Maria Weydert
Ankeny,Iowa
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate professional with extensive experience in classroom teaching, in-home counseling, and youth advocacy. Committed to supporting personal growth while addressing the unique needs of families through empathetic engagement. Comfortable working with clients of all social, economic and cultural backgrounds.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Classroom Teacher
Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency
09.2016 - Current
- Modify K-12 curriculum and programming to accommodate diverse learning needs and monitor IEP goals for the majority of 100+ students living in a licensed shelter facility throughout the year.
- Create a safe, secure, and supportive classroom environment that focuses daily routines and provides on-going emotional support alongside academics.
- Participate in ongoing professional development such as LETRS, Georgia Numeracy Project, High Leverage Practices, Crisis Prevention Institute training, and trauma-informed book studies.
- Collaboratively facilitate IEP meetings with case management staff, social service agencies, and guardians.
- Respond to student needs in real-time by facilitating formal and informal instruction of conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Employment Specialist
Goodwill of the Great Plains
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Assessed individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities to identify skills, strengths, and interests for job placement.
- Recorded and updated client information and assessment data.
- Coordinated the Youth Employment Program in collaboration with local school districts to assist students with disabilities in developing hard and soft work skills.
- Conducted community outreach and advocated for clients in the workplace.
Fort Dodge Achieving Maximum Potential Council Facilitator
Children and Families of Iowa
01.2009 - 01.2014
- Organized activities, speaking engagements, monthly meetings, and service projects as the Fort Dodge AMP Council Facilitator for 12+ youth council members in foster care or residential placement.
- Provided opportunities for youth council members to build life and leadership skills and enable them to advocate for positive changes in Iowa’s child welfare system.
In-home Counselor
Children and Families of Iowa
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Facilitated intensive, in-home support to a caseload of 15+ families with the goal of preventing child removal or facilitating reunification.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Taught Behavioral Health Intervention strategies to youth and adult participants.
- Applied culturally responsive practices when engaging with clients, avoiding bias to culture or family circumstances.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
08.2002
Reading Endorsement, K-8 Instructional Strategist 1: Mild Moderate
Skills
- Flexibility in dynamic environments
- Resourcefulness in problem-solving
- Proactive initiative
- Commitment to ethical standards
- Effective communication
- Compassionate communication
- Crisis management
- Team collaboration
Timeline
Classroom Teacher - Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency
09.2016 - Current
Employment Specialist - Goodwill of the Great Plains
01.2014 - 01.2016
Fort Dodge Achieving Maximum Potential Council Facilitator - Children and Families of Iowa
01.2009 - 01.2014
In-home Counselor - Children and Families of Iowa
01.2008 - 01.2014
Buena Vista University - Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education