Ellen Whitaker
Kelso
Summary
Highly motivated and dedicated professional offering 17 years of intensive life management experience (Mother of Four) combined with extensive formal training as a Caregiver and Classroom Assistant. Proven expertise in behavior guidance, complex scheduling, crisis management, and promoting positive child development across diverse age groups, from toddlers to elementary students. Seeking a Preschool or Teaching Assistant role to leverage exceptional organizational skills, patience, and a deep passion for fostering a safe, supportive, and engaging early learning environment.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Caregiver (Special Needs Support)
Consumer Direct Care Network of Washington
11.2025 - Current
- Assisted clients with daily living activities, enhancing comfort and independence.
- Monitored client health and safety, ensuring adherence to care plans.
- Communicated effectively with families and healthcare professionals regarding client needs.
- Documented care provided, maintaining accurate records for compliance and continuity.
- Adapted care techniques based on individual client preferences and changing conditions.
- Provided emotional support to clients, fostering positive relationships and trust.
- Coordinated transportation services for clients to medical appointments and community events.
- Cleaned house, ran errands, managed laundry, and completed weekly grocery shopping.
- Assisted with dressing guidance, grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
Caregiver (Special Needs Support)
New Horizons In-Home Care
01.2025 - 10.2025
- Assisted clients with daily living activities, enhancing comfort and independence.
- Monitored client health and safety, ensuring adherence to care plans.
- Communicated effectively with families and healthcare professionals regarding client needs.
- Documented care provided, maintaining accurate records for compliance and continuity.
- Adapted care techniques based on individual client preferences and changing conditions.
- Provided emotional support to clients, fostering positive relationships and trust.
- Coordinated transportation services for clients to medical appointments and community events.
- Cleaned house, ran errands, managed laundry, and completed weekly grocery shopping.
- Assisted with dressing guidance, grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
- Engaged patients in meaningful conversation, socialization, and activity while providing personal care assistance.
- Maintained a safe and clean environment for patients, reducing risks and ensuring optimal health outcomes.
Chief Operations & Developmental Manager
Home and Life Management (Mother of Four)
08.2008 - Current
- Coordinated daily schedules and activities for children, ensuring smooth household operations.
- Developed and implemented organizational systems for managing household tasks and responsibilities.
- Facilitated communication among family members to enhance collaboration in decision-making processes.
- Mentored children in time management, fostering independence and accountability in completing chores.
- Researched and sourced educational resources to support children's learning and development goals.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
Caregiver
Home Instead In-Home Care
02.2024 - 01.2025
- Assisted clients with daily living activities, ensuring comfort and safety.
- Provided companionship to enhance emotional well-being and reduce loneliness.
- Administered medication and monitored health status to maintain client wellness.
- Developed personalized care plans in collaboration with families and healthcare providers.
Beginner Class Instructor
SWAG Gymnastics
02.2020 - 07.2020
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans for diverse age groups.
- Instructed gymnastics techniques ensuring safety and proper form.
- Monitored student progress and provided constructive feedback to enhance skills.
- Organized and led practice sessions to improve team performance and cohesion.
- Evaluated skill levels and identified areas for improvement in students' performances.
- Assisted in maintaining gym equipment and ensuring a safe training environment.
Product Cook, Packer and Distributor
Earth Grown Kid Doughs
03.2019 - 02.2020
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and workstations.
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring stock levels met demand for menu items.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to optimize playdough preparation processes and workflow efficiency.
- Prepared playdough in compliance with recipes, allergen and portioning control guidelines.
- Managed time by organizing and prioritizing kitchen duties to prepare playdough quickly and efficiently.
Cook and Party Host
Dizzy Castle Indoor Playground
01.2018 - 12.2019
- Prepared and cooked various menu items adhering to safety and quality standards.
- Assisted in inventory management, ensuring availability of ingredients for daily operations.
- Collaborated with team members to deliver timely service during peak hours.
- Followed recipes meticulously to ensure consistency in food presentation and taste.
- Trained new staff on operational procedures, fostering a collaborative kitchen environment.
- Implemented efficient food prep techniques to reduce waste and optimize workflow.
- Monitored food storage conditions to comply with health regulations and safety protocols.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Prepared meals efficiently under time constraints for timely service during peak hours.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
- Prepared food items in compliance with recipes, allergen and portioning control guidelines.
Respite and Habilitation Provider
Positive Potential LLC
03.2011 - 02.2013
- Assisted clients in developing life skills and achieving personal goals through tailored support plans.
- Facilitated communication between clients and families to enhance understanding of individual needs.
- Monitored client progress, documenting observations and adjustments to improve program effectiveness.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care and support for all clients.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to foster positive interactions and reduce challenging behaviors.
- Educated clients on daily living activities, promoting independence and self-sufficiency in various environments.
- Developed and executed engaging activities that align with each client's interests and abilities for skill enhancement.
- Partnered with families to ensure consistent support strategies were utilized both within the home environment and when participating in community-based activities.
- Assisted clients in achieving their personal goals by providing encouragement, motivation, and tailored supports.
- Managed client medication administration schedules diligently ensuring proper dosage times were followed per doctor''s orders.
- Promoted a safe and healthy environment for clients by adhering to all safety guidelines, regulations, and protocols.
- Facilitated community integration for clients by arranging outings and activities that promoted social interaction and skill development.
Education
High School Diploma - Psychology
Hamilton High School
Chandler AZ 06.2005
Skills
Child Development Support
Classroom & Group Management
Special Needs Support
Lesson Plan Assistance
Crisis Intervention & Safety
Conflict Resolution
Complex Logistics & Scheduling
Spanish (Intermediate Proficiency)
Time Management
Organization & Cleanliness
Certification
Completed 75 hours of training for Home Care Aid
Volunteer Work
- Head Start, Barnes Elementary
Classroom Assistant | September 2025 – Present
Provide consistent, direct support to the lead teacher in a Head Start classroom, assisting with daily activities and learning centers.
Help prepare and organize educational materials, ensuring a ready and stimulating learning environment for preschool children.
- We Care Daycare
Toddler Classroom Aide | March 2024 – February 2025
Provided hands-on support for the care and supervision of toddlers (ages 1-3), focusing on safety, diapering, and feeding routines.
Engaged toddlers in age-appropriate play and early literacy activities designed to promote social and motor skill development.
- Lexington Elementary Running Club
Volunteer Group Leader | January 2025 – June 2025
Led and supervised groups of students (Grades K-5) in organized physical fitness and running activities.
Encouraged participation and mentored children on goal setting and perseverance in a positive, outdoor environment.
- Capehorn Skye Elementary
Classroom Assistant (2nd Grade) | August 2015 – June 2016
Directly supported the 2nd-grade teacher by preparing classroom materials, organizing centers, and providing one-on-one assistance to students.
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Caregiver (Special Needs Support)
Consumer Direct Care Network of Washington
11.2025 - Current
Caregiver (Special Needs Support)
New Horizons In-Home Care
01.2025 - 10.2025
Caregiver
Home Instead In-Home Care
02.2024 - 01.2025
Beginner Class Instructor
SWAG Gymnastics
02.2020 - 07.2020
Product Cook, Packer and Distributor
Earth Grown Kid Doughs
03.2019 - 02.2020
Cook and Party Host
Dizzy Castle Indoor Playground
01.2018 - 12.2019
Respite and Habilitation Provider
Positive Potential LLC
03.2011 - 02.2013
Chief Operations & Developmental Manager
Home and Life Management (Mother of Four)
08.2008 - Current
High School Diploma - Psychology
Hamilton High School