Melanie Belford
Hackettstown
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Paraprofessional with a strong background in supporting students with diverse learning needs. Known for effective communication and collaboration with teachers to develop tailored learning strategies, ensuring students achieve their IEP goals.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
Hackettstown High School
Hackettstown
08.2023 - 06.2026
- Supported students with diverse learning needs in classroom activities.
- Monitored student progress and behavior during lessons and activities.
- Provided one-on-one support to students during instructional sessions.
- Maintained a positive and encouraging atmosphere for all students.
- Provided one-on-one instruction to students who needed extra help with learning tasks.
- Offered emotional support during times of difficulty or crisis situations involving the student.
- Encouraged independent thinking, problem solving, and self-advocacy skills among students.
- Assisted with transitioning from one activity to another throughout the day as needed by the student.
- Supported students with personalized accommodations, extra assistance, and educational assessments.
- Collaborated with teacher to develop personalized and successful learning strategies.
- Supported the development of social skills through modeling appropriate behavior and interactions with peers.
- Escorted students to restroom cafeteria, outside to playground, and on field trips.
- Supervised students during lunch periods, recesses, and field trips, ensuring their safety at all times.
- Communicated affirmatively and promoted positive attitudes with every student.
- Provided feedback on how well a student is progressing towards meeting their IEP goals.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to modify educational materials to meet the individual needs of each student.
- Collaborated with therapists when necessary to assist students' development of motor skills or sensory processing abilities.
- Monitored student needs and supported mobility-restricted students.
Medical Receptionist
Garden State Urology
Morristown
02.2015 - 10.2020
- Managed patient scheduling and appointment confirmations for busy urology clinic.
- Handled multi-line phone system and directed calls to appropriate staff members.
- Assisted medical staff with administrative tasks to ensure smooth operations.
- Communicated effectively with patients regarding their inquiries and concerns.
- Trained new reception staff on office procedures and software usage.
- Prepared charts for new patients, ensuring all necessary forms were completed correctly.
- Retrieved faxes and uploaded documents to patient charts to assist clinical staff.
Education
High School Diploma -
Nutley High School
Nutley, NJ06-1998
Some College (No Degree) - Psychology
Bergen Community College
Paramus, NJSome College (No Degree) -
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJCosmetology
Capri Institute of Cosmetology
Clifton, NJ05-2003
Skills
- Classroom assistance
- Special education regulations
- Communication skills
- Student advocacy
- Team collaboration
- Conflict resolution
- Emotional support
- Active listening
- Social development support
- Physical disabilities support
- Collaboration with teachers
- Mobility assistance
- Toileting assistance
- Autism and spectrum disorders
- Sensory integration
- Personal hygiene assistance
- Life skills development
- Reading instruction
- Adaptive equipment
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
Hackettstown High School
08.2023 - 06.2026
Medical Receptionist
Garden State Urology
02.2015 - 10.2020
High School Diploma -
Nutley High School
Some College (No Degree) - Psychology
Bergen Community College
Some College (No Degree) -
Montclair State University
Cosmetology
Capri Institute of Cosmetology