Jana Thompson
Athens
Summary
Results-driven Coach dedicated to building focused, high-achieving teams through goal-oriented training and mentorship.
Results-driven Cheerleading Coach with a hands-on approach to improving team performance while also supporting the academic progress of every student. Excellent planner, problem-solver and relationship-builder.
Inspiring Coach bringing extensive experience guiding and mentoring athletes to reach optimum potential. Driven and high-achieving with winning-team seasons throughout career history. Passionate about mentoring athletes to build sustainable training and eating habits.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Paraeducator, Special Education
Malakoff ISD
11.2024 - Current
- Assisted teachers in adapting lesson plans and materials, ensuring accessibility for all students.
- Promoted self-advocacy skills by teaching students how to express their needs effectively within the classroom setting.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and progress towards IEP goals.
- Improved classroom management by implementing behavior modification strategies and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Enhanced student learning by providing individualized support and accommodations for special education students.
- Served as a liaison between regular classroom teachers and special education support staff, streamlining communication regarding student accommodations.
- Coordinated with related service providers to ensure comprehensive support for special education students, including occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and school psychologists.
- Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
- Developed accessible visual aids for complex concepts, improving comprehension for diverse learners in the classroom setting.
- Encouraged peer collaboration through group assignments designed to foster teamwork and mutual understanding among classmates.
- Assisted in planning field trips and extracurricular activities that catered to the unique interests of special education students.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Crossroads ISD
08.2021 - 10.2025
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing clear expectations and consistent consequences for all students.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs, and recordkeeping.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Enhanced classroom engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects.
- Followed lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to maintain positive learning environment.
Substitute Teacher, Inclusion Aide, Cheer Coach
Eustace Middle School`
11.2023 - 07.2024
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Provided support to special education students in inclusive classrooms, developing accommodations and modifications to meet their unique needs.
Activity Director
Lakeland House Assisted Living
11.2018 - 12.2020
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and facility policies by maintaining accurate documentation of activity programs.
- Planned resident outings and special events to mark holidays and celebrate special occasions.
- Developed monthly life enrichment calendar and published electronically and in print.
- Developed strong relationships with residents and their families, fostering a supportive community environment.
- Designed wide variety of activities to stimulate interest, involvement, and engagement of patients.
- Boosted social interaction among residents through organizing regular events, outings, and group activities.
- Developed and lead intergenerational activities to encourage mental agility of patients.
- Addressed challenging behaviors exhibited by some residents during group settings through effective communication strategies that maintained a positive atmosphere.
- Enhanced resident engagement by planning and executing diverse recreational activities tailored to individual interests and abilities.
- Supervised volunteer staff in the planning and implementation of various activities, ensuring a high level of service was consistently provided for all residents.
- Trained new activity staff members on program development procedures and best practices for engaging diverse populations of older adults.
- Performed assessments on activity programs to determine what specific activities were suitable.
- Completed resident evaluations for discharge to provide reports on mobility limitations to smooth care transition and promote continued resident activity.
Activity Director
Country Place Senior Living
07.2016 - 08.2018
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and facility policies by maintaining accurate documentation of activity programs.
- Planned resident outings and special events to mark holidays and celebrate special occasions.
- Developed monthly life enrichment calendar and published electronically and in print.
- Developed strong relationships with residents and their families, fostering a supportive community environment.
- Designed wide variety of activities to stimulate interest, involvement, and engagement of patients.
- Boosted social interaction among residents through organizing regular events, outings, and group activities.
- Developed and lead intergenerational activities to encourage mental agility of patients.
- Worked with nursing team to identify and document changes in patient mental acuity and physical abilities.
- Addressed challenging behaviors exhibited by some residents during group settings through effective communication strategies that maintained a positive atmosphere.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of activity programs through ongoing assessment and feedback from residents, families, and staff members.
- Enhanced resident engagement by planning and executing diverse recreational activities tailored to individual interests and abilities.
Activity Director
Oak Wood Senior Living
09.2014 - 06.2016
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and facility policies by maintaining accurate documentation of activity programs.
- Planned resident outings and special events to mark holidays and celebrate special occasions.
- Developed monthly life enrichment calendar and published electronically and in print.
- Developed strong relationships with residents and their families, fostering a supportive community environment.
- Designed wide variety of activities to stimulate interest, involvement, and engagement of patients.
- Boosted social interaction among residents through organizing regular events, outings, and group activities.
- Organized a Senior Dance Team, The Oak Wood Grannies. We performed at the Athens Arboretum, local nursing homes, and at parties and celebrations on our Oak wood campus.
Activity Director
Ridgecrest Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
11.2010 - 09.2014
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and facility policies by maintaining accurate documentation of activity programs.
- Planned resident outings and special events to mark holidays and celebrate special occasions.
- Developed monthly life enrichment calendar and published electronically and in print.
- Boosted social interaction among residents through organizing regular events, outings, and group activities.
- Developed and lead intergenerational activities to encourage mental agility of patients.
- Addressed challenging behaviors exhibited by some residents during group settings through effective communication strategies that maintained a positive atmosphere.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of activity programs through ongoing assessment and feedback from residents, families, and staff members.
- Supervised volunteer staff in the planning and implementation of various activities, ensuring a high level of service was consistently provided for all residents.
- Enhanced resident engagement by planning and executing diverse recreational activities tailored to individual interests and abilities.
- Arranged outings as part of recreational program.
- Assisted with safety and emergency planning to secure patient safety while at facility and prevent injury.
- Coordinated special events such as holiday celebrations or themed parties to enhance overall quality of life within the community setting.
- Networked with community organizations and leaders for volunteer opportunities and cooperative engagements.
- Established partnerships with local organizations to provide additional resources and opportunities for residents'' enrichment.
- Provided safe transportation to facilitate residents attending activities and events outside of facility.
- Trained and provided information to new volunteers to contribute to activities and programs in constructive ways.
- Organized and oversaw special events such as birthday parties, tournaments and team-building activities.
- Cultivated strong relationships with customers to build loyalty and repeat business.
- Coordinated with other entertainment venues to create joint promotional events.
Activity Director
Kemp Care Center
06.2010 - 11.2010
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and facility policies by maintaining accurate documentation of activity programs.
- Planned resident outings and special events to mark holidays and celebrate special occasions.
- Developed monthly life enrichment calendar and published electronically and in print.
- Developed strong relationships with residents and their families, fostering a supportive community environment.
- Developed and lead intergenerational activities to encourage mental agility of patients.
- Worked with nursing team to identify and document changes in patient mental acuity and physical abilities.
- Addressed challenging behaviors exhibited by some residents during group settings through effective communication strategies that maintained a positive atmosphere.
- Supervised volunteer staff in the planning and implementation of various activities, ensuring a high level of service was consistently provided for all residents.
- Performed assessments on activity programs to determine what specific activities were suitable.
- Integrated cognitive stimulation techniques into daily programming for improved mental health outcomes among participants suffering from dementia or related conditions.
- Networked with community organizations and leaders for volunteer opportunities and cooperative engagements.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to create holistic care plans addressing the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs of each resident.
Owner/Director
Self Employed Services, Carter Dance Academy
08.1995 - 01.2010
- Developed high-performing Dance and Cheer teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Optimized staff performance by designing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
Education
Mass Communications
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX08-1984
Liberal Arts And Sciences
Kilgore College
Kilgore, TX06-1983
High School Diploma -
Newman Smith High School
Carrollton, TX06-1981
Skills
- Classroom support
- Emotional support
- Motor skills development
- Social skills development
- Conflict resolution
- Teaching and instruction
- Relationship building skills
- Peer mentoring
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Cheer and Dance trained for developing excellence in training
Accomplishments
Best Rookie Coach ( Have had teams in private sector, first School Team) Chosen by NCA Staff and Peer Coaches 2024
Captains Award for Cheer Captain
Superior Award and Trophy for Camp Dance
Spirit Stick Award for overall team Spirit,
Award winning Choreography for Dance and Drillteam Competitions
Personal,
Citizen of the Month 2019 , Athens Chamber of Commerce for contributions to the community
Cheer Captain Freshman High School, Jr Lieutenant and Senior Captain of The Newman Smith Troy Anns DrillTeam
KIlgore College Rangerettes
Performed in The 2025 Cottton Bowl Classic January 2025 with 765 Rangerettes Forever ranging from age 19 to 85
- Head Cheer Coach coach for 14 students in 7th and 8th grade.
Certification
Paraprofessional Certificate for classroom instruction.
Credentialed Cheer Coaching Certificate 2024
Certified Activity Director
Music Therapy Certification.
Certification in Alzheimer's training and dementia care.
- Cheerleading Coaches' Safety Education Course– American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Interests
- Music
- Backpacking and Hiking
- Yoga
- I participate in low-impact exercises to strengthen core muscles
- Pilates
- I enjoy cooking for friends and family gatherings
- Growing herbs, vegetables, or fruits in home gardens
Timeline
Paraeducator, Special Education
Malakoff ISD
11.2024 - Current
Substitute Teacher, Inclusion Aide, Cheer Coach
Eustace Middle School`
11.2023 - 07.2024
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Crossroads ISD
08.2021 - 10.2025
Activity Director
Lakeland House Assisted Living
11.2018 - 12.2020
Activity Director
Country Place Senior Living
07.2016 - 08.2018
Activity Director
Oak Wood Senior Living
09.2014 - 06.2016
Activity Director
Ridgecrest Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
11.2010 - 09.2014
Activity Director
Kemp Care Center
06.2010 - 11.2010
Owner/Director
Self Employed Services, Carter Dance Academy
08.1995 - 01.2010
Mass Communications
Texas Tech University
Liberal Arts And Sciences
Kilgore College
High School Diploma -
Newman Smith High School
Similar Profiles
Denissa MartaDenissa Marta
Kindergarten Teacher at Malakoff ISDKindergarten Teacher at Malakoff ISD
VALERIE WILLIAMSVALERIE WILLIAMS
Substitute Teacher, K-12 at Mesquite ISD / Malakoff ISDSubstitute Teacher, K-12 at Mesquite ISD / Malakoff ISD
Olivia GoodwinOlivia Goodwin
HS Theatre Teacher at Palestine ISDHS Theatre Teacher at Palestine ISD