Heather Klessig-Zeiger
Summary
Outdoor Lead Guide with nine years experience at a Montessori school preparing environment and supervising ages 2-15 year old students. Strong focus on collaboration among all communities and adaptable to changing needs. Skilled in safety protocols, risk assessment, team building, and problem-solving. Educated and guided teachers and extended day staff on best play practices.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Outdoor Lead Guide
Nature's Way Montessori School
08.2016 - 07.2024
- Developed, Integrated and maintained the school's campus outdoor environments which included forts, playground and nature preserve into community curriculum and outdoor playtimes.
- Led a Adolescent Community self-expression class three times a year.
- Maintained an Outdoor budget for equipment and supplies
- Fundraised for a new playground structure
- Supervised and guided outdoor staff in observing students ages 2-15 at all planned outdoor playtimes.
- Collaborated with Lead Guides on support plans for students with challenges
- Educated staff, parents and colleagues at MAT conference on current research on play and theory of loose parts.
- Implemented place based education on Nature Preserve through extensions from classroom curriculums.
Caregiver
Public Partnerships
01.2015 - 05.2016
- Provided assistance and support to an individual with Muscular Dystrophy and Spinal Atrophy to improve and maintain functioning in all aspects of life in order to increase independence.
- Assisted with dressing guidance, grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
- Performed light housekeeping duties to maintain cleanliness standards while respecting the patient''s personal space.
- Built strong relationships with clients to deliver emotional support and companionship.
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Bell Therapy
03.2014 - 12.2014
- Provided Case Management services for adults with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness and Co-Occurring Disorders.
- Developed and Implemented treatment plans, behavioral intervention plans and a therapeutic schedule for 46 residents some of whom had the most complex needs in a Milwaukee County Community based facility.
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Willowglen Academy
01.1997 - 03.2014
- Helped build with an initial team of five colleagues, a child/adolescent program that grew from 6 clients to 78 clients in three years.
- Provided six hours of group therapy daily, specifically focusing on skills such as, but not limited to: socialization, communication skills, leadership, assertiveness training, decision-making and problem-solving, self-awareness, leisure and time management, team building and independence.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans for each client while collaborating with public schools, families, social workers, and doctors to coordinate transition back to their public school after a year of working with me.
- I helped develop an afterschool program that focused on academics, community integration and friendship-making skills.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Therapeutic Recreation
University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
La Crosse, WI12-1996
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
La Crosse, WI12-1996
Bachelor of Arts - Child Youth Care
University of Wisconsin, Lacrosse
LaCrosse, Wisconsin12-1996
Skills
CPR and First Aid training
NCTRC Board Certification 1997- present
Ropes and Challenge Course Facilitator
Trained in Positive Discipline
Accomplishments
- Fundraised for a new playground structure for our school and organized the school community to construct it.
- Presented "The Lost Art of Play" at the Montessori Alliance of Tennessee conference.
Certification
Board Certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Timeline
Outdoor Lead Guide
Nature's Way Montessori School
08.2016 - 07.2024
Caregiver
Public Partnerships
01.2015 - 05.2016
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Bell Therapy
03.2014 - 12.2014
Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Willowglen Academy
01.1997 - 03.2014
Board Certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Bachelor of Science - Therapeutic Recreation
University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
Bachelor of Arts - Child Youth Care
University of Wisconsin, Lacrosse
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