Jessi Howell
Maquoketa,IA
Summary
Accomplished Direct Support Professional, Team Lead, and Special Education Para Professional with a proven track record at Imagine the Possibilities. Expert in behavior redirection and relationship building, enhancing client and student well-being. Skilled in compassionate caregiving and effective communication, consistently fostering trust and improving team performance.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Direct Support Professional
Imagine the Possibilities
Maquoketa, IA
04.2023 - Current
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized environment.
- Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the team.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.
- Enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing compassionate and consistent direct support.
- Supported clients with personal care tasks, ensuring their dignity and privacy were maintained at all times.
- Assisted clients in achieving personal goals through care plans and daily skill-building activities.
- Monitored medication administration, maintaining accurate records to ensure client safety and compliance with prescribed treatment plans.
- Provided ongoing communication between clients, families, and other service providers to enhance overall care coordination efforts.
- Trained new staff on best practices in direct support, elevating overall quality of care provided.
- Cooked meals and assisted patients with eating tasks to support healthy nutrition.
- Assisted with daily living activities, running errands, and household chores.
- Assisted patients with bathing, grooming, dressing, and oral hygiene care both in private residences and facilities.
Lead Teacher, Toddler Room
Sunshine Preschool
Maquoketa, IA
06.2020 - 03.2023
- Developed strong relationships with families, fostering trust and creating a welcoming atmosphere within the classroom.
- Adapted lessons to accommodate individual needs, supporting diverse learners in reaching their full potential.
- Assisted in maintaining a clean, organized, and inviting classroom environment that encouraged exploration and learning.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop a cohesive and consistent curriculum for the Toddler Room.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, ensuring a safe, nurturing environment for all.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Maquoketa Community School District
Maquoketa, IA
08.2016 - 05.2020
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
Team Lead
Imagine the Possibilities
Maquoketa, IA
12.2008 - 08.2016
- Trained new team members by relaying information on company procedures and safety requirements.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
- Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
- Coached team members in techniques necessary to complete job tasks.
- Enhanced overall team performance by providing regular coaching, feedback, and skill development opportunities.
Education
High School Diploma - General Studies
Maquoketa High School
Maquoketa, IA05.2003
Skills
- Time management
- First aid and safety
- Behavior redirection
- Client support
- Medication administration
- Compassionate caregiving
- Decision-making support
- Health and safety requirements
- Relationship building
- Transportation
- Daily living support
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Verbal and written communication
Timeline
Direct Support Professional
Imagine the Possibilities
04.2023 - Current
Lead Teacher, Toddler Room
Sunshine Preschool
06.2020 - 03.2023
Special Education Paraprofessional
Maquoketa Community School District
08.2016 - 05.2020
Team Lead
Imagine the Possibilities
12.2008 - 08.2016
High School Diploma - General Studies
Maquoketa High School