Elizabeth Rys
New York,NY
Summary
Dedicated Peer Specialist skilled in crisis management and group facilitation, enhancing mental health support through compassionate engagement. Strives to exemplify a high proficiency in interpersonal engagement, which has supported solid networking, community building, and creating safe environments for individuals in need of support. Excelled professionally in supportive roles with varying tasks including daily support and training for consumers, promoting advocacy and access to support services. Utilizes both professional and lived personal experience to guide others toward recovery and community.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Animal Control Officer
Middletown Township
Middletown, New Jersey
06.2020 - 06.2024
- Enforced animal control regulations to ensure public safety and compliance.
- Ensured humane treatment of animals in accordance with state and local laws, regulations, and ordinances.
- Responded promptly and professionally to animal-related emergencies and calls.
- Conducted inspections of premises for adherence to animal care laws and regulations.
- Participated in community outreach programs to raise awareness about animal issues.
- Issued citations for violations of municipal ordinances concerning animal laws and public safety.
- Investigated suspected animal cruelty cases, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence.
- Fulfilled obligations by attending court hearings related to alleged animal control violations.
- Collaborated with local shelters and veterinarians for humane animal rescue and relocation efforts.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist
Garden State Wildlife Refuge
Howell Township, New Jersey
02.2021 - 05.2023
- Utilized active certification as Animal Control Officer to safely contain and transport wildlife.
- Executed wound care, catheterizations, tube feedings, medication administration, and vaccinations for animals.
- Led training sessions for new volunteers by implementing effective leadership and communication skills.
- Ensured all volunteers adhered to established protocols and safety regulations at the center.
- Organized community outreach events and donation drives to increase public engagement.
- Coordinated daily with veterinarians, volunteers, and rehabilitation facilities to optimize animal care outcomes.
Assistant Job coach
The ARC of Mercer
Ewing Township, NJ, NJ
06.2018 - 01.2020
- Coached individuals with developmental disabilities to develop professional skills for success.
- Created interactive lesson plans for ARC clients focusing on independence-enhancing practical skills.
- Implemented emotional de-escalation techniques under clinician supervision for behavior regulation support.
- Documented training progress and submitted daily reports for assigned individuals.
- Collaborated with management to update training program objectives aligned with client goals.
- Fostered compassionate relationships with clients to enhance community engagement and support.
Direct Support Professional
Human Resources Center
Honesdale, Pennsylvania
02.2017 - 04.2018
- Delivered direct care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, enhancing daily living activities.
- Facilitated structured activities to develop social skills among day program clients.
- Supported group home residents in daily tasks, providing transportation for appointments and community activities.
- Helped clients adhere to there individual behavior support plans to encourage positive interactions and outcomes.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
- Monitored behaviors, documenting observations and reporting changes to supervisor.
Sous Chef
Settlers Inn Corp.
Hawley, Pennsylvania
04.2015 - 01.2017
- Collaborated with the head chef to develop seasonal menu offerings.
- Supervised kitchen staff to ensure efficient meal preparation and service.
- Trained new kitchen personnel on food safety and cooking techniques.
- Assisted in menu development and recipe testing.
- Conducted frequent line checks to keep food at proper temperatures in holding zones.
- Plated food according to restaurant artistic guidelines to promote attractive presentation.
- Performed weekly inspections of all equipment for safety compliance.
- Contributed to the successful execution of catered events from start to finish.
Education
Pet Grooming Training And Licensing Program
Animal Behavior College
Farmingdale, NJ03-2009
NJ State Animal Control Officer Training
Career Development Institute
Highland Park, NJ04-2007
Psychology (30 Credits Completed)
Brookdale Community College
Lincroft, NJ01-2006
High School Diploma -
Montana Academy
Marion, MT10-2004
Skills
- Regulatory compliance
- Emergency response
- Public engagement
- Job coaching
- Lesson planning
- Conflict resolution
- Data documentation
- Public speaking
- Community outreach
- Crisis management
- Professional ethics
- Collaboration skills
- Volunteer training
- Decision-making support
- Marketing
- Skill development
- Community networking
Volunteer Work
- Volunteer at ST. Francis Wildlife Rehab - 2018-2020
Accomplishments
- Award for Altruism From the Montana Academy High School - 2003
Event Gigs
- "Stone Fest" Music and Arts Festival 2012 Clearfield, PA - Festival Organizer and Promoter
- "Jibber_Jazz" Music Festival 2016 Almond, NY - Production and Marketing Manager
- "One Wicked Boogie" 2017 Almond, NY -Production and Marketing Manager
Timeline
Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist
Garden State Wildlife Refuge
02.2021 - 05.2023
Animal Control Officer
Middletown Township
06.2020 - 06.2024
Assistant Job coach
The ARC of Mercer
06.2018 - 01.2020
Direct Support Professional
Human Resources Center
02.2017 - 04.2018
Sous Chef
Settlers Inn Corp.
04.2015 - 01.2017
Pet Grooming Training And Licensing Program
Animal Behavior College
NJ State Animal Control Officer Training
Career Development Institute
Psychology (30 Credits Completed)
Brookdale Community College
High School Diploma -
Montana Academy