Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

KATIE SHARPLESS

Coatesville,PA

Summary


Compassionate Special Education Paraprofessional offering excellent skills in devising student strategies and monitoring classroom activities. Pursuing a similar position where a well-qualified individual with an understanding of autism spectrum disorder and learning disabilities is highly sought.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Special Education PCA

CCRES
07.2024 - Current
  • Increased student engagement by incorporating sensory integration techniques into lessons and classroom activities.
  • Facilitated successful transitions between school activities by providing visual schedules and structured routines.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive student support, including occupational therapists, speech therapists, and physical therapist
  • Established strong rapport with autistic students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding of their unique needs.
  • Supported the development of fine motor skills through targeted activities aimed at improving handwriting, coordination, and spatial awareness.
  • Managed challenging behaviors effectively using proactive interventions, reducing disruptions in the learning environment.
  • Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
  • Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
  • Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
  • Provided emotional support to students
  • Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
  • Helped feeding and daily living skills to support physical and emotional well-being.

CDL B Truck Driver/Dispatch

Reliable Environmental
10.2023 - 04.2024
    • Established positive relationships with clients by addressing concerns promptly and professionally during interactions at delivery sites.
    • Increased operational efficiency by effectively communicating with team members regarding scheduling adjustments or other pertinent updates.
    • Maintained a clean driving record and upheld safety standards, ensuring the well-being of all road users.
    • Streamlined dispatch operations by implementing efficient scheduling and routing practices.
    • Organized dispatch schedules to maximize driver availability and minimize idle time between trips.
    • Clearly and effectively communicated with other drivers and dispatch

CDL Roll Off Driver

AJ Blosenski
04.2021 - 04.2023
    • Preparing, securing and transporting open top and compactor containers to various contractors, homeowners, and businesses
    • Inspected vehicle before and after trips and logged and reported mechanical problems to avoid unsafe hazards.
    • Fastened chains, straps, covers, and binders to secure load during transit.
    • Completed accurate and timely documentation for each job, streamlining record-keeping processes.
    • Provided excellent customer service by addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
    • Collaborated with dispatch team to optimize schedules and prioritize time-sensitive jobs.
    • Navigated challenging terrain and tight spaces with precision, delivering efficient service without compromising safety.
    • Developed strong relationships with clients through reliable service delivery and consistent communication about their needs.
    • Adhered to safety protocols, reducing the risk of accidents and maintaining a safe working environment.
    • Assisted in training new drivers, sharing industry knowledge and best practices for successful roll-off operations.
    • Maintained a strong safety record, minimizing incidents and injuries through thorough equipment inspections and compliance with safety regulations.

CDL School Bus Driver

ON THE GO KIDS
08.2019 - 04.2021
  • Streamlined boarding procedures, implementing an organized system that ensured timely departures from each stop along the route.
  • Reduced vehicle maintenance costs by conducting daily pre-trip inspections and promptly reporting any necessary repairs or concerns.
  • Demonstrated professionalism at all times while engaging with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators alike during daily duties.
  • Adhered to scheduled routes and accomplished timely drop-offs and pick-ups to comply with preset route criteria.
  • Upheld high standards of cleanliness for the school bus interior by performing regular cleaning tasks after each trip.
  • Complied with all relevant state and federal regulations regarding school transportation services, ensuring the safety and well-being of students at all times.

Nanny

Melanie and Chis Ruffino
06.2015 - 06.2019
  • When starting with family the children were aged 4mo, 2yrs and 5yrs old
  • Create a stimulating nurturing and safe environment for children
  • Supervised the children's activities at all times
  • Plan and lead educational activities, including reading, homework, sensory development for preschooler, and school aged children
  • Planned trips to museums, and fun educational places
  • Maintained the children's schedules and transported to and from activities, school and doctor's appointments
  • Managed children's schedules effectively to ensure timely completion of homework, extracurricular activities, and daily routines.
  • Perform housekeeping tasks, including cooking healthy meals, children's laundry, tidying play areas, doing daily house chores, baths, and ADLs with children
  • Built positive and nurturing environments to support child social and emotional growth.
  • Implemented creative learning strategies tailored to each child''s interests and abilities for enhanced cognitive growth.
  • Excellent organizational skills, and also multi-tasking skills
  • Fostered creativity through art projects, music appreciation, and imaginative play designed to stimulate young minds.

Assistant Teacher

Goddard School
04.2014 - 05.2015
    • Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
    • Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
    • Instructed children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toileting.
    • Participated in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
    • Established a warm rapport with students that fostered emotional security and a sense of belonging.
    • Developed strong relationships with parents, fostering trust and collaboration in supporting their child''s development.
    • Managed classroom materials effectively, ensuring a clean, organized space conducive to learning at all times.
    • Integrated sensory experiences into daily routine to enhance cognitive exploration opportunities for young learners.
    • Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.

Manager of Operations & Fleet manager

Makoto/The Martial Arts Studio
06.2010 - 06.2014
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
  • Responsible for managing an after school martial arts program with 72 students ranging from kindergarten to high school students
  • Purchasing, receiving, scheduling, and billing for all operations
  • Mentored "Junior Mentors" middle school and high school aged children about volunteering, giving back to the community, interviewing skills, assisting with younger students
  • Taught speed and agility classes
  • Having my class B CDL license I also provided transportation needs when needed
  • Increased fleet efficiency by implementing preventive maintenance programs and scheduling regular vehicle inspections.
  • Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
  • Supervised operations staff and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.

CDL School Bus Driver

Krapf Bus Company
08.2005 - 06.2010
  • Demonstrated professionalism at all times while engaging with students, parents, colleagues, and administrators alike during daily duties.
  • Upheld high standards of cleanliness for the school bus interior by performing regular cleaning tasks after each trip.
  • Completed pre-trip and post-trip bus inspections and documented info in vehicle logs.
  • Adapted quickly to unexpected situations such as road closures or detours while maintaining composure under pressure to ensure timely arrivals at destinations.
  • Increased overall student satisfaction by attending to individual needs and addressing any concerns expressed during transportation experiences.
  • Complied with all relevant state and federal regulations regarding school transportation services, ensuring the safety and well-being of students at all times.

Group Home Assistant

Devereux
06.2003 - 04.2004
    • Ensured proper hygiene practices were followed by assisting with bathing, grooming tasks.
    • Managed challenging behaviors in using de-escalation techniques, creating a calm atmosphere within the care setting.
    • Established trusting relationships with clients by maintaining open lines of communication and respecting boundaries.
    • Addressed emotional needs of residents through activities and interventions, increasing resident socialization, interpersonal, and social skills.
    • Maintained a safe and supportive environment for clients, conducting regular safety checks and addressing conflicts immediately.

Childcare Assistant Teacher

Chesterbrook Academy
03.2001 - 06.2003
    • Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
    • Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
    • Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
    • Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
    • Assisted lead teacher with snack time, arts and crafts and putting children down for naps.
    • Implemented engaging hands-on activities that facilitated learning through play, promoting cognitive development among students.
    • Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
    • Created safe and nurturing learning environment.

Education

College in Social Work -

Delaware County Community College
Downingtown, PA

High school diploma -

Downingtown Senior High School
Downingtown, PA
06.2000

High School Diploma -

CAT-Brandywine
Coatesville, PA
06-2000

Skills

  • Problem-solving
  • Team leadership
  • Staff management
  • Organizational management
  • Employee relations and conflict resolution
  • Effective communication skills
  • Punctuality
  • Classroom management
  • Behavior improvements
  • Emotional support
  • Social skills development
  • Documentation
  • Teacher support
  • Teacher assistance
  • CPR training
  • Strong communication skills

Certification

  • CDL, CDL B, 06/01/27
  • Driver's License, School Bus Endorsement, Passenger Endorsement, Tanker Endorsement
  • CPR/First aid
  • Safety care
  • Mandated reporter

Timeline

Special Education PCA

CCRES
07.2024 - Current

CDL B Truck Driver/Dispatch

Reliable Environmental
10.2023 - 04.2024

CDL Roll Off Driver

AJ Blosenski
04.2021 - 04.2023

CDL School Bus Driver

ON THE GO KIDS
08.2019 - 04.2021

Nanny

Melanie and Chis Ruffino
06.2015 - 06.2019

Assistant Teacher

Goddard School
04.2014 - 05.2015

Manager of Operations & Fleet manager

Makoto/The Martial Arts Studio
06.2010 - 06.2014

CDL School Bus Driver

Krapf Bus Company
08.2005 - 06.2010

Group Home Assistant

Devereux
06.2003 - 04.2004

Childcare Assistant Teacher

Chesterbrook Academy
03.2001 - 06.2003

High school diploma -

Downingtown Senior High School

College in Social Work -

Delaware County Community College

High School Diploma -

CAT-Brandywine

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KATIE SHARPLESS