Laura Messer
Hazard,Kentucky
Summary
Dynamic professional with a strong focus on crisis and risk mitigation handling, complemented by exceptional communication skills and excellent attention to detail. Demonstrates proficiency in budget oversight and the ability to adapt quickly while managing multiple tasks. Committed to team success, with a career goal of driving individual and agency achievements through strategic collaboration.
Overview
7
7
years of post-secondary education
17
17
years of professional experience
Work history
Program Director
Buckhorn Lake Area Support Team
Hazard, Kentucky
2011.11 - 2026.04
- Collaborated with Executive Director in developing, reviewing, and revising agency policies to ensure policies and procedures are alligned with all state and federal regulations governing SCL service delivery to assure that participants received the best possible supports and services.
- Assisted the Executive Director with creating and monitoring the financial budget and fiscal goals for the agency including small and major purchases such as furniture, vehicles, houses, and office equipment and supplies, as well as, exploring new ways to save money and streamline processes such as grocery shopping, house supplies acquisition, vehicle maintenance, etc.
- Maintained the financial records for participant's personal spending and those for the participant for whom the agency is the Representative Payee.
- Provided supervision to the Health Services Coordinator and Program Manager including monitoring workflow and accuracy, direct assistance when requested or needed, and annual evaluations.
- Developed and conducted new hire training on Individualized Needs and ongoing staff training on annual plan of cares, changes to Positive Behavior Plans or Participant Summaries/Crisis Prevention Plans, Incident Reporting, etc.
- Represented the agency on the BIC and HRC Committees and actively attended the meetings.
- Completed the annual Worker's Compensation audit and policy renewal, as well as, the professional liability and general liability policies renewals.
- Submitted Incident Reports in the MWMA system and completed the RMIR reports for all critical incidents, led the Incident Committee meetings as the reporter for each incident during the month.
- Responsible for gathering the data and documenting the monthly Medication Error Report acting as a second line of monitoring for medication administration and the accuracy of the HSC's job performance.
- Collaborated with family and state guardians, case managers, staff, and participants to secure appropriate and timely delivery of services and supports based on person centered and individualized needs for each participant served.
- Attended SIS Assessments and provided necessary information to help create an accurate picture of the needs of each participant to assist in developing plan of cares that reflect the goals and needs of each person.
Full-Time Substitute Teacher
Perry County Schools
Hazard, Kentucky
2010.10 - 2011.05
- Created inclusive an inclusive classroom setting to ensure all students felt accepted and valued.
- Adjusted teaching methods according to individual students' needs, ensured inclusive learning environment.
- Collaborated with special education professionals to cater for the needs of differently-abled pupils in regular classrooms.
- Fostered a positive learning environment for student engagement through effective classroom management.
- Integrated technology into lessons to make subjects more appealing to today's tech-savvy students.
- Attended professional development sessions to stay updated with latest teaching methodologies.
Science Teacher Grades 6-12
Knott County Schools
Hindman, Kentucky
2009.08 - 2010.05
- Incorporated real-world applications of scientific theories into lessons, making material more relevant and interesting.
- Prepared engaging lesson plans for effective teaching.
- Facilitated learning with hands-on activities.
- Administered tests, identified learning gaps and provided comprehensive feedback.
- Promoted a positive learning environment with clear behaviour expectations.
- Used technology effectively to enhance the learning experience.
- Established strong relationships with parents during parent-teacher meetings, promoting an open line of communication regarding student progress.
Education
Master in the Art of Teaching - Education
Spalding University
Louisville, Kentucky 2002.08 - 2005.05
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Spalding University
Louisville, Kentucky 1990.08 - 1994.05
Skills
- Crisis and Risk mitigation handling
- Budget oversight
- Exceptional communication skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to adapt quickly and manage multiple tasks
- Team focus with individual and agency success as the ultimate goal
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Program Director
Buckhorn Lake Area Support Team
2011.11 - 2026.04
Full-Time Substitute Teacher
Perry County Schools
2010.10 - 2011.05
Science Teacher Grades 6-12
Knott County Schools
2009.08 - 2010.05
Master in the Art of Teaching - Education
Spalding University
2002.08 - 2005.05
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Spalding University
1990.08 - 1994.05