Megan Van Dusen
Garden Ridge,Tx
Summary
Hardworking Advocate working diligently on behalf of children to obtain necessary assistance. Effective under pressure and in stressful situations. Strong understanding of effectively working with people from diverse backgrounds. Passionate about helping others access needed services.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Advocate Supervisor
CASA- Child Advocates San Antonio
06.2023 - Current
- Maintain caseload of 25+ Advocates, 20+ cases, and 36+ children at once.
- Document data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Work effectively with fellow team members to coordinate effective solutions to any question or concern.
- Advocate for children''s best interests during court proceedings, presenting case updates, recommendations, and concerns to judges and attorneys.
- Assist individuals in navigating processes and procedures to resolve issues, understand rights and express views.
- Advocate for foster children by facilitating access to community resources and services to maximize safety and well-being of child.
- Refer clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Mentor new advocates, fostering professional growth and development.
Resource, Inclusion, Behavioral Special Ed Assoc
Comal ISD
02.2023 - 05.2023
- Observed, monitored and recorded problem behaviors through accurate behavior-consequence data collection, graphs and anecdotal notes.
- Worked as part of collaborative team to address changing needs of children and families.
- Promoted positive interactions of children with ADHD, Autism and oppositional defiance behavior by using visual supports, simplifying communication and utilizing stress scales to turn emotions into concrete concepts.
- Intervene in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed
- Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs
- Work with individual students or small groups to develop social skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher
- Extensive experience with children with learning differences, as well as social and emotional needs
Substitute Teacher
Comal ISD
09.2021 - 02.2023
- Perform instructional and classroom management processes for teachers who are absent for day or longer periods of time
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Comply with all school regulations and policies at all times
- Took notes and prepared reports on school day activities to provide to primary teacher.
Behavior Special Educational Associate
Comal ISD
08.2019 - 08.2021
- Observed, monitored and recorded problem behaviors through accurate behavior-consequence data collection, graphs and anecdotal notes.
- Worked as part of collaborative team to address changing needs of children and families.
- Promoted positive interactions of children with ADHD, Autism and oppositional defiance behavior by using visual supports, simplifying communication and utilizing stress scales to turn emotions into concrete concepts.
- Intervene in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed
- Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs
AVID Tutor
Comal ISD
10.2018 - 06.2019
- Work with small groups of middle school students
- Encouraged students to develop perseverance mindset while teaching long-term visualization of success.
- Determine concepts that need to be taught or reviewed from student notes and discussions
- Conduct mini-lessons in process of writing in all subject areas, study skills, and other aspects of college preparations
- Communicate frequently and honestly with AVID coordinator/ teacher regarding student progress and areas of concern.
Education
Master of Social Work - Individual & Family Cognate
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA08.2025
Bachelor of Science - Health -Community Health Option
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX08.2002
Skills
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Privacy and Confidentiality
- Parent Outreach
- Compassionate Care
- Educational Strategies
- Special Needs Support
Certification
Trauma Competent Caregiver
Timeline
Advocate Supervisor
CASA- Child Advocates San Antonio
06.2023 - Current
Resource, Inclusion, Behavioral Special Ed Assoc
Comal ISD
02.2023 - 05.2023
Substitute Teacher
Comal ISD
09.2021 - 02.2023
Behavior Special Educational Associate
Comal ISD
08.2019 - 08.2021
AVID Tutor
Comal ISD
10.2018 - 06.2019
Master of Social Work - Individual & Family Cognate
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science - Health -Community Health Option
Texas A&M University
Trauma Competent Caregiver
Similar Profiles
Dennis Josheb LozadaDennis Josheb Lozada
Staff Engineer at Central Azucarera de San Antonio (CASA)Staff Engineer at Central Azucarera de San Antonio (CASA)
Sanshiro MotoiSanshiro Motoi
Assistant Teacher at Mt. San Antonio College Child Development CenterAssistant Teacher at Mt. San Antonio College Child Development Center
Nirvan RajbhandariNirvan Rajbhandari
Volunteer at San Antonio Public Library, San Antonio, TX 78253Volunteer at San Antonio Public Library, San Antonio, TX 78253