Gwendolyn Jones
Yonkers
Summary
Assistant Director with over 12 years of experience supporting neurodiverse populations and 14 years in supervisory roles. Expertise in Child Life and Young Adult Programs, with a strong background as a Recreational Therapist for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Proven track record in enhancing training effectiveness through innovative teaching strategies and de-escalation techniques. Skilled in leadership, team building, and customer service, with a focus on maximizing employee engagement and performance.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lecturer for Compliance & Human Resource Training
One Brooklyn Health/Rutland Nursing Home
Brooklyn
02.2025 - Current
- Provided a 1-hour annual mandatory training session for the staff at Rutland Nursing Home that focused on compliance and human resources, conducted weekly from February 2025 to present
Lecturer for De-Escalation Training
One Brooklyn Health/Rutland Nursing Home
Brooklyn
07.2024 - Current
- Facilitated a comprehensive 5-hour weekly training session on de-escalation techniques for staff at Rutland Nursing Home since July 2024
- Utilized presentations, props and visual aids to promote staff engagement during lectures.
Assistant Director of Child Life and Young ADULTS’ Programs
Rutland Nursing Home
Brooklyn
03.2023 - Current
- Successfully managed a team of 25 staff members, emphasizing high performance standards through effective communication and organizational strategies.
- Participate in daily rounds on the young adults’ unit, documenting observations and reporting critical information to enhance resident care.
- Organize and lead weekly staff meetings to disseminate updates on policies and procedures, collaboration for upcoming programs and events.
Certified Zumba Instructor
Bronx House
Bronx
01.2022 - Current
- Dynamic and certified Zumba instructor with expertise in various styles including Zumba, Zumba Gold, Aqua Zumba, Adapted Zumba, and Kid's Zumba.
- Design and implement dance fitness workshops that address the unique physical requirements of all participants, ensuring accessibility and enjoyment for everyone involved.
- Provided Zumba for various locations: PAL in Yonkers, YMCA in Yonkers, Yonkers Library, Shrub Oak Library, Nyack football team, Poly Prep football team, SPOMA committee in Walden, NY, Department of Education and SPARC, Inc for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Guest Lecturer for E-Portfolio Course
LaGuardia Community College
Queens
12.2024 - 12.2024
- Conducted a guest lecture in November 2024, focusing on the development and presentation of e-portfolios
- Provided guidance and support to students on academic matters.
- Advised students on academic and career pathways.
- Engaged with students by facilitating discussions and providing feedback on their work.
Guest Lecturer for Therapeutic Recreation Class
LaGuardia Community College
Queens
09.2023 - 09.2023
- Collaborated with Dr. Edwards and Dr. Battle to deliver engaging lectures on therapeutic recreation principles and practices
- Encouraged active participation through discussions and debates.
- Facilitated discussions to enhance student understanding and critical thinking skills.
Recreation Program Coordinator
Sparc, Inc.
Yorktown Heights
09.2018 - 03.2023
- Supervised two “without walls” day habilitation programs designed for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Responsible for the overall management and operational success of both locations.
- Create, plan, organize, and lead diverse recreational activities tailored to the interests and abilities of participants.
- Travel trained, taught restaurant etiquette, help the participants navigate the community socially and independently.
Recreation Therapist
Incarnation Children's Center
New York
02.2009 - 09.2018
- Worked closely with children born with HIV, ensuring their medical and emotional needs were met in a compassionate and supportive environment.
- Created, planned, and budgeted engaging weekend trips for residents, focusing on recreational activities that promote social interaction and physical health.
- Managed MDS Documentation: Entered relevant information into the Minimum Data Set (MDS) booklet for all disciplines.
Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor
Sunshine Children's Home
Ossining
08.2014 - 08.2016
- Oversaw a team of 20 staff members within the recreation department, ensuring effective management and coordination of daily operations.
- Developed, planned, and managed budgets for specialized recreational programs tailored to meet the needs of medically fragile pediatric residents with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities.
- Participated in daily morning reports with the interdisciplinary team, contributing to discussions on resident care strategies, updates on individual cases, and collaborative decision-making processes aimed at improving overall resident outcomes.
Office Coordinator
Montefiore Medical Center
Larchmont
11.1999 - 06.2012
- Provided daily supervision and leadership to a team of 7 secretaries, fostering a collaborative environment that enhanced productivity and streamlined administrative processes.
- Accurately entered medical billing information including CPT codes, DME codes, and HCPCS codes specifically for the OBGYN department at Montefiore, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and facilitating timely reimbursement.
Education
Master of Science - Parks and Recreation Administration
Lehman College
Bronx, NY01.2024
Bachelor of Science - Therapeutic Recreation
Lehman College
Bronx, NY01.2010
Skills
- Course planning and program development
- Teaching strategies and leadership
- Staff supervision and engagement
- Budget and risk management
- Compliance training and policy implementation
- Organizational skills
- Public speaking
- Critical thinking
- Active listening
- Task delegation
- Strategic planning
- Recruitment and hiring
- Verbal and written communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Training and development
Certification
- Certified Zumba Instructor
- Certified Group Fitness Instructor
- AFAA
- CPR/BLS
Timeline
Lecturer for Compliance & Human Resource Training
One Brooklyn Health/Rutland Nursing Home
02.2025 - Current
Guest Lecturer for E-Portfolio Course
LaGuardia Community College
12.2024 - 12.2024
Lecturer for De-Escalation Training
One Brooklyn Health/Rutland Nursing Home
07.2024 - Current
Guest Lecturer for Therapeutic Recreation Class
LaGuardia Community College
09.2023 - 09.2023
Assistant Director of Child Life and Young ADULTS’ Programs
Rutland Nursing Home
03.2023 - Current
Certified Zumba Instructor
Bronx House
01.2022 - Current
Recreation Program Coordinator
Sparc, Inc.
09.2018 - 03.2023
Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor
Sunshine Children's Home
08.2014 - 08.2016
Recreation Therapist
Incarnation Children's Center
02.2009 - 09.2018
Office Coordinator
Montefiore Medical Center
11.1999 - 06.2012
Master of Science - Parks and Recreation Administration
Lehman College
Bachelor of Science - Therapeutic Recreation
Lehman College