Meg (Jala) Affonso
Albany,NY
Summary
Dynamic and charismatic creative professional with strong focus on delivering impactful client support. Skilled in team collaboration, ensuring everyone can rely on consistent and adaptable support. Proven ability to manage activities, engage participants, and drive positive outcomes. Strong organizational and communication skills, paired with commitment to creating enriching experiences for all involved.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Day Program Coordinator
Center for Disability Services
04.2024 - Current
- Coordinate weekly schedules for the Without Walls Day Program.
- Spearheaded and implemented new projects to expand scope of engagement.
- Partnered with community organizations to provide additional resources and opportunities for program participants.
- Connect individuals to vocational, volunteer and recreational opportunities in the community.
- Complete monthly data paperwork and reports
- Organize community outings and activities.
- Work as a team to give our individuals access to the best opportunities to engage them and help them to achieve their goals.
- Provide support where needed onsite and in the community.
- Lead individuals in creative activities for group projects
- Member of the Employee Recruitment & Retention Committee.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, incident reports, participant progress notes, and other essential documentation.
- Reviewed and updated time and attendance system records.
Day Program Counselor
Center for Disability Services
12.2022 - 04.2024
- Empowering people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through meaningful and engaging opportunities and activities both onsite and in the community.
- Promoted a safe and supportive environment by implementing behavior management techniques and de-escalation strategies.
- Enhanced client engagement by incorporating creative and interactive activities into daily schedules.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Engage clients in activities to support their goals both in residences and on site.
- Complete daily paperwork, behavior data and monthly reports.
- Plan life enriching activity schedule for individuals of activities that support their mobility, creativity and wellness.
Artist in Residence
The Arts Center of the Capital Region
08.2021 - 03.2023
- Artist in Residence at The Fish Market through ACCR
- Social Practice Artistic Residency
- Created community centered art in North Central Troy, NY
- Taught workshops, organized and lead community art events
- Engaged the community to discover their needs and hopes for a community art space
- Mentored emerging artists by providing constructive feedback and guidance on their creative process and development.
- Implemented a dynamic workshop series focused on multidisciplinary approaches to art-making, encouraging experimentation across different mediums.
- Utilized social media platforms proactively to promote personal brand awareness while engaging with potential clients or collaborators regularly.
- Experimented with variety of styles and techniques to produce unique works of art.
- Managed creative process from concept to completion for various art projects.
Housing Coordinator
YWCA USA
03.2021 - 12.2022
- Managed cases of SRO residents.
- Provided support, met with clients, referred to resources and services.
- Completed HMIS data, worked with team and appropriate affiliates.
- Met with housing residents to answer questions, address concerns and clarify policies and procedures.
- Coordinated with local agencies to secure funding, ensuring the availability of affordable housing options.
- Provided comprehensive support services to residents, connecting them with necessary resources to increase selfsufficiency.
- Coordinated with different service providers to meet clients' individual needs.
- Helped clients navigate social services system and access needed resources.
Yoga Instructor
Jala Healing
03.2008 - Current
- Facilitate and instruct workshops, trainings, private sessions, retreats, trainings, festival presentations & specialty classes in yoga studios and for organizations.
- Host storytelling circles & wellness workshops centered around movement, writing, herbalism and energy healing.
- Styles of yoga taught: Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Prenatal Yoga, Kids Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Gentle Yoga.
- Levels: Beginner through Advanced.
- Special Skills: Teaching Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, Teaching Individuals with Physical Limitations, Teaching Youth, Teaching Underserved Communities.
- Adapted classes to meet needs of participants with varying fitness levels.
- Explained different yoga styles and poses to students.
- Kept studio area safe, organized, and comfortable for students.
- Developed safe and effective exercise programs for class members.
- Inspired personal growth among students by challenging them to step outside their comfort zones while offering support in achieving their individual goals.
- Cultivated a strong sense of community within the studio by organizing workshops, events, and group activities.
Teaching Artist
Proctors Collaborative
09.2017 - 08.2019
- Choreographed and taught acting to middle school students who were working on musical productions.
- Taught Acting Out! summer performance camp to elementary school students for two summers.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and hands-on activities in lesson plans.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in increased engagement and understanding.
- Promoted creativity by offering constructive feedback on student artwork, encouraging experimentation and growth in artistic expression.
- Assessed student work and provided constructive feedback.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
- Established a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encouraged open communication and collaboration among students.
Head Chef
Wiawaka Holiday House, Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Managed kitchen and staff, developed menus, conducted inventory, tracked costs and completed paperwork.
- Worked closely with local farms to provide fresh, seasonal produce.
- Arranged for kitchen equipment maintenance and repair when needed.
- Monitored line processes to maintain consistency in quality, quantity, and presentation.
- Developed kitchen staff through training, disciplinary action, and performance reviews.
- Hired, managed, and trained kitchen staff.
- Created recipes and prepared advanced dishes.
- Maintained strict adherence to health department regulations by enforcing proper food handling practices throughout the kitchen area.
Natural Foods Chef
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
03.2012 - 05.2013
- Prepared natural foods for up to 700 guests in a retreat center setting.
- Worked as a team to provide high quality, organic foods to promote wellness and enjoyment.
- Responded to dietary concerns and food allergies, creating dishes to meet customer needs and palates.
- Prepared meals from scratch using authentic, popular recipes to generate repeat business.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan vendor orders.
- Reduced food waste with strategic menu planning and inventory control techniques.
Cook
Mazzone Hospitality
03.2011 - 03.2012
- Worked as a banquet chef and garde manger cook at The Hall of Springs, Prime at Saratoga National & 677 Prime.
- Worked primarily in preparing large quantities of cold and hot foods as a banquet chef.
- Worked as a team to plate foods for special events and on the line with the raw bar, salads, appetizers and desserts in fine dining establishments.
- Prepared and served various food items in fast-paced environment.
- Kept kitchen clean and organized by performing daily maintenance tasks.
- Maintained clean and organized work areas at all times to bring safety and quality to food preparation process.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills, managing multiple orders simultaneously without sacrificing quality or presentation.
Case Coordinator
Parsons Child & Family Center
12.2008 - 06.2010
- Coordinated Cases for Healthy Families NY: supported young at risk families in finding pregnancy and early childhood services, education, housing stability, and basic needs resources.
- Safeguarded client confidentiality by adhering to strict privacy guidelines and maintaining secure records management practices.
- Maintained current knowledge of applicable procedures and compliance requirements to optimize effectiveness.
- Provided thorough assessments of clients'' needs, resulting in accurate service referrals and appropriate resource allocation.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in case management and enhance skills as a Case Coordinator.
- Acted as an advocate for clients when necessary, ensuring their needs were met and their voices heard throughout the case management process.
- Maintained detailed documentation of client interactions, services provided, and case outcomes for accurate record keeping and compliance purposes.
Childcare Worker
Parsons Child & Family Center
03.2007 - 03.2008
- Worked as childcare worker for at risk teens in a group home.
- Completed paperwork, coordinating with external and internal affiliates and team meetings.
- Led children in creative, athletic, and educational activities while maintaining safe and orderly group.
- Enforced rules and managed behavior through developmentally appropriate discipline.
- Prevented behavioral issues with proactive management strategies that encouraged self-regulation among the children.
- Improved emotional well-being of children through providing consistent support and empathy in various situations.
- Maintained a safe and clean environment for the children by adhering to health and safety protocols.
Childcare Worker
Everstand
02.2006 - 03.2007
- Worked as childcare worker for at risk youth in a residential facility.
- Coached volleyball for high school students.
- Completed paperwork, coordinating with external and internal affiliates and team meetings.
- Prevented behavioral issues with proactive management strategies that encouraged self-regulation among the children.
- Improved emotional well-being of children through providing consistent support and empathy in various situations.
- Applied positive behavior management techniques to enhance social interactions and emotional development.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Education
Musical Theater
Shepherd University
Shepherdstown, WV05.2007
High School Diploma -
Martinsburg High School
Martinsburg, WV06.2003
Skills
- Activity Planning
- Adaptive Programming
- Scheduling Coordination
- Training Facilitation
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Writing and Case Management
- Teaching (Yoga, Art, Performance)
- Microsoft, Outlook, Adobe, Canva
- Problem-Solving
- Organization & Development
- Social Media and Client Engagement
- Event and Community Organizing
- Strong leadership
Accomplishments
- Awarded the YWCA-GCR “Resourceful Woman in the Arts” in 2022.
Certification
Rootwork Herbals, The People’s Medicine School - Ithaca, NY
November 2019, Community Herbalism Certificate
Healing Essence Reiki - Albany, NY
April 2019, Usui Reiki Practitioner
Deena Levy Theater Studio - New York, NY
2007-2008, Acting, Meisner Technique
Atmananda Yoga School - New York, New York
March 2008, Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Instructor
Timeline
Day Program Coordinator
Center for Disability Services
04.2024 - Current
Day Program Counselor
Center for Disability Services
12.2022 - 04.2024
Artist in Residence
The Arts Center of the Capital Region
08.2021 - 03.2023
Housing Coordinator
YWCA USA
03.2021 - 12.2022
Teaching Artist
Proctors Collaborative
09.2017 - 08.2019
Head Chef
Wiawaka Holiday House, Inc.
01.2016 - 01.2017
Natural Foods Chef
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health
03.2012 - 05.2013
Cook
Mazzone Hospitality
03.2011 - 03.2012
Case Coordinator
Parsons Child & Family Center
12.2008 - 06.2010
Yoga Instructor
Jala Healing
03.2008 - Current
Childcare Worker
Parsons Child & Family Center
03.2007 - 03.2008
Childcare Worker
Everstand
02.2006 - 03.2007
Musical Theater
Shepherd University
High School Diploma -
Martinsburg High School
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