Grace Dearmin
Costa Mesa,CA
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate professional with over 8 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual, developmental, physical, and behavioral disabilities. Aspiring BCBA and small business owner skilled in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Autism Spectrum Disorder, life skills development, and teaching. Passionate about empowering individuals to achieve greater independence and autonomy through personalized interventions, positive reinforcement, and informed decision-making. Known for delivering empathetic, person-centered care while fostering self-determination and personal growth. Committed to creating environments that encourage independence, respect, and skill-building, helping individuals lead fulfilling, self-directed lives while building strong, supportive relationships with clients and families.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Resident Advisor
College Living Experience
11.2024 - Current
- Provided Independent Living Skill Instruction: Delivered hands-on 1:1 instruction to over 6-8 students per day in meal preparation, household organization, financial management, and self-care to support students' transition to independent living.
- Oversaw Housing and Safety Compliance: Managed student housing logistics, conducted safety and wellness checks nightly, and ensured readiness for emergencies, including maintaining emergency preparedness kits.
- Facilitated Conflict Resolution and Life Skills Development: Coached students in time management, conflict resolution through roommate meetings and individual sessions, self-monitoring/accountability, promoting personal growth, and effective decision-making.
- Maintained Accurate Documentation and Communication: Prepared detailed progress reports, session notes, and other documents while serving as a liaison between students, families, funding sources, and other staff.
Social Coach for Adults With Disabilities
College Living Experience
05.2024 - Current
- Facilitated Individual and Group Social Sessions: Conducted weekly one-on-one and group coaching sessions to develop students' social skills, fostering interpersonal growth for young adults with Autism, ADHD, and other traumatic brain injuries and learning disabilities.
- Planned and Executed Community Integration Activities: Organized and guided students through real-world social interactions and community events, promoting practical application of social skills, self-advocacy, and independence in diverse settings
- Ensured Safe and Effective Transportation: Transported students to and from social events, maintaining safety and engagement while expanding their access to inclusive experiences.
- Documented Progress and Addressed Concerns: Maintained accurate and timely session summaries and communicated critical issues to the Social Director to ensure tailored student support.
- Collaborated on Cross-Domain Support Initiatives: Partnered with academic, career development, and independent living instructors to deliver holistic support for students aiming to achieve independence.
Admissions Representative
Martinsburg College
10.2023 - 04.2024
- Conducted 15-20 follow-ups daily with prospective students and sold graduate-level certificates in ABA to adults seeking BCBA or BCaBA certifications.
- Provided information about program offerings and assisted students in the admissions process.
- Demonstrated strong sales skills and maintained excellent customer relationships.
- Developed and executed strategic outreach initiatives, increasing my close rate by over 20% after just 4 months of tenure.
- Effectively converted prospective leads into committed enrollments.
In-Home ABA Therapist
Behavior Frontiers
10.2022 - 10.2023
- Provided Applied Behavior Analysis therapy in 2 clients' homes to promote skill acquisition and behavior reduction of harmful self-injurious behaviors.
- Conducted parent training sessions focused on teaching behavior management strategies.
- Maintained neutrality and professionalism when supporting patients despite harmful or aggressive behaviors.
- Implemented behavior intervention plans developed by BCBA supervisors.
- Documented client progress and behavioral data accurately tracking over 80-100 trials per session.
- Collaborated with families and other professionals to ensure consistency and effectiveness of therapy.
- Developed and maintained clear, individualized documentation on each client.
Behavioral Specialist
Education Enrichment Services
08.2022 - 10.2022
- Customized small group and individual classroom activities based on differentiated learning needs.
- Applied positive reinforcement to redirect negative behaviors and keep teens on task in the classroom.
- Collaborated effectively with educators from various disciplines.
- Tailored lesson plans for students with emotional and cognitive disabilities.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
Caregiver of Special Needs Child
Allison/Tiffany
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Provided care for a preteen with Bipolar Disorder and ODD, implementing redirection and de-escalation strategies.
- Assisted with daily personal hygiene and medication management.
- Provided mental health support using CBT and DBT strategies.
- Implemented a personalized, daily routine checklist for a special needs child that significantly improved teen's independent living and self-help skills.
- Assisted preteen with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Monitored preteen's activities to verify safety and wellbeing.
Professional Nanny
Catherine Gutman
02.2022 - 06.2022
- Built lasting, professional relationships with families, fostering open communication.
- Assisted with light housekeeping duties as well as running errands.
- Taught children everyday skills and language.
- Organized and cleaned home after activities by picking up toys and straightening up play room.
- Taught children basic life skills, manners and personal hygiene.
- Managed behavioral challenges and promoted developmental milestones.
- Created nurturing environments to support emotional, social, and intellectual growth.
- Assisted in building life and social skills for children's everyday interactions.
- Communicated with children at age-appropriate levels to encourage understanding and build language.
- Planned and carried out activities that targeted gross and fine motor skills.
Registered Behavior Technician II
Learn It Systems - Autism Spectrum Therapies
01.2020 - 12.2021
- Implemented behavioral interventions to teach communication, social, and daily living skills.
- Delivered individualized ABA treatment to clients with autism spectrum disorder.
- Collaborated with parents, BCBA, and clinical supervisors to develop treatment plans.
- Observed, monitored and recorded problem behaviors through accurate behavior-consequence data collection, graphs, and anecdotal notes.
- Learned specialized behavior approaches to implement behavioral strategies.
- Redirected clients' challenging behaviors and reinforced appropriate alternatives and coping mechanisms.
- Supported patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Camper Coordinator/Counselor
Special Camps for Special Kids
07.2019 - 08.2020
- Assisted campers with hygiene needs and provided emotional and behavioral support as necessary.
- Served as a role model and friend to a child/teen with a disability.
- Attended special community events with a camper and acted as their 1:1 support staff.
- Monitored for signs of distress and administered care or asked for support from administrative staff as needed.
- Promoted a fun, safe, and inclusive environment for all campers.
- Communicated camper needs and progress in daily staff meetings.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis (Autism)
Ball State University
RemoteBachelor of Arts - Special Education
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WABachelor of Arts - Educational Studies (Special Education - Mild to Moderate)
Western Governors University
High School Diploma - undefined
Corona Del Mar High School
Newport Beach, CA05.2019
Skills
- Expertise in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Experience in childcare and emotional support
- Skilled in positive reinforcement and behavior intervention strategies
- Proficient in crisis intervention and collaborative problem-solving and deescalation strategies
- Effective and positive teaching abilities
- Experience in treatment planning
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Outgoing with excellent interpersonal and social skills
- Adaptable and effective in dynamic, fast-paced environments
- Experienced in customer relations and sales, Remote/Online work, and CRM management
- Background in small business management and operational oversight
Certification
- Licensed Board Certified Autism Technician, Health & Safety, 2023
- First Aid and Basic First Aid Certified, Health & Safety, 2022
- HIV and AIDS Certified, Health & Safety, 2022
- Mandated Reporter/Child Abuse Training, Health & Safety, 2022
- Safety Care Training, Health & Safety, 2021
Additional Information
- First Aid and CPR Certified
- Certified as an Autism Technician through the Behavior Intervention Certification Council
Languages
American Sign Language
Limited Working
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Resident Advisor
College Living Experience
11.2024 - Current
Social Coach for Adults With Disabilities
College Living Experience
05.2024 - Current
Admissions Representative
Martinsburg College
10.2023 - 04.2024
In-Home ABA Therapist
Behavior Frontiers
10.2022 - 10.2023
Behavioral Specialist
Education Enrichment Services
08.2022 - 10.2022
Caregiver of Special Needs Child
Allison/Tiffany
06.2022 - 08.2022
Professional Nanny
Catherine Gutman
02.2022 - 06.2022
Registered Behavior Technician II
Learn It Systems - Autism Spectrum Therapies
01.2020 - 12.2021
Camper Coordinator/Counselor
Special Camps for Special Kids
07.2019 - 08.2020
High School Diploma - undefined
Corona Del Mar High School
Bachelor of Science - Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis (Autism)
Ball State University
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education
Gonzaga University
Bachelor of Arts - Educational Studies (Special Education - Mild to Moderate)
Western Governors University
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