Kelvin Harris
Portsmouth,VA
Summary
With over nine years of comprehensive experience Working with youth and familes. I've developed a skill that one can only gain from experience. I have led diverse teams, with data driven results. I have helped families find solutions to long existing problems. I've developed an expertise for positive life skills training and technical skills development. My work ethic has been consistent in delivering optimal treatment programs and measurable experiences to diverse populations. As a successful former inner-city child, my personal life journey has contributed to my zeal for supporting and encouraging familes that come from challenging backgrounds. Consequently, I am seeking opportunities for career advancement in the human services field within management, team development, technical skill building, and working with the Public from every environment. I Bring soft skills to work including empathy, communication, and adaptability, ensuring success in navigating complex cases with sensitivity and effectiveness. Im Highly-motivated Leader 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. Experienced in fast-paced environments and adaptable to last-minute changes. Thrives under pressure and consistently earns high marks for work quality and effectiness in the workplace. I'm a Dedicated and adaptable professional with a proactive attitude and the ability to foster great lasting relations. Strong work ethic and effective communication skills. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team and support organizational goals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary School Teacher
Portsmouth Public Schools
Portsmouth, Virginia
08.2022 - Current
- Designed engaging lesson plans to foster student participation and learning.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary curriculum and activities.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and tailored instruction accordingly.
- Integrated technology into lessons to enhance student engagement and understanding.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding student performance and classroom activities.
- Organized extracurricular activities to promote social skills and teamwork among students.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay current with educational best practices.
- Created classroom environment that was conducive to learning, including establishing rules and procedures.
- Assessed students' progress through formal and informal tests, quizzes, assignments, and observations.
- Handled challenging classroom behaviors with positive and affirming techniques.
- Participated in professional development activities related to educational trends.
- Promoted an atmosphere of mutual respect between teachers and students.
- Created safe, nurturing environment of trust and respect.
- Attended faculty meetings and other school functions.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance and grades.
- Facilitated small group activities to support individualized instruction.
- Served as mentor for new teachers in the department.
- Conducted parent-teacher conferences throughout the year.
- Supervised extracurricular activities such as clubs or sports teams.
- Utilized technology to enhance teaching methods and student engagement.
- Implemented multiple methods to improve student educational success.
- Engaged parents in meaningful dialogue about their child's academic performance.
- Collaborated with colleagues in creating interdisciplinary curriculum units.
- Encouraged creativity among students by providing them with open-ended tasks.
- Involved parents in student education by cultivating strong relationships.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans to meet the needs of a diverse student population.
- Provided guidance for students in developing problem-solving skills.
- Arranged field trips as a tool to provide students with real-world experiences.
- Encouraged creativity by giving students choices in learning topics and methods.
- Planned special events such as assemblies, holiday celebrations.
- Tutored individual students after school hours.
- Improved delivery of instruction by analyzing and distilling test data to identify opportunities for intervention and enrichment.
- Brought in purchased and donated materials to round out supplies for classroom activities.
- Worked with school administrators to develop classroom management policies for grade level.
- Inspired students to want to read by taking to library and helping to choose books.
- Invited guest speakers to the classroom to excite and engage students.
- Integrated literature into classroom lessons whenever possible.
- Met regularly with administrators regarding student discipline issues.
- Created customized grading rubrics powerful assessment tools.
- Organized field trips to supplement classroom instruction.
- Taught accelerated literary programs to elementary school students by guiding heterogeneous small group instruction.
- Monitored lunchroom behavior and enforced appropriate conduct standards.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons that maximized student engagement.
- Integrated character education into the curriculum to promote social and emotional learning.
- Facilitated a positive learning environment by implementing classroom management techniques.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans in line with state curriculum standards.
- Assessed student learning through varied formative and summative assessments.
- Fostered a classroom culture that supports diversity and inclusivity.
- Coordinated with special education staff to support students with special needs.
- Led after-school tutoring sessions for students needing additional help.
- Supported English language learners by providing additional assistance during class time.
- Encouraged student curiosity and continuous learning by incorporating innovative teaching strategies.
- Provided individualized instruction to students requiring extra assistance.
- Encouraged and supported students in setting and achieving personal and academic goals.
- Monitored student behavior and implemented interventions when necessary.
- Communicated regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress and concerns.
- Formed deep relationships with parents and students by engaging groups through conferences, emails, texts, and phone calls.
- Instructed students individually and in groups using varied teaching methods.
Behavior Therapist
Break Through sevices
Alexandria, Virginia
01.2023 - 12.2025
- Implemented individualized behavior intervention plans for clients at Break Through Services.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess client needs and progress.
- Trained and supported families in behavior management techniques and strategies.
- Documented client behavior data accurately for ongoing analysis and reporting.
- Developed engaging therapeutic activities to promote skill acquisition in clients.
- Monitored client interactions and provided feedback to enhance social skills.
- Conducted regular reviews of treatment plans to ensure alignment with goals.
- Educated staff on best practices in behavior therapy and client engagement techniques.
- Maintained safe, organized and therapeutic environment to enhance patient comfort.
- Developed behavioral plans for clients based on assessment results and established goals.
- Maintained objective session notes and accurate records to organize, model and review behavior as well as progress information.
- Collected, recorded and summarized data on client behavior and assisted family with applying treatment and behavior reduction protocols.
- Administered direct client care using intensive teaching and natural environment training to follow and apply prescribed behavioral skill acquisition.
- Engaged in research projects related to behavior modification strategies for individuals with autism spectrum disorders or other developmental disabilities.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed.
- Identified community resources that could provide additional support services for clients and their families.
- Implemented behavior intervention plans to motivate and help clients reach highest potential.
- Attended professional development activities including workshops, conferences, seminars related to Behavioral Therapy.
- Organized social activities to help patients apply new skills in public settings.
- Actively participated in weekly clinical supervision meetings led by a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.
- Developed behavior support plans which included positive reinforcement strategies for challenging behaviors.
- Collaborated with cross-functional treatment team to develop and facilitate skill acquisition and behavior reduction assessments to establish care plan.
- Educated families about their child's diagnosis and appropriate intervention strategies to use at home.
- Assisted in developing Individual Education Plans for school-aged children with disabilities or special needs according to educational guidelines set forth by state laws.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings regarding treatment planning for clients.
- Ensured a safe environment was maintained during sessions by monitoring the interactions between clients closely.
- Facilitated parent trainings to teach behavioral management techniques that can be used both inside and outside of the therapeutic setting.
- Visited client home, school or social setting to run discrete trials or shape verbal behavior while recording real-time data using technology platform.
- Conducted assessments of the clients' behavior, skills, abilities, and interests using structured interviews, direct observations, and standardized testing.
- Adhered to ethical standards set by governing bodies such as the American Psychological Association.
- Created visual aids such as charts or graphs that illustrated client progress over time.
- Taught and helped children develop new verbal, communication and social skills necessary for living healthy lifestyles.
- Directed at-home therapy exercising drills to invoke children to develop math, verbal and writing skills.
- Maintained strict confidentiality concerning client's mental and medical diagnosis and other confidential personal matters.
Youth Development Professional
DC Government, DYRS Agency
District of columbia, DC
01.2017 - 04.2021
- Served as a YDT which is the equivalent of a Behavioral therapist in adult prison systems
- Provided operational supervision to monitor all inmate movement inside a 24-hour secure detention facility to include: radio correspondence, securing keys, conducting Residentt count every hour, and operating control center cameras, log books, and directories
- Implemented re-entry program life-skills and technical skills training
- Submitted written incident reports to support critical incident reviews
- Processed release requirements such as transportation documentation, GPS monitoring devices, and secure restraints (hand-cuffs, etc.)
- Provided coverage for youth-family visitation and weekly Residents phone calls on the housing pods
- Physically restrained Residents using the SCM-Safe Crisis Management Model for inmate and staff safety
- Presented juvenile rehabilitation progress to prevent recidivism upon release back into the community
- Led group counseling / therapeutic treatment sessions on various positive youth development topics based on agency requirements
- Implemented the DC Model Therapeutic Treatment Program through juvenile enrichment activities
- Served as a crisis intervention mediator during critical incidents that required de-escalation strategies and cool-off periods
- Partnered with behavioral health team, Maya Angelou School Advocates, and recreation staff to make level petition suggestions regarding the inmates' progress towards being released
- Facilitated engaging workshops for youth development and skill-building activities.
- Mentored young participants to enhance leadership and teamwork skills.
- Developed and implemented programs addressing social and emotional learning needs.
- Collaborated with community organizations to support youth initiatives and resources.
- Organized events promoting youth involvement and community service opportunities.
- Conducted assessments to identify individual strengths and areas for growth.
- Provided guidance on conflict resolution and positive communication strategies.
- Maintained a safe, inclusive environment for all program participants.
- Approached conflicts and crisis situations in calm and professional way.
- Encouraged each program participant to interact and provided numerous opportunities to engage with others and enjoy activities.
- Advocated for at-risk youth to improve daily environments and long-term prospects.
- Verified program performance against goals by assessing regular reports, identified areas in need of improvement and handled service delivery, internal operations, and program outreach.
- Facilitated youth development programs and activities for at-risk populations.
- Collaborated with community organizations to enhance service delivery and resources.
- Provided guidance and mentorship to youth in personal and educational development.
- Conducted assessments to identify individual needs and create tailored support plans.
- Organized workshops focusing on life skills, conflict resolution, and career readiness.
- Coordinated events promoting engagement and positive interactions among youth participants.
- Monitored program participation and collected feedback to improve future initiatives.
- Created a safe environment where youths could express themselves without fear of judgement.
- Organized recreational activities such as sports tournaments, movie nights, field trips, and other events.
- Encouraged positive behavior by setting expectations and providing feedback.
- Developed and facilitated educational programs focused on life skills, vocational training, health education, conflict resolution, and other relevant topics.
- Provided guidance and support to help foster the social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth of youth.
- Oversaw safety and security of each youth under supervision.
- Assisted youths in developing short-term goals that would lead them towards long-term success.
- Assessed individual needs of youth to develop appropriate plans for their development.
- Supported teens in making healthy lifestyle choices.
- Developed strategies to motivate disengaged or struggling youth.
- Helped youth offenders or at-risk individuals improve abilities, behavior and emotional strength.
- Maintained records of attendance and other pertinent information about participants.
- Facilitated workshops on communication skills and leadership techniques for teenagers.
- Educated staff members on best practices related to youth development programming.
- Promoted positive self-esteem among all participants through encouraging words and affirmations.
- Collaborated with community organizations to create additional resources for youths' development.
OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR
University of Maryland (UMD)
College Park, MD
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Was responsible for supervising operational teams and food service leadership interns to feed thousands of university patrons on a daily basis
- Managed and delegated daily tasks among thirty multicultural employees
- Drafted project management plans for university goals within the food service division and hospitality department
- Maintained employee staffing and scheduling through excel tracking spreadsheets
- Completed payroll approval for all employees under my supervision through the ARES PHR payroll entry database (and later through Oracle PeopleSoft Systems)
- Conducted perimeter and environmental inspections of all work sites to report repair requests and work orders to the maintenance department
- Troubleshooted commercial equipment within our division (to include industrial dishwashers, power washers, compost operational systems, and de-liming)
- Completed purchase orders for all inventory, restocking, and employee resources
- Maintained division budget funding and spending allotments for various projects
- Conducted weekly management meetings to review project plans and progress made
- Oversaw facility management processes to ensure that all technical operations, tools, work environments, and staff conduct were in compliance with safety codes
- Presented contracting recommendations and quarterly profit data using the MICROS Point of Sales System
- Completed 'needs assessments' for contracts and procurement requests for future project management operations, staffing, contracting, and budgeting
- Served as the UMD re-entry program liaison
- Maintained positive employee relations with external partners such as community organizations, local businesses, university advocates, and activity vendors
- Introduced at-risk youth and former inmates to various university programs and professions such as hospitality, technical trades skill building, and educational advancement opportunities
- Escorted program participants to hospitality events, awards ceremonies, campus tours, and campus sporting events
- Hospitality Division, College Park Campus
Residential Youth Counselor
The Children's Guild
Baltimore, MD
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Served as a residential youth advocate for children overcoming traumatic life events and crisis situations
- Contributed to treatment plans during facility-family team meetings (served as the youth advocate and representative)
- Maintained a safe and secure group home environment
- Developed behavior modification goals with youth
- Responded and de-escalated youth crisis, conflicts and emergencies using therapeutic crisis management solutions
- Facilitated enrichment group therapy involving non-traditional methods such as culinary arts experiences in the group home kitchen, male manners & etiquette, and positive poetry & rap lyric sessions
- Escorted youth to school, home visits, & weekly activities
- Group Living Academy (Group Home)
MANAGEMENT COOK
M&M Restaurant
Petersburg, VA
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Served as the executive manager and supervisor from 2012-2014
- Presided over logistics of the front and back of the restaurant operations
- Effectively delegated various tasks such as food preparation, customer greeting, expediting meal deliveries, verifying cash drawer accuracy, calculating restaurant profits over expenses/food cost, creating and serving entrées/beverages, and maintaining log book of inventory control data
- Served as an assistant cook from 2011 - 2012
- Served as sous-chef
- Assisted with menu formulation
- Utilized the point of sale system
- Cleaned/sanitized all work areas, and operated cash registers/drawers
- Virginia State University Department of Hospitality Management
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT LIASION
Hyatt Hotel
Petersburg, VA
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Implemented engagement programs and activities to promote constructive youth development for inner-city / at-risk teens from the Richmond, VA Tri-Cities area
- Facilitated various groups on managing youth conflicts, mindful problem solving, building college-prep skillsets, creating resumes, mapping out career goals, truancy prevention, and managing peer pressure
- Completed volunteer and community service projects with the participants
- Escorted youth on nation-wide college campus tours, educational field experiences, and hospitality experiences ranging from top-chef restaurant tours to previews of working behind the scenes at major sporting arenas, venues, and amusement parks
- Ensured youth safety and security by maintaining eyes-on supervision techniques while monitoring resident's behavior during youth overnight stays in VSU dormitories
- Hyatt Bridge Program, Virginia State University Dept. of Community Relations
MARINE PAINTER
Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding
Newport News, VA
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Served primarily as a shipyard painter
- Used brush and roll painting methods to prepare and paint surfaces of marine vessels and equipment
- Completed sand-blasting projects, needle gunning, scraping, and ship restoration
- Assisted contracting foreman with repairing military vessels
- Aided with electrical work, welding, plumbing, insulating, repairing and general maintenance contracting
- Contracted through JEMM Industries, Inc.
Education
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE - Hospitality Management Major
Virginia State University
Petersburg, VA01-2014
Skills
- Proficient interpersonal skills
- Mentorship for at-risk youth
- Effective Problem Solver
- Mediator
- International & multicultural sensitivity
- Morale & motivation enrichment
- Managing and Supervising multicultural teams
- De-escalating physical conflicts
- Safe Crisis Management (SCM)
- Behavior modification techniques
- Efficient work ethic under pressure
- Ability to work within intense environments
- Hospitality Management & Planning
- Project Management & Tracking
- Microsoft Office
- Secure Key Matrix Management
- Guard Tour
- Radio
- Control Center Camera Monitoring & Operations
- Secure Restraints and GPS tracking
- MICROS Point of Sales System
- ARES PHR Payroll Entry Database
- Excel Staffing & Scheduling
- Compost Systems & Equipment
- Commercial Dishwasher Troubleshooting
- De-liming
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Student assessment
- Behavior intervention
- Curriculum development
- Parent communication
- Extracurricular organization
- Professional development
- Special education support
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Mentorship and guidance
- Positive reinforcement
- Student records management
- Student engagement
- Verbal and written communication
- Instructional design
- Interactive learning
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Compliance standards
- Social studies instruction
- Safety awareness
- Elementary education
- Activity planning
- Problem-solving skills
- Child development
- Collaborative teamwork
- Time management
- Field trip organization
- Emotional intelligence
- Organizational skills
- Cultural awareness
- Empathy and patience
- Student evaluation
- Materials sourcing
- Behavioral management
- Project-based learning
- Student testing
- Student counseling
- Special education
- Parent-teacher communication
- Oral communication
- Relationship building
- Differentiated instruction
- Critical thinking
- Classroom technology
- Learning tools and materials
- Responsive Classroom Techniques
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking
- Homework supervision
- Parental communication
- Excellent communication
- Peer mediation
- Positive behavior techniques
- Team building
- Child safety procedures
Websites
Timeline
Behavior Therapist
Break Through sevices
01.2023 - 12.2025
Elementary School Teacher
Portsmouth Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
Youth Development Professional
DC Government, DYRS Agency
01.2017 - 04.2021
OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR
University of Maryland (UMD)
01.2015 - 01.2017
Residential Youth Counselor
The Children's Guild
01.2014 - 01.2016
MANAGEMENT COOK
M&M Restaurant
01.2011 - 01.2014
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT LIASION
Hyatt Hotel
01.2010 - 01.2014
MARINE PAINTER
Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding
01.2007 - 01.2010
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE - Hospitality Management Major
Virginia State University