Karen Flood
Buffalo
Summary
Dynamic Preschool Teacher Leader at Just For Kids, skilled in behavior management and curriculum development. Successfully fostered children's growth through innovative learning activities and strong parent collaboration. Committed to creating a nurturing environment that promotes creativity and social development, while effectively utilizing early childhood education best practices.
Dynamic professional specializing in early childhood development for students with special needs. Adaptable to particular learning needs and abilities of each child. Committed to helping diverse learners reach maximum potential.
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to learn quickly. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Preschool Teacher Leader
Just For Kids
Buffalo
08.2023 - Current
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay abreast of best practices in early childhood education.
- Implemented behavior management techniques that encouraged positive interactions among children and group activities or playtime.
- Facilitated developmentally appropriate learning activities to promote physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth.
- Collaborated with parents to ensure they were informed of their child's progress in school.
- Utilized instructional materials such as books, games, art supplies, to enhance the learning experience of preschoolers.
- Established positive relationships with students by providing encouragement and support for their academic endeavors.
- Provided a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and explore their interests.
- Provided feedback on areas where improvement was necessary in order for children to reach developmental milestones.
- Encouraged creativity through storytelling sessions or arts and crafts projects.
- Managed day-to-day operations including , snack times, outdoor playtime.
- Taught children foundational skills in colors, shapes and letters.
- Controlled classroom environments with clearly outlined rules and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Encouraged children to be understanding of others, show good manners and instructed in other social development behaviors.
- Established indoor and outdoor safe play environments for toddler-age children.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Implemented behavior modeling and positive reinforcement into daily routines.
- Read stories to children and taught painting, drawing, and crafts.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive, trusting relationships.
- Participated in workshops, trainings and conferences to improve educational skills.
- Instructed and assisted children in eating, toileting, and resting to help develop healthy personal habits.
- Removed hazards and developed appropriate boundaries and rules to create safe environment for children.
Telemetry Technician
Buffalo General Hospital
Buffalo
11.1995 - 04.2000
- Educated patients on cardiac conditions and treatments in easy-to-understand terminology.
- Compared measurements of heart wall thickness and chamber sizes to evaluate conditions and identify abnormalities.
- Adjusted settings or positions of medical equipment.
- Reported any discrepancies or malfunctions with the telemetry system immediately to management personnel.
- Analyzed cardiac rhythms and reported results to nursing staff or physicians.
- Assisted in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing telemetry equipment.
- Provided guidance on safe use of Telemetry Monitoring Systems during orientation sessions for new employees.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Operated a variety of machinery and tools safely and efficiently.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
- Managed household errands and other essential duties.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Documented all information regarding maintenance activities accurately and thoroughly.
- Participated in training sessions related to Telemetry Monitoring Systems usage and updates.
- Recorded observations and baseline measurements to maintain accurate medical records.
- Monitored and adjusted telemetry equipment as needed for optimal performance.
- Calibrated, troubleshot or repaired equipment and corrected malfunctions.
- Investigated problems reported by nursing staff related to the operation of telemetry systems.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
- Assisted in training technicians, medical students or other staff members.
- Evaluated new technology options for compatibility with existing systems.
- Tested software applications related to Telemetry Monitoring Systems prior to implementation.
- Performed equipment diagnostics, troubleshooting and evaluations.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Hamlin Terrace Health Care Center
Buffalo
01.1989 - 03.1993
- Performed housekeeping duties such as changing linens and cleaning bathrooms when necessary.
- Transported specimens, laboratory items or pharmacy items, verifying proper documentation and delivery to authorized personnel.
- Assisted with admission procedures such as gathering personal data from the patient's chart.
- Administered medications and educated patients and families on correct at-home administration.
- Planned and served meals and snacks to patients according to prescribed diets.
- Fostered relationships with patients, caregivers and healthcare teams to achieve individual care plan targets.
- Conducted patient education on health maintenance and disease prevention.
- Supplied, collected and emptied patient bedpans on frequent basis.
- Documented activities and recorded information in EMR system.
- Administered medications as directed by registered nurse or physician.
- Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Completed routine maintenance and repair.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
- Conducted routine maintenance and repairs on mechanical systems and industrial equipment.
- Managed household errands and other essential duties.
- Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement solutions.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
- Updated and maintained databases with current information.
Education
PreK~Specialist - Childcare
Just For Kids
06.2022 - 01.2026
Telemetry Heart Monitor Technician - Nursing
Buffalo General Hospital
High Street 01-1997
Some College (No Degree) - Nursing
D'youville College
Buffalo, NYSkills
- Curriculum development
- Parent collaboration
- Fine motor skills
- Team collaboration
- Health and safety
- Instructional planning
- Social-emotional learning
- Sensory activities
- Science exploration
- Nutrition education
- Special needs support
- Music and movement
- Creative teaching strategies
- Child assessment
- Parent-teacher communication
- Outdoor play supervision
- Classroom organization
- Gross motor skills
- Age-appropriate assessment
- Play-based learning approaches
- Effective listening
- Physical fitness
- Excellent classroom management
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Preschool Teacher Leader
Just For Kids
08.2023 - Current
PreK~Specialist - Childcare
Just For Kids
06.2022 - 01.2026
Telemetry Technician
Buffalo General Hospital
11.1995 - 04.2000
Certified Nursing Assistant
Hamlin Terrace Health Care Center
01.1989 - 03.1993
Telemetry Heart Monitor Technician - Nursing
Buffalo General Hospital
Some College (No Degree) - Nursing
D'youville College