Kimberly Carlson
Rockford,IL
Summary
Compassionate Special Education Paraprofessional skilled in team collaboration, patient monitoring, and case management. Enhances student engagement through individualized support and effective family communication. Proficient in patient mobility, exercise programming, and adaptive techniques for daily living. Transitioning into an Occupational Therapy Assistant program, leveraging a background in physical therapy and special education to deliver impactful rehabilitative care.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
4
4
Certifications
Work History
Kalos Motus
Owner & Lead Photographer
Rockford, Illinois
01.2026 - Current
- Captured high-quality images for various events and projects.
- Consulted with clients to identify needs and preferences for tailored photo shoots.
- Negotiated contracts and fees with clients, clarifying deliverables to ensure mutual understanding.
- Edited and retouched photos using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, enhancing overall image quality for final delivery.
Special Ed Paraprofessional, KTSS, Parent Liaison
RPS 205
Rockford, IL
10.2019 - 12.2023
- Provided individualized assistance and encouragement to support diverse learning needs of students.
- Monitored student progress and reported observations to teachers for effective interventions.
- Facilitated small group activities to enhance student engagement and comprehension.
- Engaged in effective communication with parents to discuss student behavior and academic performance, fostering a collaborative approach.
- Participated in professional development sessions to improve skills and teaching support methods.
- Organized workshops for parents to address educational resources and strategies.
- Connected parents with appropriate resources to address concerns, enhancing support for student success.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to complete projects effectively.
Sales Associate, Party Coordinator
Peak Sports Club
Loves Park, Illinois
09.2002 - 01.2021
- Processed transactions accurately using point-of-sale systems.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally and efficiently.
- Greeted customers and provided exceptional customer service.
- Cultivated relationships with peers and upper management to enhance team collaboration.
- Coordinated and executed themed events tailored to diverse client needs, ensuring satisfaction.
- Managed staff including hiring, training, scheduling and evaluating performance.
Server
Abreo Restaurant
Rockford, IL
04.2008 - 01.2012
- Delivered exceptional dining experiences through attentive customer service.
- Executed opening and closing duties, including setting up dining area and restocking supplies to ensure smooth operations.
- Demonstrated enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge of restaurant menu and products, assisting guests with informed choices.
- Addressed guest inquiries and complaints promptly and professionally, enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food preparation and delivery.
- Operated POS terminals to input orders, split bills, and calculate totals.
Physical Therapy Aide
Belvidere Rehab & Sports Medicine
Belvidere, IL
02.2004 - 11.2011
- Assisted physical therapists with patient exercises and rehabilitation activities to enhance recovery outcomes.
- Educated patients on exercise routines and proper body mechanics.
- Prepared treatment rooms for therapy sessions, ensuring availability of supplies to facilitate smooth operations.
- Helped maintain a safe environment for both staff members and patients by following infection control policies.
- Supported administrative tasks, including filing patient records and managing inventory to maintain organized patient care.
- Performed administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, answering phones and maintaining patient files.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Physical Education And Coaching
Rock Valley College
Rockford, ILSome College (No Degree) - General Studies
Eastern Gateway Community College
Steubenville, OHSkills
- Rehabilitation protocols
- Therapeutic exercise
- Ultrasound therapy
- Electrotherapy modalities
- Post-surgical care
- Patient monitoring
- Medical documentation
- Case management
- Program coordination
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
Certification
ELS (PARA)-State of Illinois Paraprofessional License-Renewed 2/2026
Affiliations
Creative Director & Photographer, Kalos Motus
Timeline
Kalos Motus
Owner & Lead Photographer
01.2026 - Current
Special Ed Paraprofessional, KTSS, Parent Liaison
RPS 205
10.2019 - 12.2023
Server
Abreo Restaurant
04.2008 - 01.2012
Physical Therapy Aide
Belvidere Rehab & Sports Medicine
02.2004 - 11.2011
Sales Associate, Party Coordinator
Peak Sports Club
09.2002 - 01.2021
Some College (No Degree) - Physical Education And Coaching
Rock Valley College
Some College (No Degree) - General Studies
Eastern Gateway Community College