Dana Wise
Refugio,TX
Summary
Seasoned collaborator experienced in meeting needs, improving processes and exceeding requirements in team environments. Diligent worker with strong communication and task prioritization skills.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
Refugio Independent School District
08.2024 - 07.2025
- Supported students with diverse learning needs, fostering an inclusive classroom environment.
- Assisted teachers in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities.
- Monitored student progress, documenting behavioral and academic developments for review.
- Implemented strategies to encourage positive behavior and social interactions among peers.
- Participated in professional development workshops to remain current on special education practices and regulations.
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
Legal Assistant
Cox & Holmstrom, PLLC
11.2014 - 02.2018
- Managed accounts and client records of clients, observing confidentiality and extreme discretion.
- Completed electronic filings, initiated billing statements and managed firm administrative matters.
- Reviewed, edited and proofread documentation drafts for proper grammar, spelling, punctuation and formatting.
- Handled scheduling and coordination of client appointments for multiple attorneys
- Prepared contracts, easements, lease agreements, and other documentation for attorney review
Scheduling Coordinator
J. Tim Rainey, DDS
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Handled scheduling of all patient appointments
- Greeted patients, and entered personal and financial information
- Verified patient insurance and obtained pre-authorizations for coverage
- Collected and maintained patient accounts
Financial Coordinator
Goliad Dental Care
10.1998 - 05.2005
- Answered questions over phone and in-person regarding billing, scheduling and treatment.
- Contacted insurance carriers to discuss policies and individual patient benefits.
- Explained insurance benefits, fees and procedures to patients.
- Submitted claims to insurance companies on same day as patient treatment.
- Made acceptable arrangements for payment for all patients
- Made bank deposits and maintained daily office reports
- Maintained employee incentive program
- Supported fully fellow team members
- Occasionally assisted doctor with dental procedures
- Occasionally assisted dental hygienists with various tasks, such as periodontal charting and x-ray development
Education
No Degree - Business Administration And Management
Victoria College
Victoria, TXHigh School Diploma -
Stroman High School
Victoria, TX1993
Skills
- Task Prioritization
- Exceptional Telephone Etiquette
- Troubleshooting Complex Problems
- Policy and Procedure Adherence
- Administrative Duties
- IEP compliance
- Verbal and written communication
- Student advocacy
- Instructional support
- Student supervision
- Nonverbal communication
- Life skills development
- Autism and spectrum disorders
- Social skills training
- Emotional regulation
- Visual schedules
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
Refugio Independent School District
08.2024 - 07.2025
Legal Assistant
Cox & Holmstrom, PLLC
11.2014 - 02.2018
Scheduling Coordinator
J. Tim Rainey, DDS
01.2008 - 01.2009
Financial Coordinator
Goliad Dental Care
10.1998 - 05.2005
No Degree - Business Administration And Management
Victoria College
High School Diploma -
Stroman High School