Leah McGaw
Sidney,NE
Summary
Dedicated educator from Sidney with over 10 years of experience in education, specializing in early childhood development. Holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Professions, along with teacher and director certifications. A strong passion for hands-on learning drives innovative teaching methods. As a 4-H alum and global volunteer, my extensive experience in diverse communities worldwide enhances my ability to connect with families through creativity, empathy, and cultural awareness. Committed to fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment that nurtures the growth of every student.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher
Western Nebraska Community College
Sidney, NE
10.2024 - Current
- As an Adult Education Instructor, I deliver classroom instruction in Adult Secondary Education (ASE), English as a Second Language (ESL), and Adult Basic Education (ABE) or GED preparation. I design and implement lesson plans that align with state and federal college and career readiness standards, while fostering an inclusive environment that supports adult learners at various educational levels.
- My responsibilities include providing targeted personalized instruction, assigning and reviewing homework, administering assessments, and offering individualized academic support. I track student attendance and educational progress using multiple data collection methods, ensuring compliance with program reporting requirements. Above all, I strive to create a classroom environment that inspires learning and challenges each student to reach their full potential.
Family Support Worker
Guardian Light Family Services
Sidney, NE
09.2024 - Current
- As a Family Support Worker, I collaborate closely with families involved in ongoing Department of Human Services (DHHS) cases to help build safe, stable, and healthy home environments for children. I provide one-on-one support, offering education and guidance in parenting skills, child development, nutrition, sobriety, financial management, and healthy relationship practices.
- My work includes supervised visitations, in-home and community-based family support, and the administration of drug testing (including breathalyzers, urine analysis, and skin patches). I am also responsible for transporting state wards to and from visits, maintaining accurate case documentation with a 24-hour turnaround, and reporting weekly progress to DHHS case managers.
Registered Behavior Technician
Heartland ABA
Sidney, NE
11.2024 - Current
- As a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), I work closely with schools, teachers, parents, caregivers, and my supervisor to provide one-on-one support to children with autism and other behavioral challenges. I am responsible for implementing individualized care and skill-building plans that promote independence and positive behavior.
- Using my certification in behavior analysis, I accurately record session data, follow behavior intervention plans, and adapt my approach to meet each client’s unique needs. I prepare and organize materials before each session, creating an environment tailored to maximize learning opportunities and client success.
Lead Teacher
Montessori School of Cheyenne
10.2022 - 08.2024
- I began my journey in Montessori learning as a Co-Teacher in a preschool classroom for children ages 3–5. My responsibilities included maintaining a safe and engaging learning environment, lesson planning, daily classroom upkeep, and ongoing communication with parents through conferences and weekly/monthly newsletters.
- I was later promoted to Lead Teacher in a toddler transition room (ages 2–3), where I focused on early literacy, number recognition, pre-writing skills, potty training, and developing classroom etiquette.
- During the summer semesters, I managed an elementary-aged summer program for children ages 5–10. This role involved budgeting, coordinating field trips with outside agencies, managing a small teaching team, and handling parent communications. I also oversaw student transportation to off-site activities 4–5 times per week and was responsible for maintaining the vehicles used for transportation. Across all these roles, I relied on my flexibility, strong organizational skills, and clear communication to ensure smooth, safe, and enriching learning experiences for all my students and their families. A geographical move is what required my decision to seek employment with another company.
Lead Teacher
Children’s Cornerstone
04.2015 - 05.2024
- I began my time at Children’s Cornerstone as a temporary support staff member, working 3–6 hours per week and assisting in various classrooms. My role quickly expanded, adding hours, eventually being offered a full-time Lead Teacher position in a toddler classroom (ages 12–36 months), where I supervised two additional teachers and led the classroom’s daily operations. This opportunity required me to continue my education, and with the support of an amazing director, inspired me to earn my Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE).
- My responsibilities included creating and implementing weekly lesson plans, communicating regularly with parents, conducting child progress evaluations, coordinating and facilitating parent-teacher conferences, and maintaining a positive, structured classroom environment.
- After stepping away from the full-time role in 2018 to focus on my own well-being, I remained committed to the center and served as a substitute teacher in multiple classrooms serving children ages 8 weeks to 5 years. This role allows me to stay connected to early childhood education while offering support across age groups as needed.
- After November 2018 I became a substitute teacher for Children's Cornerstone but kept my title as lead teacher.
Head Cake Decorator
Albertsons
06.2022 - 10.2022
- As the sole full-time Cake Decorator in the bakery department, I was responsible for producing and displaying a high volume of both sale inventory and custom cake orders. My role required strong time management and attention to detail to meet daily production goals while ensuring quality and creativity.
- I worked directly with customers, taking special orders in person and over the phone, and creating custom items to meet specific requests. In addition to decorating, I maintained a clean and organized work area and handled product ordering for the cake department to ensure consistent inventory and smooth daily operations.
Customer Service
TJX
08.2019 - 10.2021
- Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked in the customer service call center for the online ordering division of the company, and later I transitioned to remote work in July 2020. In this role, I assist customers with tracking orders, resolving issues related to missing, incorrect, or damaged items, and placing new orders.
- I handled sensitive personal and billing information daily, requiring strong attention to detail and a commitment to data privacy and security. My ability to work independently from home demonstrates my adaptability, self-motivation, and consistent reliability in meeting performance expectations and delivering excellent service in a fast-paced environment.
Photo Tech
Walgreens
03.2013 - 11.2014
- While working for Walgreens I was the lead photo tech and apart from overseeing the photo department, I was also in charge of the grocery department. Between the two departments I did the product ordering for both supplies and merchandise, customer service, stocking said goods, machine maintenance, and unloading supply trucks. One of my favorite parts of this job was helping people bring their memories to life through photography. This also meant that I needed to know the software being used both in the ordering kiosk and the POS systems inside and out. The reason I left this job was purely because of scheduling conflicts. At the time I had small children, and the management was unable to work with me about my schedule.
Administrative Assistant
Animas Counseling
02.2011 - 11.2012
- I worked with QuickBooks mainly in data entry, creating monthly billings, balancing petty cash and making deposits. While working in this office I also answered phone calls, responded to other communications, did most of the filing, and had direct contact with the clientele. At the time I left Animas Counseling the owner was closing the office doors and was terminating my position.
Education
Associate - Early Childhood Professions
Colorado Northwestern
Colorado12-2021
Registered Behavior Technician
Nabraska01-2025
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Bridges Out of Poverty
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Nebraska Educator Certificate
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Colorado Shines
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EQIT Classes
Durango Adult Education Center
Durango, CO12.2001
Skills
- Social skills development
- Collaboration with professionals
- Activity schedules
- Critical thinking
- Crisis management
- Decision-making
- Case management
- Adaptive learning
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking
Certification
- RBT - Registered Behavior Technician
- First Aid/CPR Certified
- FEMA Emergency Preparedness Training - 2018
Timeline
Registered Behavior Technician
Heartland ABA
11.2024 - Current
Teacher
Western Nebraska Community College
10.2024 - Current
Family Support Worker
Guardian Light Family Services
09.2024 - Current
Lead Teacher
Montessori School of Cheyenne
10.2022 - 08.2024
Head Cake Decorator
Albertsons
06.2022 - 10.2022
Customer Service
TJX
08.2019 - 10.2021
Lead Teacher
Children’s Cornerstone
04.2015 - 05.2024
Photo Tech
Walgreens
03.2013 - 11.2014
Administrative Assistant
Animas Counseling
02.2011 - 11.2012
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Bridges Out of Poverty
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Nebraska Educator Certificate
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Colorado Shines
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EQIT Classes
Associate - Early Childhood Professions
Colorado Northwestern
Registered Behavior Technician
Durango Adult Education Center