McKenna H. Claypool
TIJERAS
Summary
Dedicated Early Childhood Educator with extensive experience as a lead teacher in infant, preschool, and pre-kindergarten classrooms, as well as an ABA therapist supporting children with autism. Currently completing a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development with a 3.8+ GPA. Skilled in early literacy instruction, classroom management, differentiated learning, and inclusive education. Passionate about fostering confidence, growth, and a love of learning in young students.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Server
Greenside Cafe
Cedar, MN
- Provided exceptional customer service to enhance guest satisfaction and retention.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area to ensure optimal guest experience.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to coordinate timely order delivery and presentation.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, ensuring proper end-of-shift reconciliation.
Behavioral Therapist
Cross River Therapy
Albuquerque, NM
11.2024 - 07.2025
- Conducted individualized behavioral assessments to identify client needs and develop tailored treatment plans.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to enhance clients' social, emotional, and cognitive skills.
- Monitored client progress and adjusted treatment strategies based on observational data and feedback.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care and support for clients.
- Educated families on behavioral strategies to promote consistency in therapy implementation at home.
- Having to over come problems
- Problem solving
- Following rules and procedures
- Integrity is a big thing at this job be re important
- Love for kids and wanting to help others
Lead Teacher
New Mexico Early Learning
Albuquerque, NM
07.2023 - 07.2024
- Have experience with diverse children. Ranging from children with severe autism with behavioral issues to functional kids with less severe autism, who just need help with forming sentences to others.
- Planning/Lesson plans curriculum weekly for children.
- Daily projects/ activities planned for the children.
- Teaching them how to eat family style
- Getting them developmental ready.
- Strengthen their fine and large motor skills, as well as cognitive and emotional skills.
- Support/include all children.
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with developmental standards.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with state regulations and safety standards.
- Developed and maintained a safe, nurturing environment conducive to learning.
- Collaborated with parents to support children's learning and development at home.
- Assessed student progress through observations and tailored interventions accordingly.
Lead Teacher
La Petite Academy
Albuquerque, NM
01.2022 - 07.2023
- Developed engaging lesson plans that fostered cognitive and social development in toddlers.
- Implemented individualized learning strategies to support diverse developmental needs of children.
- Trained and mentored assistant teachers on classroom management and curriculum delivery.
- Collaborated with parents to create supportive home environments for child growth and learning.
Childcare Lead Teacher
Little Corral
Albuquerque, NM
01.2019 - 12.2021
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate lesson plans to enhance children's learning experiences.
- Fostered a safe and nurturing environment, ensuring well-being of all children in care.
- Collaborated with parents to discuss child development and address individual needs.
- Led classroom activities that encouraged social interaction and teamwork among students.
- Trained and mentored new staff on classroom management techniques and curriculum standards.
Grocery Bagger
Triangle Grocery Store
Cedar, MN
02.2018 - 01.2021
- Packaged customer purchases efficiently to enhance checkout speed.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries, providing excellent service support.
- Collaborated with cashiers to ensure seamless transaction flow.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of bagging area to promote safety.
Education
Bachelors - Early Childhood Education
Western University
01-2027
Associates - Early Childhood Education
CNM, Main Campus
06-2023
Skills
- Experience leading classrooms independently (3- and 4-year-olds)
- Kindergarten readiness instruction (early literacy, phonemic awareness, foundational math skills)
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies and individualized behavior support
- Experience working with children with autism and diverse learning needs
- Differentiated instruction to meet varied learning styles
- Positive classroom management and relationship-building
- Data collection and progress monitoring
- Hardworking, dependable, and growth-minded educator
- Committed to being a consistent, supportive, and encouraging role model
If you want a slightly more heart-centered version (while still professional), you could - Empathetic educator with personal insight into diverse learning experiences
Accomplishments
- Consistently maintained a 3.8 GPA or higher throughout college coursework
- Honor Roll Recipient High school and Associates degree
Recognized for academic excellence in Early Childhood Development
Certification
- CPR certified
- Was on the Dean's list while achieving my associates degree.
- 3.8 GPA average
- Quorum training
- Health and safety training
- Covid training
- Completed a class about children with diverse abilities.
- 40 hour training for RBT
- Food handling, and alcohol license
Languages
English
Timeline
Behavioral Therapist
Cross River Therapy
11.2024 - 07.2025
Lead Teacher
New Mexico Early Learning
07.2023 - 07.2024
Lead Teacher
La Petite Academy
01.2022 - 07.2023
Childcare Lead Teacher
Little Corral
01.2019 - 12.2021
Grocery Bagger
Triangle Grocery Store
02.2018 - 01.2021
Server
Greenside Cafe
Bachelors - Early Childhood Education
Western University
Associates - Early Childhood Education
CNM, Main Campus
Awards
CPR certified, Was on the Dean's list while achieving my associates degree., 3.8 GPA average, Quorum training, Health and safety training, Covid training, Completed a class about children with diverse abilities., 40 hour training for RBT, Food handling, and alcohol license