Deborah Horner

• Provided nurturing care to children in therapeutic foster placements, ensuring emotional and physical well-being.
• Developed individualized support plans to address the unique needs of each child placed in care.
• Collaborated with social workers and therapists to coordinate services and resources for children and families.
• Implemented behavioral management strategies to promote positive interactions and emotional growth.
• Facilitated communication between biological families and foster children to support reunification efforts when appropriate.
• Provided consistent structure and routine, enabling children to feel secure and develop healthy habits.
• Cultivated trusting relationships with caseworkers and other professionals involved in supporting children's immediate needs.
• Collaborated with treatment teams to develop and implement individualized care plans for each child.
• Supported educational goals by working closely with school staff and providing necessary resources at home.
• Developed strong relationships with biological families to support reunification efforts when appropriate.
• Managed household finances responsibly while meeting all requirements set forth by licensing agencies, maintaining stability in the home environment.
• Conducted regular safety assessments on living conditions to ensure a secure environment for every child placed in my home.
• Coordinated medical appointments and therapy sessions, prioritizing the health needs of each child in my care.
• Participated in ongoing training programs to stay current on best practices for therapeutic foster parenting and enhance my skills as a caregiver.
• Organized and participated in regular family meetings to discuss progress, concerns, and future goals for each child in my care.
• Addressed behavioral challenges using therapeutic techniques, resulting in improved coping skills for the child.
• Served as an advocate for the children in my care during court proceedings, ensuring their voices were heard throughout the legal process.
• Provided emotional support to children during difficult times, offering a compassionate ear and guidance when needed.
• Facilitated smooth transitions for children entering or leaving my care by communicating effectively with relevant parties involved in placement decisions.
• Maintained detailed documentation of each child''s progress, ensuring accurate records for future reference and treatment planning.
• Cared for medically fragile children in need of extensive support.
• Prepared and maintained individual beds and personal space for foster children.
• Transported kids to mandated therapy, extracurricular activities and medical appointments.
• Supported education of children under care through consistent attendance to school and attentiveness to homework assignments.
• Worked with educational team to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
• Implemented research-based interventions and strategies to support positive behavior and social-emotional development.
• Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
• Arranged medical and psychiatric tests to identify difficulties and indicate potential remedial approaches.

• Facilitated lesson plans to enhance student engagement and understanding.
• Supported classroom management, promoting a positive learning environment.
• Assisted in the development of individualized education plans for students.
• Coordinated educational activities that align with curriculum objectives.
• Evaluated student progress through assessments and provided constructive feedback.
• Implemented strategies to improve student participation and attendance rates.
• Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
• Ensured a safe and supportive learning environment by enforcing classroom rules and addressing behavioral issues promptly.
• Completed daily reports, meal count sheets, and attendance logs.
• Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
• Assisted lead teacher in providing individualized attention to students, resulting in improved academic performance.
• Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating genuine care for their well-being and academic success.
• Worked with teachers to design lesson plans and coordinate activities for classes.

Independent continuing education to better serve the families that I work with while being a foster parent to neurodivergent foster children.

• Capstone Project: Daycare Business Plan, Daycare Project Creator: Deborah Horner
• Create a full business plan including costs, grant writing and a business proposal
• Create a schedule, Employee Handbook, Parent Handbook
• Learn how to assess the program using ITERS

For the Capstone Childcare Administration Project I had to create a business from the ground up. This plan had to include the hiring and firing process and how to work with Parents who may be disgruntled over a part of their child's daycare day and or experience.

• Professional Development: Spanish

To help childcare parents feel more comfortable I broadened my language base to include a geographically relevant foreign language to ensure basic level of understanding.

Expanded knowledge on children with special needs though the course; Developmental Psychopathologies

Expanded knowledge on how diagnosis is determined by the physician through the DSM-5

Continuing to add to my knowledge base to better understand why some families have a harder time defeating addiction and to help process if there is any way to off suggestions of help or refer to a professional

Learning Emotional Regulation Strategies for Children with ADHD, ODD, and Autism Spectrum Disorder and Resistant Behaviors

Through the Symposium I gained many additional Certificates for each section completed.

• Unmasking for Life: Autonomy, and Autistic Liberation 1 Credit hour of training
• Certificate- Untangling Autism and Trauma: Recognizing the signs, reducing misdiagnosis, and delivering effective support
• Certificate- Transforming Trauma with Autistic Clients: powerful somatic techniques with sensorimotor psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults
• Certificate- Revolutionizing Autism Intervention with AI and the Metaverse to support Emotional Intelligence and Social Connection
• Certificate- Leaving Diagnosis at the Door: A Nervous System Approach to Atypical Responses
• Certificate- Empowering Emotional Regulation in Autistic and Other Neurodivergent Students: Strategies to Reduce Chronic Stress and Shield Against Traumatic Experiences
• Certificate- The Autism Self-Acceptance Toolkit: Cultivating Authenticity and Empowerment with ACT and Compassion Focused Therapies
• Certificate- Conceptualizing a Masking Prevention Approach for Autistic Clients: Strategies to Support Mental Health and Authenticity
• Certificate- Reducing Anxiety and Trauma Responses in Autistic Children and Teens: Integrating CBT, DBT, and Polyvagal Theory
• Dr. Temple Grandin’s Call to Revive Hands-On Learning and Support Different Thinkers: A Fireside Chat
• Certificate- Minimizing Uncertainty: How IFS Helps Autistic Thrive
• Certificate- Autistic Catatonia: Early Recognition, Assessment, and Intervention for Lifesaving Support
• Certificate- Treating Autism Spectrum Co-Morbidities: Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Irritability, Anxiety, ADHD, & More
• Certificate- Supporting Social, Emotional, and Cognitive Growth in Autistic Children: Navigating Neuroplasticity, Gut-Brain Connection, and Sensorimotor Techniques
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Professional Development- Received certificates in each area

• Changing the ADHD Brain
• ADHD in Children and Adolescents: Advances in Diagnosis, Treatment and Management
• Rethinking ADHD: A New Treatment Approach
• Psychopharmacology
• Extended Adolescence - When 25 Looks More Like 18: Clinical Strategies for Clients Struggling to Meet the Demands of Adulthood
• Time Management & Executive Functioning Strategies for Adults with ADHD
• ADHD at Work
• ADHD, Relationships, and Sex: Strategies to Overcome the Over/Under-Functioner Dynamic
• Identifying and Treating the 1 in 5 students with ADHD and Learning Disabilities who are Returning to School Misdiagnosed and Misunderstood
• CBT Strategies for Kids and Adolescents: Supporting Students with ADHD and Anxiety

Completed all sections but could not get the certification to be a provider because I do not meet the requirements as a licensed professional- however this is a goal of mine to become.