Debbie Blackston
Summary
Driven by a commitment to continual improvement and a passion for fostering supportive environments, I leveraged skills in critical thinking and excellent communication while volunteering and teaching and other roles. Demonstrated ability to increase member participation and engagement through innovative solutions and active listening, underscoring my adaptability and problem-solving skills.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Stay at Home Mom
Self-employed
Bentonville, AR
08.2008 - Current
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- I have a special needs child and have gained skills navigating the resources for his support.
Co-Leader
Volunteer Work Special Needs Moms Group For Church
Bentonville, AR
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Created a supportive environment by fostering trust, empathy, and mutual respect among participants.
- Provided valuable resources for additional support, connecting members with relevant services and professionals when needed.
- Collaborated with fellow facilitators to ensure consistency in approach and methodology across all support groups.
- Maintained confidentiality regarding personal information shared by members during support group sessions, adhering to ethical guidelines and organizational policies.
- Developed strong rapport with members by actively listening and empathizing with their struggles, promoting trust within the group.
Family Readiness Group Leader (Volunteer)
United States Army
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
01.2012 - 03.2013
- Awarded the Artillery Order of Molly Pitcher award in recognition of outstanding support to families while the unit was deployed to Afghanistan.
- Managed sensitive personal information with utmost discretion, maintaining trust within the military community.
- Improved overall morale of the unit by providing resources and guidance to families in need.
- Served as a valuable liaison between command leadership and family members, addressing concerns and providing timely updates on pertinent issues.
- Provided crucial support during deployment cycles, ensuring smooth transitions for both service members and their families.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
Preschool Teacher
Little Church On The Prairie Preschool
Lakewood, WA
09.2006 - 05.2007
- Developed strong relationships with parents and caregivers, providing regular updates on their child''s progress and addressing any concerns proactively.
- Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers, and letters.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
Instructor, Army Family Team Building (Volunteer)
United States Army
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
09.2005 - 05.2006
- Applied various teaching aids to minimize learning gaps and instruct and motivate students.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and enhance teaching effectiveness.
- Increased student participation via engaging lectures and assignments.
- Developed and clearly presented classroom rules, guidelines and objectives.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
Preschool Teacher
Children's Corner Daycare Center
Lawton, OK
01.2005 - 05.2005
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers, and letters.
- Addressed behavioral and learning issues with parents and daycare management.
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
Education
Master of Science - Counseling
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR05.2026
Bachelor of Science - Multidisciplinary Studies
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN12.2004
High School Diploma -
Watertown High School
Watertown, TN06.1997
Skills
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Dependable and Responsible
- Problem-Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Excellent Communication
- Calm Under Pressure
- Active Listening
Timeline
Co-Leader
Volunteer Work Special Needs Moms Group For Church
08.2023 - 05.2024
Family Readiness Group Leader (Volunteer)
United States Army
01.2012 - 03.2013
Stay at Home Mom
Self-employed
08.2008 - Current
Preschool Teacher
Little Church On The Prairie Preschool
09.2006 - 05.2007
Instructor, Army Family Team Building (Volunteer)
United States Army
09.2005 - 05.2006
Preschool Teacher
Children's Corner Daycare Center
01.2005 - 05.2005
Master of Science - Counseling
John Brown University
Bachelor of Science - Multidisciplinary Studies
Tennessee Technological University
High School Diploma -
Watertown High School