Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Certification
Accomplishments
Websites
References
Timeline
Generic

Kristen Ward

Vermilion,OH

Summary

Studious and passionate worker with extensive knowledge of teaching theater, social emotional learning skills and trauma-informed care practices, and updating teaching procedures. Committed to mentoring K-12 students to enhance participation and increase overall success. Outgoing and friendly with fantastic attention to detail.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Teaching Artist

Cleveland Play House
Lorain , OH
08.2021 - Current
  • Collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents, and community members to create a positive learning environment for students.
  • Assess student progress by observing their work during class time and evaluating completed work.
  • Implement CARE lesson plans to engage students in the creative process of discovering and exploring their emotions through theatrical arts, writing and drawing.
  • Encourage student creativity through the use of acting techniques.
  • Create innovative ways to present material that is both age appropriate and relevant to current trends in theater arts education.
  • Integrate technology into lessons when possible such as using a smartboard, YouTube and digital materials.
  • Maintain accurate records regarding attendance, assignments., according to school policies and procedures, grant and fidelity (data collection) requirements.
  • Ensure safety protocols are followed at all times while working in groups or with movement exercises.
  • Integrate curriculum from other subjects into classes whenever possible.
  • Attend Cleveland Play House meetings regularly both virtually and in-person, in order to stay abreast of any changes or updates related to CARE policies or procedures.
  • Participate in, and lead professional development opportunities such as workshops or seminars related to teaching best practices in trauma-informed care, SEL, teaching practices and classroom management among other relevant topics.
  • Encourage critical thinking skills through discussion about the content presented within each 5 week CARE lesson.
  • Communicate effectively with parents, administration and school and CPH staff regarding student progress throughout the semester via email or phone calls.
  • Adapt existing curriculum materials and created new ones when necessary based on student needs.
  • Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
  • Encourage student creativity with motivation, positive feedback and constructive criticism.
  • Create positive educational climate to promote student learning.
  • Organize and coordinate hands-on theatrical activities to encourage active participation, involvement and team work including but not limited to, in-class theater games and the first Lorain Prep. Academy student musical "Disney's Lion King KIDS".
  • Organize storage areas and controlled use of materials, equipment and tools to prevent loss or waste.
  • Manage student behavior in classroom with appropriate behavior strategies.
  • Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures to maintain order in classroom.
  • Monitor and implement ongoing formal and informal student learning assessments.
  • Meet with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
  • Build and strengthen positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
  • Participate in workshops, trainings and conferences to improve educational skills.
  • Remain calm and patient in student interactions to support individual growth and development.
  • Engage students through discussions and activities, increasing classroom interaction to build inclusive learning environment.
  • Use videos and moderated discussions to engage students during class.
  • Identify and document learning achievements by reporting outcomes, performance information and program adjustments used to boost comprehension in weekly fidelity reports.
  • Continually make and maintain connections with community members in Lorain County in order grow potential programming and funding relationships and maintain a relevant presence in Lorain County, OH.
  • Assist in grant writing process for the Ohio Arts Council's "Teach Arts Ohio" grant to maintain funding for the CARE program.
  • Participate in community events such as assisting with "Take Care Fairs" and community markets in Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD ) partner schools.
  • Assist colleagues with after school programming and in-school challenges as a Cohort Lead.

Instructor

Life Act of Northeast Ohio
Chagrin Falls, OH
01.2020 - 08.2021
  • Developed and implemented lesson plans to instruct jr. high and high school students about stress management and suicide prevention.
  • Collected and assisted with input of student demographic data of program participants.
  • Assessed student knowledge of stress management and suicide prevention by conducting pre and post program student surveys.
  • Participated in and lead on-going professional development in order to achieve and maintain RA certification with the Ohio Drug and Alcohol Chemical Dependency Board.
  • Trained-in and implemented Signs of Suicide curriculum.
  • Researched best practices in suicide prevention education.
  • Participated in community and fundraising events supporting LifeAct of Northeast Ohio's mission.
  • Participated in weekly staff-meetings.

Independent Child Care

Independent Family
Fairview Park, OH
03.2020 - 10.2020
  • Supervised indoor and outdoor play activities while ensuring safety of special needs child at all times.
  • Displayed patience and understanding when dealing with challenging behaviors from the child.
  • Helped maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment for the child to play in.
  • Played games with the child that encouraged physical activity and learning through fun activities.
  • Read books to the child during nap time or quiet time periods.
  • Demonstrated good listening skills when interacting with parents about their child's needs or concerns.
  • Communicated effectively with the child's Board Certified Behavior Therapist and parents regarding any issues or concerns related to the care of the child.
  • Developed positive relationships with both parents and guardians and children by displaying respectfulness.
  • Enforced rules established by parents and guardians while providing a nurturing atmosphere for the child.
  • Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining focus on the childs needs.
  • Implemented behavior management strategies designed to encourage appropriate behavior among young ones.
  • Administered basic first aid if needed due to minor injuries or illnesses experienced by the child.
  • Enforced rules to teach good manners and maintain safe environment.
  • Read aloud and played alphabet games to encourage literacy.
  • Communicated with parents about daily activities and any concerning behaviors.
  • Developed and enforced positive strategies to encourage good behavior.
  • Introduced learning activities and imaginative play to teach child to explore.
  • Secured indoor and outdoor premises to protect child.

Registered Behavior Therapist In-training

Trumpet Behavioral Health
Westlake, OH
09.2019 - 12.2019
  • Provided behavior analytic services to children with autism and other developmental disabilities in home.
  • Developed individualized treatment plans based on assessment results and client goals.
  • Implemented evidence-based interventions such as Applied Behavior Analysis, Discrete Trial Training, Natural Environment Teaching, Verbal Behavior, Social Skills Training, Self-Management Strategies, and Positive Behavior Support Plans under guidance of Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
  • Monitored progress of clients using data collection systems; analyzed data to evaluate effectiveness of treatments; adjusted treatments accordingly.
  • Communicated regularly with families regarding progress towards goals; provided support as needed.
  • Maintained accurate records of therapy sessions and client progress according to agency policies and procedures.
  • Attended team meetings; discussed cases with supervisor and team members; sought feedback from colleagues when appropriate.
  • Participated in workshops and seminars to expand knowledge base related to ABA theory and practice.
  • Assisted clients with daily living skills such as dressing, grooming and hygiene.
  • Developed activities and educational materials tailored to meet each child's unique needs.
  • Taught communication skills using sign language or picture symbols when appropriate.
  • Taught and helped children develop new verbal, communication and social skills necessary for living healthy lifestyles.
  • Tracked client behavior by reviewing behavior incident reports and creating and adjusting behavior management plans.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality concerning client's mental and medical diagnosis and other confidential personal matters.
  • Collaborated with behavior analysts to diagnose problem behaviors and create detailed plan of treatment and maintenance for clients.
  • Encouraged clients to express feelings and discuss life events in order to help each person develop personal and relational insights.
  • Maintained professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops and reviewing professional publications.
  • Interviewed clients to obtain information concerning social history, treatment and other pertinent information.
  • Maintained confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
  • Guided clients in developing skills or strategies for dealing with problems.
  • Assisted individuals with stress management, self-esteem and issues associated with emotional and mental health.
  • Prepared and maintained required treatment records and reports.
  • Acted as client advocate, coordinating required services and resolving emergency problems in crisis situations.
  • Encouraged clients to express feelings and discuss happenings in life to help develop insight into themselves or relationships.
  • Collected information about clients through interviews, observation or tests.
  • Facilitated smooth discharge by encouraging and reassuring clients throughout transitions.

Robotics Teacher

Cleveland Play House
Cleveland, OH
08.2018 - 03.2019
  • Implemented approved robotics curricula for students in grades 6-8 .
  • Instructed classes on the fundamentals of programming robots.
  • Assisted in troubleshooting robotic systems when necessary.
  • Provided guidance and support for individual students struggling with particular robotics topics.
  • Incorporated real-world applications into classroom lessons on robotics principles.
  • Explained how different components of a robot work together to form a functioning machine.
  • Demonstrated how sensors can be used to control robot behavior in response to its environment.
  • Encouraged creativity among students while designing and building robots.
  • Ensured safety protocols were followed when working with robots in the lab setting.
  • Monitored student progress regularly and provided feedback as needed.
  • Integrated STEM principles into classroom instruction using hands-on activities.
  • Devised group projects and individual presentation assignments to encourage class participation.
  • Used engaging teaching methods to help students achieve success in computer science.
  • Cultivated collaborative and innovative learning environment to meet each student's unique educational needs.
  • Facilitated computer lab sessions, supervising such tasks as penetration testing, coding and script creation.
  • Promoted safe and clean classroom environment conducive to individualized and small group needs.
  • Participated in on-campus activities to support students outside of classroom.
  • Maintained school-wide culture of respect and actively used positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) disciplinary methods.

Education

M.Ed. - Curriculum And Instruction

Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH
08-2020

Bachelor of Arts - Theater Arts

Kent State University
Kent, OH
12-2004

High School Diploma -

Huron High School
Huron, OH
06-2000

Certification

  • Neurosequential Model for Education (NME) Trainer Jan. 2019
  • Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA) Trauma-Competent Educator (Level 3) Aug. 9, 2023-Aug. 8,2025
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Feb. 2024-Feb. 2027
  • Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)-Adult Dec. 2022-Dec. 2025

Accomplishments

  • Cleveland Play House CARE Cohort Lead 2023-present

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Teaching Artist

Cleveland Play House
08.2021 - Current

Independent Child Care

Independent Family
03.2020 - 10.2020

Instructor

Life Act of Northeast Ohio
01.2020 - 08.2021

Registered Behavior Therapist In-training

Trumpet Behavioral Health
09.2019 - 12.2019

Robotics Teacher

Cleveland Play House
08.2018 - 03.2019

M.Ed. - Curriculum And Instruction

Cleveland State University

Bachelor of Arts - Theater Arts

Kent State University

High School Diploma -

Huron High School
  • Neurosequential Model for Education (NME) Trainer Jan. 2019
  • Ohio Child Care Resource and Referral Association (OCCRRA) Trauma-Competent Educator (Level 3) Aug. 9, 2023-Aug. 8,2025
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) Feb. 2024-Feb. 2027
  • Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)-Adult Dec. 2022-Dec. 2025

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Kristen Ward