Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Karen Gurganus

Kingsland,TX

Summary

From a young age, I have been passionate about helping overlooked and underserved populations. During my time as a Special Education teacher, I worked with a variety of special needs children; meeting them where they were and helping them to grow to reach their fullest potential. As a foster parent of over a decade, I have loved, advocated and assisted hurting children, and built lasting relationships with their parents. I worked within the foster system to help those parents in crisis to become better parents, and I was entrusted with loving and raising other people's children. As a local volunteer, I have worked in my community to help different organizations in fundraising activities to support those in crisis. I have also organized and oversaw the supply of nutrition for volunteers over many months when a catastrophic weather even occurred in our community. My ultimate intention is to join with an organization that I can continue to serve others and help improve the lives of those in crisis and need. Thank you for your time. I look forward to meeting in the near future.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Fundraising Committee Member and Volunteer

Women And Family Crisis Center
Marble Falls , TX
09.2013 - 04.2019
  • Coordinated and helped organized annual fundraising events to educate potential donors and increase awareness of domestic abuse.
  • Spoke intelligently and enthusiastically regarding current music and performers to engage and entertain attendees.
  • Danced, sang and conducted games encouraging donors participation through playful antics and engagement.
  • Communicated with guests clearly and with good humor to encourage laughter and excitement.
  • Incorporated stage props to engage audience and create unforgettable moments.
  • Created fun and animated skits aligned with the nonprofit's mission and values for guest enjoyment.

Special Education Teacher

Marble Falls Independent School District
Marble Falls , TX
08.2005 - 05.2013
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
  • Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
  • Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
  • Partnered with general education teachers from across academic departments.

Special Education Teacher

Abilene Independent School District
Abilene , TX
08.2003 - 05.2005
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Taught reading, language arts, mathematics and social sciences in self-contained ED and BD classroom.
  • Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).

Special Education Teacher

Loraine Independent School District
Loraine , TX
10.2001 - 05.2003

Education

Bachelor of Science - Psychology And History

Hardin-Simmons University
Abilene, TX
05.2000

Skills

  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Fundraising Events
  • Adaptability and Dependability
  • Outreach Initiatives
  • Producing Communications
  • Volunteer Coordination
  • Community Service Programs
  • Event Planning
  • Resource Utilization

Timeline

Fundraising Committee Member and Volunteer

Women And Family Crisis Center
09.2013 - 04.2019

Special Education Teacher

Marble Falls Independent School District
08.2005 - 05.2013

Special Education Teacher

Abilene Independent School District
08.2003 - 05.2005

Special Education Teacher

Loraine Independent School District
10.2001 - 05.2003

Bachelor of Science - Psychology And History

Hardin-Simmons University
Karen Gurganus