Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Achievementsawards
Workshops/Seminars/Conferences
Timeline
Generic

Mariah Britto-Hicks

Waterbury,CT

Summary

Healthcare professional with a strong background in behavioral support, dental assistance and over a decade of experience working with individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Biology at Central Connecticut State University. Strong desire to pivot into the field of Forensics. Proactive and motivated with excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Direct Support Staff

Key Human Services
08.2024 - Current
  • Managed challenging behaviors through effective communication, de-escalation techniques, and crisis intervention strategies.
  • Assisted clients with daily living tasks for increased autonomy and satisfaction.
  • Participated in ongoing training programs to enhance knowledge base and stay current on best practices within the field.
  • Improved client well-being by providing emotional support and fostering strong relationships.
  • Provided transportation assistance as needed, enabling clients to access appointments, resources, or recreational activities safely.
  • Advocated for clients'' rights, ensuring they receive appropriate services, accommodations, and support in line with their individual needs.
  • Guided clients in building essential life skills such as budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and self-care routines for increased self reliance.
  • Promoted safety and health by administering medications accurately and adhering to hygiene protocols.
  • Enhanced client independence by implementing personalized support plans and monitoring progress.
  • Documented client progress meticulously, enabling timely evaluation and adjustment of support plans.
  • Contributed positively to the overall atmosphere within the residential setting by maintaining a clean and organized environment.
  • Monitored clients to assess and report physical and behavioral changes to supervisors.
  • Transported clients to medical and dental appointments to provide support.
  • Recorded patients' pulse, blood pressure and respirations (TPRs) to assess and document important health information.
  • Supported daily hygiene needs of patients by assisting with bathing, dressing, dental care and personal grooming.

Strerile Processing Technician

Hartford HealthCare (MidState Medical Center)
04.2024 - Current
  • Wrapped trays, instrument packs, and sets.
  • Followed OSHA, FDA and AAMI guidelines related to sterilization in compliance with administrative regulations.
  • Supported surgical teams effectively by preparing instrument trays according to procedure requirements.
  • Reduced risk of infections by maintaining a clean and sterile environment within the processing area.
  • Enhanced patient safety by ensuring proper sterilization and packaging of medical equipment.
  • Assessed instruments, equipment, and containers to promote cleanliness and proper functioning.
  • Tested sterilization equipment by performing regular checks and maintenance to keep instruments in working order.
  • Verified and maintained proper documents and records for sterilization.
  • Decontaminated surgical instruments to remove bacteria and other contaminants before sterilization.
  • Recorded biologicals and test results.

Dental Assistant, Hygiene Assistant

Dental Health Associates
04.2021 - 04.2024
  • Assist the specialist during a variety of treatment procedures
  • Set up and breakdown operatory post treatment
  • Take digital/manual x-rays
  • Take impressions and pour up models
  • Manage infection control- prepare and sterilize instruments and equipment
  • Monitor the patient’s well-being during the procedure
  • Educate patients on appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health and combat infection at the oral surgery site
  • Perform various office tasks as necessary
  • Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
  • Maintained a clean and sterile work environment to prevent cross-contamination and infection.
  • Sanitized trays, instruments, and surfaces for clean dental office setting and patient safety.
  • Provided chairside assistance during examinations, improving dentist efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Dental Assistant/Front Desk

Aspen Dental
08.2017 - 04.2021
  • Assist specialist during various treatment procedures
  • Break down and set up rooms post treatment
  • Take digital/manual x-rays
  • Manage infection control- prepare and sterilize instruments and equipment
  • Answering phones/ Insurance and Billing
  • Educate patients on appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health and combat infection at an oral surgery site
  • Cleaned and sanitized dental tools and equipment, straightened treatment rooms, and restocked supplies to prep for next patient and maintain health and safety practices.
  • Maintained a clean and sterile work environment to prevent cross-contamination and infection.
  • Sanitized trays, instruments, and surfaces for clean dental office setting and patient safety.
  • Provided chairside assistance during examinations, improving dentist efficiency and patient satisfaction.

Direct Support Professional

Continuum Of Care
10.2018 - 03.2020
  • Provides face-to-face hands-on support enabling individuals to maintain living in their apartment/home, including activities of daily living, personal care, and other activities which promote healthy living
  • Delivers services in accordance with individual plan (IP) and positive behavioral programming, as applicable
  • Encourages the use of natural supports and fosters involvement in social and community activities while maintaining personal safety
  • Supports individuals to engage in routine medical, psychological, dental appointments, personal business, and other appointments as identified
  • Provides input in Individual Plan development, supporting individuals to achieve aspirations and goals
  • Responsible for assigned data input with Therap or designated electronic systems
  • Tracks and reports daily data for identified IP teaching, ADL strategies, behavioral, and medical needs
  • Completes other client care tasks as assigned
  • Maintains a clean, well-organized work environment, including general office maintenance, vehicle, and other health & safety inspections
  • Conducts and participates in fire and emergency evacuation drills and reviews the emergency preparedness plan as outlined in DDS and COC policy
  • Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the interdisciplinary team.
  • Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.

Behavioral Technician/Teacher Support Counselor

Adelbrook
07.2015 - 09.2018
  • Assist with all ADL’s (bathing, feeding, dressing, etc.)
  • Assist with exercise programs and rehabilitative procedures as written for person with behaviors/physical illness
  • Document care provided and status of the residents
  • ABA services
  • Provide mentoring, guidance, social, and life skills training to youth in residence that have pervasive developmental disorders (PDD’s)
  • Ensure maintenance of a healthy, therapeutic milieu and sound, trauma informed, treatment focused therapeutic activities designed to promote adaptive (replacement) behaviors for youth in house
  • Collect and record Antecedent Behavior and Consequence (ABC) data, write critical incident reports/other documentation
  • Provide the use of Protective Positive (reinforcement) Behavioral Strategies (PBS)
  • Attend PPT meetings for reporting of student progression
  • Maintained accurate data collection on client progress, enabling effective analysis and modification of treatment plans as needed.
  • Reduced problem behaviors by teaching clients appropriate coping strategies and replacement behaviors.
  • Promoted a safe and nurturing environment for clients, ensuring their comfort and well-being throughout therapy sessions.
  • Adapted therapy materials based on individual needs, ensuring accessibility for all clients regardless of ability level or learning style.

Program Instructor

Acord, Inc
03.2015 - 02.2017
  • Works directly with individuals in an variety of employment settings and/or program models designed to address their program needs and life goals
  • Assumes responsibility for the input and implementation of individualized treatment plan goals, Behavior Support Plan, medical/health protocols, teaching strategies, and reporting assignments by participating as a member of each individual’s interdisciplinary treatment teams
  • Provides on-site employment and life skills training
  • Assists individuals in making personal choices and accessing community activities
  • Develops and expands community relationships to provide opportunities for increased independence
  • Assists with personal care such as eating, toileting, and dressing as prescribed
  • Successfully completes all professional development and training requirements as identified by the vocational program
  • Teaches and enforces safety practices
  • Completes all required documentation i.e
  • Provides janitorial duties as needed (in fulfillment of contractual requirements) i.e

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Psychological Science

Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT
12-2025

Associates of Arts - Social and Behavioral Sciences

CT State Naugatuck Valley
Waterbury, CT
05.2024

Achievementsawards

  • Dr. Janes Owens-Lane Mentoring Scholarship, 2024
  • Ethnic Diversity Task Force- Member, 2024-Present
  • Connecticut Psychological Association- Member, 2024-Present
  • Phi Theta Kappa- Member, Naugatuck Valley Community College, 2024-Present
  • Assistant Cheer Coach- Waterbury Patriots, 2024-Present
  • Volunteer- Naugatuck Valley Community College, 2023-Present
  • Fundraising- Naugatuck Valley Community College, 2023-Present
  • Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship, 2024
  • The Connecticut Community Foundation: Regional Scholarship Fund, 2024
  • The Connecticut Community Foundation: Dr. and Mrs. Sidney B. Luria Memorial Scholarship Fund, 2024

Workshops/Seminars/Conferences

  • Connecticut Psychological Association 38th Annual Convention, Yale University west campus Keynote presentation by Sunil Bhatia, PhD. 2024
  • Trauma Informed Mindfulness via 200m/ Dr. Vamsi Koneru 10/2024
  • Ghosts, Trauma, and secrets yare University west campus, steven Prasinos, Ph.D.
  • Using a Hybrid Model with Insights to support Parents of School-Age Children, Yale University West Campus Sandee McClowry and Mark Spellmann, Ph.D 10/2024

Timeline

Direct Support Staff

Key Human Services
08.2024 - Current

Strerile Processing Technician

Hartford HealthCare (MidState Medical Center)
04.2024 - Current

Dental Assistant, Hygiene Assistant

Dental Health Associates
04.2021 - 04.2024

Direct Support Professional

Continuum Of Care
10.2018 - 03.2020

Dental Assistant/Front Desk

Aspen Dental
08.2017 - 04.2021

Behavioral Technician/Teacher Support Counselor

Adelbrook
07.2015 - 09.2018

Program Instructor

Acord, Inc
03.2015 - 02.2017

Associates of Arts - Social and Behavioral Sciences

CT State Naugatuck Valley

Bachelor of Arts - Psychological Science

Central Connecticut State University

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Mariah Britto-Hicks