- Utilized a variety of instructional methods including discrete trial training, natural environment teaching, and incidental learning to engage clients throughout therapy sessions effectively.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing individualized ABA therapy plans tailored to each client''s needs.
- Implemented behavior intervention plans, increasing positive behaviors and reduce challenging behaviors.
- Conducted Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) to identify function of challenging behaviors.
- Implemented visual supports such as schedules, charts, and social stories to enhance comprehension of daily routines among nonverbal or minimally verbal clients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams of professionals to develop cohesive care plans for individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities.
- Enhanced clients'' communication skills through targeted, evidence-based interventions and strategies.
- Monitored and documented client progress using data collection techniques.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients'' families, resulting in increased trust and collaboration in the therapeutic process.
ABA Therapist
ACES
06.2024 - Current
- Utilized a variety of instructional methods including discrete trial training, natural environment teaching, and incidental learning to engage clients throughout therapy sessions effectively.
- Improved patient outcomes by implementing individualized ABA therapy plans tailored to each client''s needs.
- Implemented behavior intervention plans, increasing positive behaviors and reduce challenging behaviors.
- Implemented visual supports such as schedules, charts, and social stories to enhance comprehension of daily routines among nonverbal or minimally verbal clients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams of professionals to develop cohesive care plans for individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities.
- Enhanced clients'' communication skills through targeted, evidence-based interventions and strategies.
- Monitored and documented client progress using data collection techniques.
- Assisted individuals in developing coping strategies for managing challenging emotions or behaviors more effectively.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients'' families, resulting in increased trust and collaboration in the therapeutic process.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans to improve gross and fine motor coordination, movement, and functioning of upper extremities.
- Maintained neutrality when supporting patients despite difficult behavior.
- Provided one-on-one Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for neurodivergent clients in clinical setting.
- Increased client independence by teaching essential life skills such as self-care routines, meal preparation, and household management.
- Facilitated successful transitions between school settings by working closely with educators to adapt classroom accommodations for students with special needs.
Lead Dog Trainer
Paw Commons Pet Resort
10.2023 - 06.2024
- Evaluated canine temperament and assessed individual training needs, creating tailored solutions for owners and their pets.
- Conducted group classes for basic obedience, puppy socialization, and advanced off-leash skills, promoting well-mannered pets.
- Established lasting professional partnerships with fellow industry experts to create a network of resources for clients and their pets.
- Led workshops for pet industry professionals on topics such as aggression management, fear-based behaviors, and separation anxiety solutions.
- Revamped company website and social media presence, showcasing success stories, testimonials, and relevant content to attract new clients.
- Maintained a clean and organized facility that met all federal regulations while also providing a welcoming environment for clients'' comfortability during visits.
- Improved dog behavior by designing and implementing personalized training programs for each animal.
- Streamlined administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining client records, and processing payments to increase efficiency in daily operations.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing clear communication, progress reports, and post-training followup.
- Consistently received positive feedback from clients regarding the effectiveness of training methods and improved relationships with their dogs.
- Stayed up-to-date on current trends within the dog training industry by attending seminars/webinars covering new research findings methods.
- Kept animals stimulated with variety of enrichment activities.
- Observed animals closely to understand individual needs and behaviors.
- Monitored animal health, attention and behavior during training sessions.
- Administered prescribed medications to animals based on individual needs.
- Advised owners about planned animal purchases or adoptions and potential behavioral needs.
- Used skills to assist with rescuing and rehabilitating different animals.
Lead Dog Trainer
Dogs on the Run
02.2023 - 06.2024
- Evaluated canine temperament and assessed individual training needs, creating tailored solutions for owners and their pets.
- Conducted group classes for basic obedience, puppy socialization, and advanced off-leash skills, promoting well-mannered pets.
- Established lasting professional partnerships with fellow industry experts to create a network of resources for clients and their pets.
- Developed an innovative approach to dog training by integrating practices from various fields, including animal behavior science, sports psychology, and human motivational theories.
- Maintained a clean and organized facility that met all federal regulations while also providing a welcoming environment for clients'' comfortability during visits.
- Improved dog behavior by designing and implementing personalized training programs for each animal.
- Monitored animal health, attention and behavior during training sessions.
- Trained animals to respond to specific cues from both owners and handlers.
- Observed animals during different activities to identify possible illnesses or injuries requiring care.
- Modified undesirable behaviors with use of successful and safe behavior modifications techniques.
- Kept animals stimulated with variety of enrichment activities.
- Observed animals closely to understand individual needs and behaviors.
- Maintained clean, neat, and hazard-free animal areas to protect individual health and wellbeing.
Lead Dog Trainer
Peticularly Perfect
01.2021 - 06.2024
- Evaluated canine temperament and assessed individual training needs, creating tailored solutions for owners and their pets.
- Conducted group classes for basic obedience, puppy socialization, and advanced off-leash skills, promoting well-mannered pets.
- Developed an innovative approach to dog training by integrating practices from various fields, including animal behavior science, sports psychology, and human motivational theories.
- Cultivated strong relationships with local animal rescue organizations by offering pro bono services to prepare animals for adoption into forever homes.
- Maintained a clean and organized facility that met all federal regulations while also providing a welcoming environment for clients'' comfortability during visits.
- Improved dog behavior by designing and implementing personalized training programs for each animal.
- Organized public outreach events to educate the community on responsible pet ownership, fostering goodwill between the business and the local population.
- Streamlined administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, maintaining client records, and processing payments to increase efficiency in daily operations.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing clear communication, progress reports, and post-training followup.
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans to address specific behavioral issues in dogs, resulting in successful rehabilitation.
- Consistently received positive feedback from clients regarding the effectiveness of training methods and improved relationships with their dogs.
- Stayed up-to-date on current trends within the dog training industry by attending seminars/webinars covering new research findings methods.
- Implemented safety protocols during training sessions to minimize risk of injury for both dogs and handlers alike.
- Advised owners about planned animal purchases or adoptions and potential behavioral needs.
- Provided expert consultations for clients with challenging cases or special needs dogs, delivering customized strategies for success.
- Tracked metrics such as overall health, behaviors, and diet to isolate and address concerns.
- Enhanced dog-owner relationships through teaching effective communication and handling techniques.
- Created innovative ways to teach animals new behaviors and tricks.
- Instructed owners and dogs on basic obedience commands using different techniques to match dogs' drives for reward.
- Instructed and supervised volunteers and staff on proper animal handling procedures.
- Consulted with owners to discuss behavioral concerns and determine final goals.
- Administered prescribed medications to animals based on individual needs.
- Evaluated animals to determine temperaments, abilities and aptitude for training.
- Conferred with owners about methods for continuing training and reinforcing methods taught in classes.
- Observed animals closely to understand individual needs and behaviors.
- Succeeded in training diverse animals with confident training techniques and trusting relationships.
- Kept animals stimulated with variety of enrichment activities.
- Maintained clean, neat, and hazard-free animal areas to protect individual health and wellbeing.
- Worked individually with dogs on track for higher-level certifications in obedience and show performance.
- Observed dogs in various settings to determine behavioral concerns and problems.
- Maintained clean training arena for group classes.
Kennel Technician and Front Desk
Dogspot
05.2021 - 12.2022
- Cleaned and maintained kennel areas for optimized hygiene, including cages, runs and yards.
- Maintained clean and sanitary living conditions for animals, reducing stress and promoting overall wellbeing.
- Enhanced animal socialization skills through daily interaction and playtime activities.
- Implemented efficient feeding schedules, ensuring all animals received proper nutrition on a timely basis.
- Provided exceptional customer service to pet owners, addressing concerns and answering questions regarding the care of their pets.
- Trained new staff on kennel maintenance, animal care and feeding protocols.
- Conducted regular safety inspections of kennels, identifying potential hazards and taking corrective action as needed.
- Kept animals clean and free of contaminants to promote optimal health.
- Assisted in training new staff members on kennel procedures, ensuring high standards of animal care were consistently maintained.
- Mixed and administered special food formulas to individual animals based on unique dietary needs.
- Followed effective process for bathing and grooming dogs to remove dirt, loose hair, parasites, and hair mats.
- Monitored animal behavior closely, identifying potential issues and reporting them to facility management for further evaluation.
- Minimized animal injury risk by monitoring behaviors and eliminating safety hazards.
- Provided compassionate care for over 50 dogs and cats, ensuring their comfort and well-being during their stay.
- Increased pet owner satisfaction by establishing personalized care plan for each animal, addressing specific dietary and exercise needs.
- Maintained accurate inventory records for pet supplies and food, ensuring availability and controlling costs through strategic ordering.
- Reduced incident rates by implementing comprehensive behavioral assessment for each new animal, tailoring care approaches accordingly.
- Developed and implemented enrichment plans to keep animals healthy and stimulated.
Human Resources Assistant
Kendal Floral Seasonal Position
03.2021 - 05.2021
- Efficiently managed personnel files, maintaining confidentiality while keeping records up-to-date and organized.
- Filed paperwork, sorted, and delivered mail and maintained office organization.
- Conducted new hire orientation to verify completion of appropriate paperwork, recording information on human resources database.
- Answered and redirected incoming phone calls for office.
- Assisted in payroll processing to ensure timely delivery of paychecks to all employees.
- Monitored employee attendance and performance to verify punctuality and absences, addressing issues in accordance with company policies and procedures.
- Supported talent acquisition efforts by screening resumes, scheduling interviews, and performing reference checks for prospective candidates.
- Organized new employee orientation schedules for new hires.
- Enhanced onboarding experience for new hires by creating comprehensive orientation materials and training programs.
- Created and completed personnel action forms for hires, terminations, title changes and terminations.
- Developed strong relationships with employees through consistent communication and support, leading to increased retention rates.
- Delivered friendly assistance with new hires throughout interviewing and hiring process.
- Maintained compliance with federal and state labor laws by conducting regular audits of HR practices and documentation.
- Assisted with creating employee handbooks and manuals.
- Developed and maintained HR policies and procedures.
Client Care Specialist
Veterinary Specialty Hospital
08.2020 - 01.2021
- Responded to all client inquiries and asked appropriate questions to facilitate resolution.
- Managed high call volume efficiently, prioritizing urgent requests and maintaining composure under pressure.
- Participated in regular team meetings to discuss strategies for enhancing overall client experience within the organization.
- Demonstrated empathy towards clients'' situations while maintaining professional boundaries and adhering to company policies.
- Established trust with clients through transparent communication about service offerings, pricing structures, timelines, or any other pertinent details related directly or indirectly influencing their decision-making process.
- Developed and implemented customized care plans tailored to individual clients'' specific requirements.
- Answered customer questions via telephone, email, and live chat services.
- Interacted with team members across departments to research and resolve customer issues.
- Provided excellent customer service by following up with clients, mailing out applications and responding to incoming calls.
- Provided friendly greeting to visitors and gave knowledgeable and authoritative responses.
- Explained available products and services, demonstrated features, and used persuasive communication strategies to redirect concerns.
- Finalized sales, processed payments and scheduled deliveries.
- Maintained accurate records documenting client interactions, progress updates, completed tasks, or any other pertinent information that may be necessary to effectively manage ongoing relationships with clients.
Shift Supervisor
Starbucks
09.2017 - 07.2020
- Trained new employees and delegated daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Completed store opening and closing procedures and balanced tills.
- Managed cash handling procedures, maintaining accuracy in financial transactions and minimizing discrepancies in daily reconciliations.
- Responded to and resolved customer questions and concerns.
- Resolved customer complaints and issues and offered thoughtful solutions to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Helped store management meet standards of service and quality in daily operations.
- Enforced company policies and regulations with employees.
- Ensured smooth operations during peak hours by effectively managing resources and staff allocation.
- Provided ongoing support to employees during challenging situations, offering guidance on problem-solving techniques for improved efficiency outcomes.
- Maintained clean and well-organized production areas to avoid violations or unnecessary work delays due to hazards or inefficient layouts.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient shift scheduling and task delegation.
- Served as a liaison between employees and upper management effectively facilitating communication that bridged any existing gaps.
- Resolved conflicts among team members diplomatically, promoting a harmonious work atmosphere conducive to collaboration.
- Monitored staff compliance with health codes, ensuring high standards of cleanliness throughout the facility consistently met or exceeded expectations.
- Reduced employee turnover rate by fostering a positive work environment and addressing staff concerns promptly.
- Increased sales performance through effective upselling techniques and staff training initiatives.
- Collaborated with management to develop strategies for boosting overall store performance, leading to higher profit margins.
- Cultivated professional working relationships with peers and supervisors.
- Collaborated with other leaders and executives to direct workflow and support operations.
- Kept accurate and detailed records of personnel progress and productivity.
- Reviewed documentation such as invoices and shipping paperwork for accuracy and compliance.
Customer Service Representative
SeaWorld California Seasonal Position
02.2017 - 09.2017
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Resolved customer complaints with empathy, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business.
- Handled escalated calls efficiently, finding satisfactory resolutions for both customers and the company alike.
- Responded to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns and providing accurate information.
- Developed strong product knowledge to provide informed recommendations based on individual customer needs.
- Developed rapport with customers through active listening skills, leading to higher retention rates and positive feedback from clients.
- Collaborated with team members to develop best practices for consistent customer service delivery.
- Fostered positive customer service culture within team which led to higher customer satisfaction rates.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH12-2026
High School Diploma -
Steele Canyon High School
Spring Valley, CA06-2018
Skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking
- Collaboration with professionals
- Employee training
- Professionalism
- Encouragement and motivation
- Team building
- Task prioritization
- Decision-making
- Relationship building
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 15 staff members.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
Certification
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) - Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
- Canine Good Citizen Evaluator (CGCE) - American Kennel Club.
- California Driver's License
- First Aid Certification
- CPR/AED Certification
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
American Sign Language
Professional Working
Timeline
ABA Therapist
BAYADA
12.2024 - Current
ABA Therapist
ACES
06.2024 - Current
Lead Dog Trainer
Paw Commons Pet Resort
10.2023 - 06.2024
Lead Dog Trainer
Dogs on the Run
02.2023 - 06.2024
Kennel Technician and Front Desk
Dogspot
05.2021 - 12.2022
Human Resources Assistant
Kendal Floral Seasonal Position
03.2021 - 05.2021
Lead Dog Trainer
Peticularly Perfect
01.2021 - 06.2024
Client Care Specialist
Veterinary Specialty Hospital
08.2020 - 01.2021
Shift Supervisor
Starbucks
09.2017 - 07.2020
Customer Service Representative
SeaWorld California Seasonal Position
02.2017 - 09.2017
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Southern New Hampshire University
High School Diploma -
Steele Canyon High School
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