Danielle Saari
Aurora,CO
Summary
Compassionate and resilient professional with experience supporting individuals with diverse needs as a special education paraprofessional and providing exceptional customer service in retail environments. Brings strong communication, crisis intervention, and relationship-building skills, along with firsthand understanding of the challenges associated with substance use and homelessness. Leverages lived experience in recovery to inspire hope, build trust, and support individuals in their journey toward wellness and stability. Demonstrated ability to connect with people from all backgrounds through empathy, patience, and nonjudgmental support. Passionate about empowering individuals to overcome barriers, navigate recovery, and achieve meaningful, lasting change. Dedicated to contributing to a rehabilitation team that fosters hope, dignity, and person-centered care.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SPED paraprofessional
Denver Public Schools - DSISD
Denver, CO
09.2019 - 05.2023
- Supported classroom teachers and special education staff in providing individualized instruction and assistance to students with diverse learning, behavioral, and physical needs.
- Helped implement IEP goals by reinforcing lessons, adapting materials, and offering one-on-one or small-group support.
- Monitored student behavior, encouraged positive engagement, and applied de-escalation and redirection techniques when necessary.
- Collaborated with teachers, therapists, and administrators to track progress, document observations, and maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Gas station attendant
Alta Convienience
Denver, CO
04.2020 - 09.2022
- Provided exceptional customer service by greeting customers, answering their questions, and offering assistance.
- Operated cash registers and card machines to process customer transactions.
- Verified age of customers purchasing alcohol or cigarettes.
- Completed routine cleaning and upkeep of fuel station.
- Practiced effective time management techniques to complete assigned duties quickly.
- Assisted in training new employees on store procedures and equipment.
- Balanced till, locked doors and set alarm at store close.
SPED Paraprofessional
South Washington County School District
Woodbury, MN
09.2016 - 06.2019
- Supported classroom instruction for students with disabilities, enhancing learning experiences and promoting engagement.
- Assisted teachers in developing and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to student needs.
- Provided one-on-one support for students during academic tasks, ensuring understanding and task completion.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
Delivery Coordinator
Menards
St. Paul, MN
07.2016 - 06.2019
- Coordinated all aspects of customer and contractor deliveries for a high-volume hardware retail environment.
- Managed daily scheduling, routing, and communication between warehouse staff, drivers, and customers to ensure accurate and on-time delivery of building materials, tools, and large equipment.
- Verified orders for completeness, prepared documentation, and monitored inventory levels to prevent delays.
- Provided customer service support by resolving delivery issues, updating order statuses, and ensuring a smooth post-purchase experience.
- Collaborated with sales and operations teams to streamline workflows, improve delivery efficiency, and maintain a safe, organized loading and staging area.
- Provided assistance in other areas of the store when needed such as rentals, returns, register, and stocking.
Bartender
Hydeaway Bar
Virginia, MN
07.2014 - 05.2016
- Handle multiple drink orders at once while staying calm and efficient under pressure.
- Prepare and serve alcoholic beverages to guests in a fast-paced bar environment.
- Operate POS systems, process cash and credit transactions, and balance drawers at shift end.
- Collaborate with other bartenders to coordinate timely service.
- Maintain a clean and organized bar area, following all safety, sanitation, and hygiene procedures.
- Assist with inventory, restocking supplies, and rotating product as needed.
Education
High School Diploma - undefined
Virginia High School
Virginia, MN06-2011
AA degree - General Studies
Mesabi Range Community and Technical College
Virginia, MN06-2011
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Computer skills
- Active listening
- Task prioritization
- Customer service
- Attention to detail
- Dependable and responsible
- Friendly, positive attitude
- Organizational skills
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making
- Multitasking
- Excellent communication
- Flexible and adaptable
- Calm under pressure
- POS System
Certification
Currently in classes to recieve my APRS
Mission Statement
My mission is to live with gratitude in recovery, integrity in my actions, and service to others. By sharing my experience and walking alongside my peers, I strive to inspire hope, support professional growth, and empower others to build meaningful and fulfilling lives in recovery as I continue to grow and strengthen my own recovery journey.
Timeline
Gas station attendant
Alta Convienience
04.2020 - 09.2022
SPED paraprofessional
Denver Public Schools - DSISD
09.2019 - 05.2023
SPED Paraprofessional
South Washington County School District
09.2016 - 06.2019
Delivery Coordinator
Menards
07.2016 - 06.2019
Bartender
Hydeaway Bar
07.2014 - 05.2016
High School Diploma - undefined
Virginia High School
AA degree - General Studies
Mesabi Range Community and Technical College