Laurie Duffau
Hillsborough,US
Summary
Demonstrated ability to support operations, train team members, and maintain safety, accuracy, and consistent service across fast-paced environments. Experience in providing individualized academic and behavioral support, maintaining records, and following established procedures to promote engagement and progress. Proven track record in communicating effectively, building relationships, and working with teams to support quality outcomes and retention.
Overview
1
1
year of post-secondary education
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Key Holder / Trainer / Server
Darden Restaurants | Seasons 52
Princeton, NJ
05.2011 - Current
- Trained and mentored team members, promoting accountability and teamwork that improved overall service quality.
- Delivered exceptional guest service with genuine appreciation, consistently exceeding expectations in food, wine, and beverage presentation.
- Built strong guest relationships, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
- Contributed to Diamond Club recognition as part of the top five restaurants in the division for outstanding performance.
Instructional Paraprofessional
New Road School
03.2023 - 05.2025
- Provided individualized academic and behavioral support to children and young adults with special needs, fostering engagement and progress.
- Supported teachers in lesson planning, instructional delivery, and student assessments, contributing to improved student learning outcomes.
- Applied behavior management strategies and positive reinforcement to encourage student growth.
- Collaborated with parents, teachers, and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Supported New Road School teachers with classroom instruction and student supervision.
- Assisted individual students with special education activities and daily learning tasks.
- Reinforced lesson plans through small-group practice and guided review.
- Monitored student behavior and followed New Road School classroom routines.
- Documented student progress and shared observations with teachers and staff.
- Facilitated one-on-one support during transitions, meals, and classroom schedules, promoting student engagement and comfort.
- Modeled positive communication and encouraged student participation throughout the school day.
- Provided classroom support throughout planned instruction and individual lessons.
- Conducted one-on-one tutoring sessions with struggling learners.
- Offered students personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support.
- Maintained focused, inclusive, and supportive learning environments.
- Evaluated individual student needs and assessed academic and social situations to address challenges and goals.
- Prepared visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to foster learning.
- Performed administrative tasks to support teachers and streamline classroom operations, managed classrooms, and coordinated documents for teachers.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance and grades for each student.
- Complied with instructor-developed IEPs and made informed recommendations for adjustments.
- Monitored student activities to ensure safety during school hours and recess in classroom and outside environments.
- Leveraged evidence-based techniques to foster academic progress, social inclusion, and critical thinking.
- Liaised with a team of professionals to implement comprehensive educational action plans for special needs and at-risk students.
- Supervised recess activities to ensure safety of all students.
- Met with parents about student needs to garner additional support.
- Utilized curriculum with a life-based approach.
- Monitored student behavior in the classroom and on field trips.
- Implemented accommodations for special education students as outlined in their IEPs.
- Instructed students in basic skills such as reading comprehension, writing techniques, and mathematics computation.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to parents and guardians.
- Assisted teachers in implementing behavior management strategies for students with challenging behaviors.
- Assisted teachers in preparing lesson plans and instructional materials.
- Collaborated with other paraprofessionals, teachers, administrators, and parents to provide an optimal learning experience for students.
- Utilized technology resources effectively to enhance instruction.
- Created a positive learning environment by providing support and encouragement to students.
- Encouraged positive behavior management strategies in the classroom setting.
- Facilitated small group instruction for students with special needs.
- Attended IEP meetings to discuss student progress and goals.
- Provided feedback on student work using appropriate verbal praise or constructive criticism.
- Developed individual educational plans for eligible students based on assessment results.
- Tutored and assisted children individually and in small groups to help master assignments and reinforce learning concepts.
Program Support Specialist
Women Aware
New Brunswick, New Jersey
09.2020 - 02.2022
- Streamlined operations across administrative, legal, safe house, and permanent supportive housing departments, ensuring safe, fully functional facilities that supported the organization’s mission.
- Built and managed vendor relationships, securing reliable maintenance services and contributing to long-term facility improvement plans.
- Maintained strict confidentiality while providing services to survivors, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for healing.
- Oversaw inspections, contractor work, and inventory management, improving efficiency and reducing operational disruptions.
- Managed confidential client records and updated case files accurately.
- Coordinated referrals to shelter, counseling, legal, and community resources, facilitating access to essential support for survivors.
- Assisted intake process for survivors seeking domestic violence support services.
- Responded to incoming calls from clients seeking support and information and routed messages with care and confidentiality.
- Prepared reports, forms, and documents for program operations.
- Tracked appointments, follow-ups, and service coordination details, enhancing service delivery and client engagement.
- Communicated with advocates, staff, and partners to support survivor services.
- Submitted payments, processed refunds, and updated details in customer accounts.
- Facilitated communication between staff members across multiple departments.
- Completed timely investigations into issues and resolved or escalated customer concerns.
- Monitored progress of projects and provided updates to stakeholders.
- Provided support for the organization's program activities and initiatives.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing program operations.
- Performed administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings and maintaining calendars.
- Assisted in developing new program proposals based on research findings.
- Researched, analyzed, and evaluated existing programs to identify areas of improvement.
- Maintained inventory records associated with the organization's programs.
- Answered face-to-face, telephone, and email requests for support and program information.
- Coordinated with various departments to ensure successful implementation of programs.
- Assisted in the development of training materials related to programs.
- Processed invoices related to programs in accordance with established procedures.
- Acted as a liaison between external vendors and partners and internal staff members.
- Organized and maintained program documents, records, and reports.
- Responded to inquiries regarding program guidelines, policies, procedures, and services.
General Manager
Pizza Hut
Flemington, NJ
- Gained experience as General Manager at Pizza Hut in Flemington, NJ.
- Managed daily restaurant operations for Pizza Hut guest service and food quality.
- Scheduled and supervised crew shifts to support smooth Pizza Hut service.
- Trained team members on Pizza Hut safety, sanitation, and service standards.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marriage and Family Studies
Brigham Young University
Rexburg, ID 09.2019 - 01.2021
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Raritan Valley Community College
Branchburg, NJSkills
VOLUNTEER
- Martin Luther King Youth Center, after school program for children with disabilities, 2013
- Princeton Senior Resource Center, home visitor, 2017
- The Church of Latter Days Saint, Sunday School Teacher, Princeton, 2018, 2019
Timeline
Instructional Paraprofessional
New Road School
03.2023 - 05.2025
Program Support Specialist
Women Aware
09.2020 - 02.2022
Bachelor of Science - Marriage and Family Studies
Brigham Young University
09.2019 - 01.2021
Key Holder / Trainer / Server
Darden Restaurants | Seasons 52
05.2011 - Current
General Manager
Pizza Hut
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Raritan Valley Community College