Jerrica Amundson
Isanti,MN
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate education professional with over 6 years of experience supporting children and adolescents in educational and behavioral health settings. Skilled in implementing IEP goals, behavior intervention strategies, classroom management, and individualized instruction for students with diverse learning needs, including autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities. Recognized for building positive relationships with students, collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams, and creating safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
Anoka Hennepin School District
Brookside Elementary, Ramsey, MN
09.2024 - Current
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Implemented Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals under the direction of special education teachers and related service providers.
- Assisted students with communication, social skills, and daily living skills using evidence-based strategies and visual supports.
- Supported positive behavior interventions and de-escalation techniques to promote student success and safety.
- Collaborated with teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other team members to support student needs.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Anoka Hennepin School District
Andover Elementary, Andover, MN
09.2023 - 06.2024
- Supported individualized education plans by implementing tailored learning strategies for diverse student needs.
- Assisted teachers in classroom management, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
- Collaborated with special education staff to adapt instructional materials for students with varying abilities.
- Developed and maintained supportive relationships with students, encouraging academic engagement and confidence.
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
Lead Mental Health Technician
Fraser
Coon Rapids, MN
09.2021 - 08.2023
- Delivered compassionate patient care, focusing on safety, comfort, and emotional support.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients to create safe and supportive environment.
- Supported patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Applied de-escalation and limit-setting techniques to promote patient cooperation.
- Helped clients develop coping strategies and social skills.
- Provided therapeutic activities to assist with patient development.
Lead Teacher
Trinity Lutheran Church & Preschool
08.2019 - 09.2021
- Communicated frequently with parents about student growth and progress, recommending at-home reinforcement to support struggling students.
- Guided student teachers and teaching aides in classroom management, leading by example and thoroughly answering questions.
- Set up visual aids, equipment and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Instructed children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting and toileting.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
Daycare Aide
Growing Generations
08.2018 - 08.2019
- Taught children the importance of patience and understanding.
- Complied with strict safety and organizational regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Set up playroom and childcare areas for safety and cleanliness.
- Cared for infants through age 10 in nurturing and age-appropriate way.
Daycare Aide
Trinity Lutheran Church & Preschool
01.2018 - 07.2018
- Arrived at assigned areas on time, prepared and ready to work.
- Cared for children ages 2 to 4 in nurturing and age-appropriate way.
- Instructed children in crafts and other activities to promote gross and fine motor skills, including creating paintings, drawings, paper crafts and decorations.
- Encouraged child involvement in classroom experiences and group interaction.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Child and Adolescent Development
Southern New Hampshire University
New Hampshire05-2023
Associate of Arts - undefined
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Coon Rapids, MN05-2020
Skills
- Child development
- Classroom management
- Active Listening
- Assistive technology
- Positive behavior reinforcement
- Small group support
- Team collaboration
- Student advocacy
- Behavior intervention strategies
- De-escalation techniques
- Differentiated instruction
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
Anoka Hennepin School District
09.2024 - Current
Special Education Paraprofessional
Anoka Hennepin School District
09.2023 - 06.2024
Lead Mental Health Technician
Fraser
09.2021 - 08.2023
Lead Teacher
Trinity Lutheran Church & Preschool
08.2019 - 09.2021
Daycare Aide
Growing Generations
08.2018 - 08.2019
Daycare Aide
Trinity Lutheran Church & Preschool
01.2018 - 07.2018
Associate of Arts - undefined
Anoka-Ramsey Community College
Bachelor of Arts - Child and Adolescent Development
Southern New Hampshire University