Melanie Heredia
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Passionate undergraduate student pursuing a career in Occupational Therapy with a focus on pediatric populations. Experienced in supporting children’s cognitive, social, and behavioral development through classroom assistance, early childhood care, and structured activities. Skilled in fostering safe, engaging, and developmentally supportive environments while applying strong communication, organization, and emergency response skills. Committed to promoting independence and functional skill development in children, with the goal of becoming a licensed Occupational Therapist.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher's Assistant | Longfellow Elementary
College Corps
Riverside, CA
10.2024 - 02.2026
- Supported classroom activities by preparing instructional materials and resources.
- Assisted lead teacher in developing and implementing lesson plans.
- Facilitated small group discussions to enhance student engagement.
- Maintained classroom organization, ensuring a conducive learning environment.
Babysitter
Private Child Care
Ontario, CA
06.2021 - 09.2025
- Supervised children ages 1–6, maintaining a safe, structured, and nurturing environment.
- Facilitated play-based and educational activities to support cognitive, social, and emotional development.
- Assisted children in maintaining daily routines, including meals, hygiene, and nap schedules, to promote independence.
- Engaged with children in activities designed to strengthen fine motor skills, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
Building Steward
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA
02.2025 - Current
- Responded to and documented facility incidents, ensuring patron safety and compliance with university policies and risk management procedures.
- Assisted and guided patrons by addressing concerns, providing direction, and promoting a safe and supportive recreational environment.
- Monitored large-scale campus events and commencements, remaining vigilant to potential medical or safety-related situations.
- Maintained active CPR and health/safety certifications and initiated emergency response protocols, including contacting campus police and EMS when necessary.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Minor in Education
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA06-2026
Skills
- Child and adult engagement to support development and learning
- Organization and time management across multiple responsibilities
- Safety and emergency preparedness with CPR certification
- Effective communication and collaboration in diverse settings
Research
Wesley Sims Lab, Wesley Sims, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA
Undergraduate Research Assistant - Observational/Support Level
- Observed PhD students and faculty conducting research on special education evaluation decision-making and learned about graduate students' dissertation projects, research design, and methodology
- Assisted with small tasks such as data organization, literature review, and documentation to support the lab team
- gained exposure to factors influencing school psychologists referral decisions and special education law procedures, strengthening understanding of applied educational research.
Certification
- CPR Certified, American Red Cross — Valid September 16, 2025 to September 16, 2027
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Building Steward
University of California, Riverside
02.2025 - Current
Teacher's Assistant | Longfellow Elementary
College Corps
10.2024 - 02.2026
Babysitter
Private Child Care
06.2021 - 09.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Minor in Education
University of California, Riverside