Melanie Richards
San Marcos,TX
Summary
- Dedicated instructional assistant skilled in effective communication and teacher collaboration. Committed to fostering a positive learning environment for diverse learners, including those with special needs.
- Professional caregiver with experience delivering patient-centered care in fast-paced environments. Skilled in assisting with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, and providing emotional support. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving positive outcomes. Reliable, adaptable, and skilled in using medical equipment and following care plans.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Instructional Assistant
SMCISD
San Marcos, TX
08.2025 - Current
- Assisted teachers in classroom management and instructional activities.
- Supported students with diverse learning needs through individualized attention.
- Collaborated with educators to develop and implement lesson plans.
- Maintained a positive classroom environment conducive to learning.
Special Education Job Coach
Kennewick Washington School District
Kennewick, WA
09.2023 - 06.2025
- Monitored student progress and provided ongoing support throughout the employment process.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student strengths and areas for improvement in job skills.
- Implemented feedback mechanisms to refine coaching strategies and improve service delivery.
- Cultivated strong relationships with community organizations and resources to provide additional support services for clients when needed.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community resources to support job coaching.
- Monitored and tracked client progress through consistent follow-up sessions, adjusting strategies as needed to ensure continued success in achieving employment goals.
- Established a supportive environment for clients, conducting regular check-ins to address any concerns or obstacles during the job search process.
- Provided ongoing guidance and support to clients throughout job search and onboarding process.
- Offered ongoing support to clients throughout their job search process, leading to increased levels of motivation and selfconfidence.
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Kennewick Washington High School
Kennewick, WA
08.2020 - 06.2023
- Assisted teachers in implementing individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs.
- Supported classroom management by fostering positive behavior and engagement among students.
- Collaborated with special education staff to adapt instructional materials for accessibility.
- Monitored student progress, documenting observations and providing feedback to educators.
- Facilitated small group activities, promoting social skills and peer interactions among students.
- Implemented adaptive technologies to enhance learning experiences for students with disabilities.
- Participated in training sessions to enhance knowledge of special education practices and tools.
- Provided one-on-one assistance in academic subjects such as reading, writing, math, and social studies to help students achieve their full potential.
- Participated actively in professional development opportunities focused on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Monitored student performance through ongoing assessment and data collection, adjusting instruction as needed for optimal growth.
- Cultivated a safe and inclusive learning environment that promoted respect, empathy, and understanding among all students.
- Assisted special education teachers in developing and executing comprehensive lesson plans tailored to students'' unique learning styles and abilities.
CNA/Caregiver
Various
Walla Walla, WA
01.2010 - 08.2018
- Delivered compassionate care to residents, ensuring comfort and dignity during daily activities.
- Assisted nursing staff with patient assessments and documentation, enhancing workflow efficiency.
- Monitored vital signs and reported changes to healthcare team, supporting timely medical interventions.
- Advocated for residents' needs, enhancing communication between families and healthcare providers for better service delivery.
- Assisted patients with daily living activities, promoting independence and dignity.
- Checked patient vitals such as temperature, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Promoted good oral and personal hygiene by aiding patients with shaving, bathing, and teeth brushing.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction by providing compassionate and attentive care.
- Maintained confidentiality of patient information according to HIPAA guidelines while communicating effectively with team members about critical updates.
Education
Associate of Applied Arts - Pre-Requisites And Nursing
Walla Walla Community College
Walla Walla, WA06-2017
Skills
Classroom organization
Effective communication
Conflict resolution
Small group instruction
Calm and patient demeanor
Small group and individual assistance
Teacher collaboration
Classroom support
Multicultural awareness
Helping students with special needs
Collaborative teamwork
Teacher support
Special education support
Preparing instructional materials
Student inclusion
Certification
- General ParaEducator Certificate
Timeline
Instructional Assistant
SMCISD
08.2025 - Current
Special Education Job Coach
Kennewick Washington School District
09.2023 - 06.2025
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Kennewick Washington High School
08.2020 - 06.2023
CNA/Caregiver
Various
01.2010 - 08.2018
Associate of Applied Arts - Pre-Requisites And Nursing
Walla Walla Community College