Laura Donahue
4849 N. Newcastle Avenue, Chicago,IL
Summary
Detail-oriented professional handles all types of tasks with efficient and hardworking mindset. Adept at working under pressure and adapting to new and challenging situations. Offering excellent oral and written communication skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, and ability to use good judgment.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Students Protections Investigator
Chicago Public Schools (CPS)
11.2022 - Current
- Respond to highest-level incidents of sexual violence, dating violence, physical and verbal abuse, and other higher level incidents impacting students.
- Conduct investigations in impartial manner and ensure that all parties are treated fairly.
- Demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Conduct trauma-informed interviews utilizing forensic interview techniques to gather information.
- Compile exceptional notes during investigation of individuals and collect all relevant documentation and evidence.
- Prepare well-written, detailed, and concise investigative reports.
- Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders including students, parents, staff, and law enforcement.
- Exercise strong skills in areas of conflict resolution and problem-solving techniques, interviewing and investigation.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and Board policies.
Security Officer (Part-time)
Live Nation
08.2022 - Current
- Responsible for safety and security of patrons and employees.
- Identify suspicious behavior and respond accordingly.
- Employ conflict resolution skills when disputes occur among guests.
- Temporarily detain guests who are a danger to themselves or others until law enforcement arrives or they are deemed appropriate to leave on their own.
- Provide detailed information to Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department when they are called to scene.
United States Probation Officer
United States Probation Office
08.2002 - 11.2022
- Built relationships with defendants and offenders while assigned to both the presentence investigation and post-conviction divisions.
- Conducted investigations related to a wide-range of criminal activities including but not limited to: fraud, narcotics distribution, firearms trafficking and possession, and sexual offenses.
- Between 2013 and 2022, conducted over 400 interviews with defendants in a culturally competent manner to gather detailed personal information.
- Gathered, investigated, validated, and reported all aspects of defendant's life history obtained from multiple sources including vital records, social service records, educational records, employment records, military records, medical/health records, arrest reports, institutional records, court records, and community records.
- Used multiple different data bases to access information, including: National Crime Information Center (NCIC); Access to Law Enforcement Systems (ATLAS); Westlaw; LexisNexis Accurint; Chicago Police Department's Citizen and Law Enforcement Analysis and Reporting (CLEAR); Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF); and BI Total Access (for location monitoring services).
- Applied working knowledge of federal sentencing guidelines to calculate appropriate sentencing options.
- Between 2002 and 2013, supervised annual caseload of approximately seventy to ninety offenders, to reduce risk to community and enforced Court-ordered conditions of supervised release or probation.
- Determined appropriate supervision levels by conducting risk and needs assessments.
- Referred felony and misdemeanor offenders to necessary community resources.
- Obtained necessary client signatures and ensured that all release forms and contract services were current and timely.
- Maintained organized offender records and documentation in compliance with department and legal standards.
- Developed and maintained relationships with collateral contacts including family members, employers, and treatment providers.
- Responded to a variety of routine and emergency situations.
- Conducted investigations into violations and other allegations and reported this information to the Court.
- Provided legal testimony under oath.
- Developed and maintained positive working relationships with federal judges; U.S. Attorney's Office; Federal Defender's Office; private and panel attorneys; Bureau of Prisons; U.S Parole Commission; local county jails; other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Recreational Therapist
Victor C. Neumann Association
07.2001 - 08.2002
- Organized recreation activities congruent with participants' therapy goals, abilities and personal interests.
- Scheduled and led programs allowing participants to engage in exercise and recreation, supporting social and physical well-being.
- Created recreational activities appropriate for clients' mental, emotional, social and physical aptitudes.
Childcare Worker
Victor C. Neumann Association
01.1999 - 09.1999
- Worked in a specialized group home setting with wards of the State of Illinois (ages 6 to 16 years old) who were classified as sexually aggressive children and youth (SACY).
- Enforced rules and managed behavior through developmentally appropriate discipline.
- Observed activities to identify positive behaviors and areas in need of improvement, implementing behavior redirection where appropriate.
- Promoted good behavior with positive reinforcement methods.
- Kept thorough documentation and records of behavior issues, food served and medications administered to children.
Education
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
Loyola University of Chicago
Chicago, IL05.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
DePaul University
Chicago, IL10.1998
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT Basic)
First Five LLC
Chicago, Illinois01.2024
Skills
- Excellent Verbal Communication
- Excellent Written Communication
- Forensic Interview Techniques
- Investigative Interviewing Skills
- Time Management
- Documentation and Recordkeeping
- Strong Interpersonal Skills
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Exercise mental agility in high-intensity situations
- Adaptability in dynamic and unpredictable circumstances
Additional Information
- CornerHouse On-Site Basic Forensic Interview Training Certificate (January 2023)
- Proficient use of Microsoft Office/Google Suite (365, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Edge, and Outlook).
- Proficient in the use of firearms and participated in mandatory firearms training on an annual basis.
Timeline
Students Protections Investigator
Chicago Public Schools (CPS)
11.2022 - Current
Security Officer (Part-time)
Live Nation
08.2022 - Current
United States Probation Officer
United States Probation Office
08.2002 - 11.2022
Recreational Therapist
Victor C. Neumann Association
07.2001 - 08.2002
Childcare Worker
Victor C. Neumann Association
01.1999 - 09.1999
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
Loyola University of Chicago
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
DePaul University
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT Basic)
First Five LLC