I enjoy many aspects of life I love cleaning, decorating, organizing, exercising, watching sports, and playing soccer Most importantly, I take great pleasure in helping others, giving back, and spending time with my family I am also an avid animal lover and own three dogs, one of which is a Search and Rescue Bloodhound that I have trained and use as a volunteer with a search and rescue team
Laura Cover
Chambersburg,PA
Summary
Dynamic and compassionate professional with a proven track record at The BAIR Foundation, adept in crisis intervention and fostering emotional support for foster care youth. Leveraged strong organizational skills and mental health awareness to advocate effectively for children's needs. Excelled in building trusting relationships and implementing individualized care plans, significantly enhancing child welfare and family services. Diligently worked to adopt both children that were in my care from Adams County Children and Youth.
Observant individual with excellent interpersonal and communication skills builds meaningful relationships with clients and families. Experienced in working with clients from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Offers crisis intervention to help individuals navigate through traumatic experiences.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Therapeutic Foster Parent
The BAIR Foundation
09.2020 - 06.2025
- Managed challenging behavior through crisis intervention techniques while maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure situations.
- Collaborated with treatment teams to develop and implement individualized care plans for each child.
- Provided emotional support to children during difficult times, offering a compassionate ear and guidance when needed.
- Served as an advocate for the children in my care during court proceedings, ensuring their voices were heard throughout the legal process.
- Cultivated trusting relationships with caseworkers and other professionals involved in supporting children's immediate needs.
- Managed household finances responsibly while meeting all requirements set forth by licensing agencies, maintaining stability in the home environment.
- Conducted regular safety assessments on living conditions to ensure a secure environment for every child placed in my home.
- Maintained detailed documentation of each child''s progress, ensuring accurate records for future reference and treatment planning.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
- Worked with educational team to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
- Developed and implemented strategies to reduce and prevent family conflict.
- Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
- Ultimately adopted 2 children through Adams County Children and Youth November of 2024.
Behavioral Support Technician
Attain ABA Therapy
03.2020 - 12.2021
- Delivered evidence-based behavior curricula to students while maintaining high levels of behavioral and academic expectations for students.
- Utilized variety of methods, skills and tools to provide direct behavior support to students on caseload.
- Provided crisis intervention support, effectively minimizing harm and promoting safety for all involved parties.
- Increased student engagement by incorporating social skills training into daily activities and routines.
- Collaborated closely with special education staff to ensure appropriate accommodations were provided for students with disabilities.
- Developed strong rapport with students, fostering trust and open communication that facilitated behavioral improvements.
- Utilized data collection tools to track student progress toward behavioral goals throughout the academic year consistently.
- Participated in ongoing professional development to stay current on best practices and research-based interventions in the field of behavioral support.
- Assisted in the development of data-driven interventions to address specific areas of concern related to student behavior.
- Reduced instances of disruptive behavior through de-escalation techniques and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Kept accurate records by documenting progress and adhering to prescribed behavior plan.
- Used [Software] to document patient information, progress notes, and treatment plans.
- Collaborated with client's support system and other allied specialists to implement positive interventions.
- Attended trainings to participate in regular supervision and continued education to maintain professional competence and ethical standards.
- Documented clients' progress to keep detailed notes on each client's treatment progress and changes in mental health status.
- Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion.
- Adhered to ethical and legal standards for confidentiality, protecting clients' privacy.
- Prepared reports to summarize clients' mental health status and treatment progress.
Behavioral Support Staff and Admin
Northwestern Human Services Autism School
09.2006 - 01.2011
- Delivered evidence-based behavior curricula to students while maintaining high behavioral and academic expectations for students.
- Utilized a variety of methods, skills, and tools to provide direct behavior support to students on caseload.
- Improved student behavior by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and individualized support plans.
- Facilitated social skills development through group activities, role-playing exercises, and interactive lessons.
- Empowered students to take ownership of their behavior by teaching self-regulation techniques and fostering a growth mindset.
- Reduced behavioral incidents in the classroom by developing and enforcing clear rules and expectations.To effectively assist with daily education documentation, family conferences, and planning for the school with the district and staff, you can follow these steps:
1. **Daily Education Documentation**:
- Maintain accurate records of daily attendance, student performance, and behavioral incidents.
- Use templates or digital tools to ensure consistency in documentation.
- Summarize key observations and insights from daily interactions with students.
2. **Family Conferences**:
- Prepare an agenda for each conference, highlighting specific topics to discuss, such as student progress, strengths, and areas for improvement.
- Gather and organize student data to share during meetings, including assessment results and behavioral observations.
- Encourage family input by asking open-ended questions and actively listening to their concerns and insights.
3. **Planning for the School**:
- Collaborate with other staff members to identify resources and strategies that support student learning and behavior.
- Participate in district meetings to align school goals with district objectives.
- Create a timeline for implementing behavior support programs and ensure all staff are informed and prepared.
4. **Engagement and Communication**:
- Keep an open line of communication with families through newsletters, emails, or phone calls to share updates and important information.
- Encourage families to be involved in their child's education, offering suggestions for how they can reinforce learning and positive behavior at home.
5. **Reflection and Improvement**:
- After each conference, take time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved for future meetings.
- Adjust planning and documentation strategies based on feedback from families and colleagues to foster a more effective approach.
By focusing on these key areas, you can enhance the collaboration between families, the school district, and staff, leading to better support for student learning and behavior.
Admissions Aftercare Specialitst
Northwestern Human Services
06.2003 - 09.2006
- Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
- Implemented new training programs for staff, leading to higher employee retention rates and better overall performance.
- Responsible for client funding through State and other Managed Care Companies due to Individual
Medical Necessity. - Responsible for the Referral and Intake process for the Kids Mental Health Residential Program
- Oversee staff and programmatic issues as part of the management team.
- Responsible for setting up all necessary services needed for discharge as well as monthly follow-ups
through aftercare. - - Admit and discharge youth from residential treatment by therapeutic requirements and safety standards.
- Ensure compliance with all safety protocols during the admission and discharge processes.
- Collaborate with the clinical team to assess each youth's readiness for discharge and implement necessary follow-up measures.
- Facilitate communication with families and guardians regarding discharge plans and aftercare services.
- Monitor and evaluate treatment progress to determine appropriate timelines for admission and discharge.
- Provide support during the transition process to minimize anxiety and ensure a smooth reintegration into the community.- Implement safe crisis management strategies to ensure the safety of all involved.
- Conduct training sessions for staff on de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution.
- Develop training materials outlining crisis response protocols.
- Assess staff competency through simulations and scenarios.
- Create a supportive environment for staff to share crisis management strategies.
- Regularly review and update crisis management policies to reflect best practices. - Assisted in developing a strategic plan that aligned with long-term company goals.**Assessment and Development of Safe Living for Male Juvenile Sex Offenders in a Community-Based Step-Down Program**
**Objective:**
To create a secure and supportive living environment for male juvenile sex offenders transitioning from residential treatment to community-based settings, ensuring their safety, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration into the community.
**1. Comprehensive Assessment:**
- **Individualized Risk Assessment:**
Conduct thorough evaluations of each juvenile's history, behavior, and needs to determine risk factors and specific triggers. This includes reviewing prior offenses, mental health assessments, and family dynamics.
- **Guardian and Family Involvement:**
Engage families and guardians in the assessment process to gain insights into the juvenile’s background and potential triggers in the home environment.
- **Community Resource Evaluation:**
Identify available community resources, including mental health services, support groups, and educational opportunities that can support the juveniles post-discharge.
**2. Development of Treatment Plans:**
- **Individualized Treatment Plans:**
Collaborate with the treatment team to tailor individualized treatment plans that address the specific needs and progress of each juvenile, incorporating therapy, counseling, and educational interventions.
- **Safety Plan Creation:**
Develop safety plans that include strategies for managing potential crises, triggers, and integrating safe coping mechanisms. Ensure that all team members understand and are trained in the implemented safety protocols.
**3. Structured Living Environment:**
- **Establishing Ground Rules:**
Implement clear boundaries and rules within the step-down program to promote accountability and safety. These rules should be developed collaboratively with input from the juveniles to encourage buy-in.
- **Supervision and Staff Training:**
Ensure that all staff members are trained in de-escalation techniques, crisis management, and trauma-informed care. Oversee staff to maintain a safe and supportive environment.
**4. Community Integration Strategies:**
- **Skill-Building Programs:**
Offer programs focused on life skills, social skills, and problem-solving techniques to empower juveniles to navigate their communities safely.
- **Family Engagement Initiatives:**
Create opportunities for families to participate in group sessions or workshops that educate them about the complexities of reintegration, communication strategies, and support resources.
**5. Monitoring and Evaluation:**
- **Regular Check-Ins:**
Implement regular evaluations of each juvenile’s progress through continuous monitoring by the treatment team, including weekly meetings to assess treatment adherence and discuss any challenges.
- **Feedback Mechanism:**
Establish a feedback system for both juveniles and staff to report on the program’s effectiveness, highlighting areas for improvement.
- **Community Partnerships:**
Foster partnerships with local organizations, schools, and mental health services to ensure ongoing support and resources for juveniles after transitioning from the step-down program.
**Conclusion:**
By implementing these strategies, the community-based step-down program can create a safe living environment for male juvenile sex offenders that effectively supports their treatment and encourages a positive reintegration process into society. Collaboration among the treatment team, families, and community resources is crucial for ensuring the success of the juveniles in their journey toward recovery and rehabilitation.
Education
No Degree - Nursing
HACC Gettysburg
Gettysburg, PACertified Nursing Assistant - Nursing
Institute For Caregiver Education
Chambersburg, PA03-2002
High School Diploma -
Chambersburg Area Senior High School
511 S. Sixth Street Chambersburg PA06-2001
Skills
- Positive reinforcement
- Documentation and reporting
- Safety planning
- Family engagement
- Boundaries establishment
- Educational support
- Attachment building
- Activity planning
- First aid and CPR
- Trauma-informed care
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving abilities
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Excellent communication
- Reliability
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Decision-making
- Relationship building
- Clinical documentation
- Client documentation
- Community resources
- Task prioritization
- Analytical thinking
- Interpersonal skills
- Conflict resolution
- Professionalism
- Family services
- Interpersonal communication
- Written communication
- File management
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Professional demeanor
- Case management
- High-risk populations identification
- Child advocacy
- Foster care youth
Accomplishments
My one goal in life has been to be a foster mom and adopt children. I've always been deeply committed to helping those in need, especially children, because every child deserves a chance. After fostering two babies from Adams County Children and Youth for 2.5 years, I proudly achieved the adoption of both girls on my own in November 2023. The journey of adoption through foster care is incredibly joyful and rewarding, yet it can also be challenging and daunting.
Interests
Timeline
Therapeutic Foster Parent
The BAIR Foundation
09.2020 - 06.2025
Behavioral Support Technician
Attain ABA Therapy
03.2020 - 12.2021
Behavioral Support Staff and Admin
Northwestern Human Services Autism School
09.2006 - 01.2011
Admissions Aftercare Specialitst
Northwestern Human Services
06.2003 - 09.2006
No Degree - Nursing
HACC Gettysburg
Certified Nursing Assistant - Nursing
Institute For Caregiver Education
High School Diploma -
Chambersburg Area Senior High School
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