Margot Gardiner
Downingtown,PA
Summary
Experienced educational professional with a background in Speech-Language Pathology and early childhood education. Recently served as a Preschool Teacher's Aide, Substitute Teacher, and Lead Science Enrichment Teacher. Supported children ages 3-5 through engaging instruction and creative lesson planning. Passionate about fostering positive relationships and creating nurturing, supportive learning environments for young students.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher's Assistant
Hopewell United Methodist Church
Downingtown, Pennsylvania
08.2024 - Current
- Supported the lead teacher in a Pre-K classroom of 5-year-old students by assisting with daily instruction, classroom activities, and student engagement.
- Worked collaboratively with classroom teacher to support learning activities, classroom management, and daily routines for Pre-K students.
- Provided individualized support to students, helping to promote independence, confidence, and kindergarten readiness skills.
- Assisted with classroom preparation , small group activities, behavior support, and transitions throughout the school day in a busy, Pre-K setting.
Lead Science Enrichment Teacher
Hopewell United Methodist Church
Downingtown, Pennsylvania
01.2024 - Current
- Created and implemented engaging lesson plans and hands-on activities for young learners.
- Encouraged problem solving and discovery.
Substitute Preschool Teacher
Hopewell United Methodist Church
Downingtown, Pennsylvania
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Provided classroom coverage as a Preschool Substitute Teacher for children ages 3-5, supporting daily routines, classroom management, and learning activities across multiple classrooms.
- Built positive relationships with students, staff, and families while demonstrating flexibility, reliability, and strong classroom support skills.
Volunteer Coordinator
Brandywine Wallace Elementary School
Downingtown, Pennsylvania
09.2011 - 05.2014
- Coordinated events and parent volunteers
- Served as Book Fair Volunteer Coordinator to raise money for the school.
- Created and managed volunteer calendar and ensured coverage of key roles during volunteer unavailability.
- Performed outreach to administrators, teachers and parents to help successfully raise 8k+/event.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Theraplay, Inc.
West Chester, PA
05.2005 - 05.2011
- Kept comprehensive notes on patient progress and speech to make needed adjustments to treatment.
- Developed individual or group activities or programs to deal with behavior and speech problems.
- Collaborated with other team members / therapists to ensure effective therapy sessions.
- Educated patients and caregivers in exercises to improve speech, as well as alternative communication methods.
- Administered speech and hearing evaluations to better understand patient speech impediments.
- Delivered home therapy through Early Intervention services.
Education
Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA06-2006
Master of Arts - Communications
Denison University
Granville, OH06-1998
Skills
- Classroom management
- Lesson planning
- Child development
- Team collaboration
- Instructional strategies
- Student engagement
- Relationship building
- Conflict resolution
- Behavior support
- Learning assessment
Timeline
Teacher's Assistant
Hopewell United Methodist Church
08.2024 - Current
Lead Science Enrichment Teacher
Hopewell United Methodist Church
01.2024 - Current
Substitute Preschool Teacher
Hopewell United Methodist Church
08.2023 - 05.2024
Volunteer Coordinator
Brandywine Wallace Elementary School
09.2011 - 05.2014
Speech-Language Pathologist
Theraplay, Inc.
05.2005 - 05.2011
Master of Arts - Communications
Denison University
Master of Science - Speech-Language Pathology
San Francisco State University