ERICA CULTRA
Onarga,IL
Summary
I have my bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Governor State University. I have my license to be a substitute teacher in Iroquois and Kankakee counties. While obtaining my Bachelors degree, I completed my internship at Kankakee County Center Against Sexual Assault. My most recent full time employer was ABRA located in Sheldon Illinois. I worked as the Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP). I have 19 years of experience working in this type of environment / volunteering at numerous nursing homes. I have a strong passion to help others. I am an extremely hard worker and I strive to provide a positive and safe environment for those around me. Making a client feel safe, comfortable, and happy is my top priority. One of my best qualities is my care for others. I have worked as a server for many years while in high school and in college. I am a United States Marine. I served an 8 year contract with the Marine Corps and earned an honorable discharged. While serving as active duty, I was a Motor Transport Mechanic. I completed my 8-year military contract in February 2018. I successfully accomplished two deployments: one humanitarian deployment along the Pacific Ocean and one combat deployment to Afghanistan. During those four active years in the Marine Corps, I was discharged as a Sergeant.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional
Gilman Healthcare Center
- Current
- I am the director of the Crossroads Program
- The Crossroads Program is a program for all the residents who have a diagnosis of an intellectual disability
- I conduct different sensory activities, one to one activity, and I make sure the resident’s family is as involved with the resident’s care as possible
- I try build a strong repour with the residents so when they need assistance with negative feelings/behaviors, they will allow me to help them get through the difficult time
- I advocate for all the residents in the Crossroads Program
- I provide extra stimuli and support for the residents on the program
- I create individualized care plans, notes, and other documentation that can help support the daily quality of life for the residents
- I am a mandatory reporter and strive to help anyone in any way that I can
Direct Support Person
Good Shepherd Manor
- Current
- I passed medications, cleaned, cooked, and provided one on one care for the men who live at the group home on Park St
- I am CPR certified and I do my best to create a safe and fun environment for the men to live
- I transported the men to and from the day program and their group home each day
Teacher’s Assistant/ Counselor
Onarga Academy- Nexus
- Current
- I provided support and a safe environment for the boys to learn and grow
- I provided the boys assistance with cognitive behavioral therapy
- I worked with them on many different levels of education and one on one mentoring
- I helped the boys understand the connection between their thoughts, behaviors, and actions
Internship/Rape crisis line
Kankakee County Center Against Sexual Assault
- Current
- I attended court (Kankakee Court House) on a weekly basis, conducted intakes with new clients, and hosted counseling sessions
- I answered hotline crisis calls when needed and attended hospital visits to support the survivor when needed
- I conducted intakes with all ages of clients and survivors of sexual assault
- I created a healthy, strong, and professional relationship between my clients and myself so I can provide him/her with the proper counseling
- Some of the services I provided were legal and medical advocacy, hotline services, and in person counseling
Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional
ABRA
02.2022 - 09.2024
- Demonstrated commitment to professional development by staying current on industry trends, research findings, and legislative changes impacting service provision for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Elevated program effectiveness by closely monitoring performance metrics related to client outcomes, making adjustments as necessary.
- Improved client satisfaction by facilitating effective communication and collaboration among team members.
- Collaborated closely with healthcare professionals to coordinate medical care for clients with complex health needs or concerns.
- Delivered high-quality training programs for staff members focused on best practices in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed, effectively managing challenging behaviors while prioritizing the safety of all involved parties.
- Increased client engagement in community activities by identifying meaningful opportunities for participation.
- Promoted independence for individuals with intellectual disabilities through skill-building activities and goal-setting processes.
- Enhanced individualized support by developing personalized care plans for clients with intellectual disabilities.
Motor Transport Mechanic/Technician
United States Marine Corps
- 02.2018
- I proudly completed a four - month humanitarian deployment with Pacific Partnership on the USS Cleveland
- I played a huge role in providing security, medical care, and supplies to the homeless/unprivileged people of the seven different countries along the Pacific
- I also successfully completed a seven - month deployment to Afghanistan
- I provided security and conducted tactical convoys to and from Camp Leatherneck while supporting the other units with supplies and gear needed to complete missions
- I worked with NATO while in Afghanistan
- Accountability and the safety of my Marines were just two of many, important tasks throughout my time in the Marine Corps
Education
Bachelor's degree - Social Work
Governors State University
University Park, Il01.2017
Associate's degree - Social Work, Criminal Justice
MacMurray College
Jacksonville, Il05.2009
High School Diploma -
Central High School
Clifton, Il01.2007
Skills
- Caring for Others
- Attention to Detail
- Self-Discipline
- Honest
- Adaptability
- Organized
- Selfless Service
- Respectful
- Good Listener
- Positive Attitude
- Reliable
- Loyal
- Determined
- Strong Work Ethic
- Willingness to Learn
- Patience
- Responsible
- Detail Oriented
License/ Qualifications
- Substitute teacher license for Iroquois and Kankakee counties.
- Bachelors degree in social work
- CPR and First Aid certified
- Mental Health First Aid Certified
Timeline
Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional
ABRA
02.2022 - 09.2024
Bachelor's degree - Social Work
Governors State University
Associate's degree - Social Work, Criminal Justice
MacMurray College
High School Diploma -
Central High School
Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional
Gilman Healthcare Center
- Current
Direct Support Person
Good Shepherd Manor
- Current
Teacher’s Assistant/ Counselor
Onarga Academy- Nexus
- Current
Internship/Rape crisis line
Kankakee County Center Against Sexual Assault
- Current
Motor Transport Mechanic/Technician
United States Marine Corps
- 02.2018