Karen Willis
Carthage,MO
Summary
Proven educator and healthcare professional with a track record of fostering academic and emotional growth in students at Carthage R9 School District. Specializes in autism spectrum knowledge and emotional support, enhancing classroom inclusivity and patient care. Achieved significant improvements in student engagement and patient satisfaction through innovative teaching and care strategies.
Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Ed Para
Carthage R9 School District
04.2013 - Current
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in special education teaching techniques.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
- Supported students'' social-emotional growth through one-on-one counseling sessions focused on conflict resolution, self-awareness, and goal-setting strategies.
Certified Nurse Assistant
Carthage Health And Rehab
06.2013 - 12.2019
- Assisted patients during meal times, ensuring they received proper nutrition according to specific dietary requirements.
- Maintained accurate records of vital signs, fluid intake, and output for effective patient monitoring.
- Enhanced patient care by providing daily assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Improved patient comfort by repositioning and transferring them on a regular basis.
- Demonstrated proficient use of medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors and oxygen concentrators for efficient patient care delivery.
- Strengthened continuity of care by meticulously updating electronic health records in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Collaborated with nursing staff to promptly address any concerns or emergencies, prioritizing patient safety and well-being at all times.
- Served as a mentor to new staff members, providing guidance and support during their onboarding process.
- Contributed to a sanitary environment by adhering to strict infection control protocols when cleaning rooms and equipment.
- Boosted overall patient satisfaction through genuine empathy, active listening skills, and consistent professionalism in all interactions.
- Supported patients'' emotional well-being by actively listening to their concerns and offering compassionate companionship.
- Assisted nursing staff in wound care procedures, effectively preventing infections and promoting healing.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to remain current on best practices in the field of Certified Nurse Assistance.
2 Year Old Classroom Teacher
La Petite Academy Inc.
03.2011 - 04.2013
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and refining instructional techniques accordingly.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum and make progress in their learning.
- Established clear expectations for behavior and classroom management, creating a respectful and productive learning atmosphere.
- Conducted small group interventions for struggling learners, providing targeted support that led to increased academic achievement.
- Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication, promoting involvement in their child''s education.
- Planned lessons, activities and trips to cover all required course material.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
Patient Care Specialist
Mccune Brooks Hospital
04.2005 - 04.2011
- Implemented safety protocols within the workplace to minimize risks for both patients and staff members alike.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing timely and compassionate care.
- Ensured compliance with HIPAA regulations by safeguarding confidential patient information at all times.
- Facilitated patient education, ensuring they have a thorough understanding of their diagnoses and treatment plans.
- Provided emotional support to patients and their families during challenging moments, fostering trusting relationships throughout their healthcare journey.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized environment for patients by diligently adhering to infection control protocols and properly disposing of hazardous materials.
- Improved patient outcomes by closely monitoring vital signs and promptly reporting any changes to medical staff.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care delivery.
- Maintained accurate records of all patient interactions, including medication administration, treatments provided, and observations made during shifts.
Education
No - Food And Nutrition
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KSNo - Education of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs
Missouri Southern State University
Joplin, MONo. - Medical Billing And Coding With Insurance
Grantham University
Lenexa, KSGED -
Walnut Ridge High School
Walnut Ridge, AR05.1990
Skills
- Autism Spectrum Knowledge
- Classroom Organization
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Positive Reinforcement
- Collaborative Teaching
- Visual supports
- Inclusion Practices
- Social Skills Training
- Literacy Intervention
- Sensory integration strategies
- Life Skills Instruction
- Communication Strategies
- Emotional Disabilities Support
- Multisensory Teaching
- Functional Behavior Assessment
- Motor Skills Development
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Student Advocacy
- Disability Awareness
- Assistive Technology
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Classroom Management
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Motivating students
- Relationship Building
- Social Skills Development
- Emotional Support
- Trained in CPI
Timeline
Certified Nurse Assistant
Carthage Health And Rehab
06.2013 - 12.2019
Special Ed Para
Carthage R9 School District
04.2013 - Current
2 Year Old Classroom Teacher
La Petite Academy Inc.
03.2011 - 04.2013
Patient Care Specialist
Mccune Brooks Hospital
04.2005 - 04.2011
No - Food And Nutrition
Pittsburg State University
No - Education of Individuals in Elementary Special Education Programs
Missouri Southern State University
No. - Medical Billing And Coding With Insurance
Grantham University
GED -
Walnut Ridge High School
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