Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Julia Thornton

Chicago,IL

Summary

Effective individual with exceptional skills in fostering and building relationships with parents, students and community partners with an understanding of the importance of information confidentiality and a strong desire to help others.


Dedicated Educator skillful in meeting and discussing well being strategies with teachers and school leaders. Highly communicative professional works independently and as part of energetic team. Recognized for providing caring, helpful support and resources to families.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

HR Generalist – Office Manager – Program Administrative Assistant

Revolution Workshop
04.2022 - 07.2024
  • Responsible for recruiting, hiring and onboarding of new employees
  • Improved employee retention by implementing effective onboarding and training programs.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve organizational objectives through strategic HR planning.
  • Coached managers on effective performance management techniques, fostering a culture of continuous improvement among staff members.
  • Pre-screened resumes prior to sending to corporate hiring managers for consideration.
  • Assisted with writing job postings and job descriptions for boards.
  • Developed and implemented onboarding and orientation programs for new employees.
  • Administered employee benefits programs and assisted with open enrollment.
  • Served as a liaison between upper management and staff members, facilitating open channels of communication to address concerns or issues promptly.
  • Streamlined HR processes for increased efficiency and reduced administrative workload.
  • Reviewed and screened applicant resumes to identify qualified candidates.
  • Planned and managed recruitment activities for new hires using strategic personnel, staffing, and position management practices.
  • Supported company growth by leading successful recruitment and hiring campaigns.
  • Liaised between management and employees to deliver conflict resolution, alleviate problems, and interpret compensation and benefits policies.
  • Served as a trusted advisor to employees at all levels of an organization regarding career development, workplace policies, and conflict resolution.
  • Optimized workforce planning by analyzing staffing needs and making data-driven recommendations for hiring or reorganization efforts.
  • Established an internship program that provided valuable learning experiences for interns while also creating a talent pipeline for full-time hires.
  • Reduced employee turnover with proactive conflict resolution and performance management strategies.
  • Enhanced workplace culture by promoting diversity, inclusion, and open communication initiatives.

Volunteer

South Austin Collation
06.2018 - 09.2022
  • Increased awareness of available resources by creating and distributing informative materials on violence prevention.
  • Provided support for individuals affected by violence by offering counseling services and referrals to appropriate agencies.
  • Enhanced community partnerships for violence prevention by collaborating with local organizations and law enforcement agencies.
  • Promoted positive relationships among peers by facilitating group activities designed to foster empathy and understanding.
  • Participated in community meetings to talk with members of public about violence and prevention methods.
  • Networked with various stakeholders to build relationships with law enforcement, school leaders and community members.
  • Promoted available resources and connected individuals with services.
  • Conducted workshops on conflict resolution techniques, empowering participants to handle disputes peacefully and constructively.

Program Administrative Assistant – Office Manager

Family Focus Lawndale
03.2020 - 09.2021
  • Streamlined office processes by implementing new administrative procedures and protocols.
  • Optimized workflow efficiency by creating user-friendly templates for frequently used documents and forms.
  • Drafted agendas, recorded minutes and generated documents to facilitate meetings.
  • Delivered top-notch administrative support to office staff, promoting excellence in office operations.
  • Provided office resources for vendor accounts including ordering supplies and prepared documents for submission to the Central office
  • Answered phones while handling public inquiries with sensitivity for the importance of agency public relations
  • Coordinated an arranged parent meeting, often among numerous individuals with complex schedules for multiple sites
  • Managed effective program outreach plans with strategic use of speakers and tours to enhance community engagement and increase participant numbers.
  • Prepared communications and correspondence for the Center Director an Advisory Board President
  • Maintained files such as staff schedules, requested days off, demographic forms an incident report
  • Safeguarded confidential information with strict adherence to company policies on privacy protection and data security measures.
  • Managed phone and email correspondence and handled incoming and outgoing mail and faxes.
  • Interacted with vendors, contractors and professional services personnel to receive orders, direct activities, and communicate instructions.
  • Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient filing systems and organizational strategies.
  • Increased team efficiency by managing schedules, organizing meetings, and maintaining accurate records.

Cadre Substitute Teacher

Chicago Public Schools
11.2018 - 06.2021
  • Special Education Teacher for the fiscal year 2007 - 2012 grades third through sixth
  • Created lesson plans using relevance, rigor and relationship
  • Used differential teaching methods
  • Entered grades in CPS Database impact
  • Integrated positive behavior methods through classroom management
  • Provided updates for parents about students progress.
  • Adapted lesson plans and student activities to meet needs of students with special learning needs.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Enhanced classroom management by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and maintaining clear expectations for behavior.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
  • Boosted student engagement with interactive lessons, incorporating real-world examples and hands-on activities.
  • Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
  • Promoted a collaborative learning environment through group projects and peer-to-peer activities, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
  • Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, and progress reports, ensuring timely submission to administration for reporting purposes.
  • Provided support to special education students in inclusive classrooms, developing accommodations and modifications to meet their unique needs.
  • Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
  • Strengthened parent-teacher communication through proactive outreach via conferences, phone calls, and email updates on student progress.
  • Implemented classroom management techniques to maintain positive learning environment.
  • Documented student progress and provided regular updates to parents.
  • Conferred with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
  • Developed and implemented behavior management plans for students with challenging behavior.

Health & Wellness Coordinator Program Administrative Assistant

BBF Family Services
07.2012 - 05.2018
  • Independently secured and sustained relationships with University of Chicago, Family Medicine Department, University of Illinois, Extension, Community Nutrition Program, and St. Anthony Hospital, Community Wellness Department for health screenings for infants, children, adults and Seniors
  • Insured all grant requirements was met: data collections, demographic, case management, expenses and reports
  • Developed linkage agreements with partners
  • Assisted the Psychotherapist with health intake and screenings for patients
  • Trained employees on city span, goggle docs and health screenings
  • Managed budgets for wellness initiatives, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources.
  • Established a culture of wellness by cultivating an environment focused on holistic well-being, empowering employees to make healthier choices both in and out of the workplace.
  • Managed health fair activities to expose customers to health and wellness businesses.
  • Maximized program enrollment through effective outreach events, cold calling strategies, membership incentives, and referrals programs.
  • Organized engaging workshops and seminars, fostering a culture of continuous learning around health and wellness topics.
  • Collected and tracked information about participation and outcomes of individual programs.
  • Helped clients set and achieve health and wellness goals.
  • Conducted needs assessments or surveys to determine interest in or satisfaction with wellness and fitness programs, events or services.
  • Contributed to the successful completion of various program initiatives by providing essential administrative support to project teams.
  • Managed effective program outreach plans with strategic use of speakers and tours to enhance community engagement and increase participant numbers.
  • Coordinated community events for parents
  • Overseen an organized parent orientation for community baseball youth
  • Provided case management for youth and parents
  • Cultivated relationships with parents and youth
  • Referred parents for services and resources
  • Followed up with parents and youth every six months.
  • Created a supportive environment for employees pursuing mental health resources, reducing stigma associated with seeking help.

Education

Bachelor of Administration - Management

Robert Morris University

Skills

  • Case Management
  • HR policies and procedures
  • Employee Relations Management
  • Talent Acquisition
  • Onboarding and Orientation
  • Recruitment and selection
  • Background Checks
  • Compensation and benefits
  • Workforce Planning
  • Employee Counseling
  • Trauma Informed
  • Youth engagement
  • De-Escalation Techniques
  • Multicultural Sensitivity
  • Parent Education
  • Effective listening and verbal skills
  • Professional Demeanor
  • Attention to Detail
  • Time management abilities
  • Effective Communication
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Task Prioritization
  • Active Listening
  • Community Outreach
  • Relationship Building
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Time Management
  • Community Relations
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Google Docs
  • Excel
  • PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • HRIS - Paylocity

Timeline

HR Generalist – Office Manager – Program Administrative Assistant

Revolution Workshop
04.2022 - 07.2024

Program Administrative Assistant – Office Manager

Family Focus Lawndale
03.2020 - 09.2021

Cadre Substitute Teacher

Chicago Public Schools
11.2018 - 06.2021

Volunteer

South Austin Collation
06.2018 - 09.2022

Health & Wellness Coordinator Program Administrative Assistant

BBF Family Services
07.2012 - 05.2018

Bachelor of Administration - Management

Robert Morris University
Julia Thornton