Melissa Cerda
Pasadena,TX
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated Funeral Home Assistant at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, skilled in funeral planning and casket preparation. Known for providing emotional support and exceptional guest assistance, while effectively managing administrative tasks. Demonstrated strong decision-making and analytical skills, ensuring seamless service coordination and a respectful environment for families during their time of need.
Diligent Parent Coordinator with proven ability to foster communication and collaboration among parents, teachers, and school administration. Successfully initiated and managed programs to enhance parental involvement and student success. Demonstrated skills in conflict resolution and event coordination.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Paraprofessional
PasadenaISD
08.2004 - Current
- Assisted teachers in implementing individualized education plans for diverse learners.
- Supported classroom management by fostering positive student interactions and engagement.
- Collaborated with educators to develop and adapt instructional materials and resources.
- Monitored student progress, providing timely feedback to enhance learning outcomes.
- Trained new paraprofessionals on effective classroom strategies and support techniques.
- Coordinated with special education staff to ensure compliance with IEP requirements.
- Developed strategies for addressing behavioral challenges, promoting a conducive learning environment.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with special needs, ensuring their individualized learning goals were met.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in education and enhance instructional techniques.
- Served as a positive role model for students, demonstrating professionalism and dedication to their education at all times.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Fluent in spanish on reading writing skills.
- ARD meeting translator
- Translated documents from English to Spanish.
- Reviewed and edited translations for consistency, clarity, and adherence to client specifications.
- Coordinated communication between parents and school staff to enhance engagement.
- Facilitated parent-teacher meetings, ensuring effective collaboration on student progress.
- Collaborated with educational leaders to align parent engagement strategies with school goals.
- Created a welcoming environment for parents through regular open house events, fostering a sense of community within the school.
- Implemented effective communication strategies, keeping parents informed about their child''s progress and upcoming events.
- Maintained accurate records of parent contact information, ensuring timely communication with families when necessary.
Funeral Home Assistant
Forest Lawn Funeral Home
02.2021 - 06.2025
- Welcomed families and visitors into facility and guided into appropriate visitation rooms or chapel.
- Carried flowers to hearses or limousines for transportation to churches and places of interment.
- Provided personal assistance, emotional support and personal care to clients.
- Met with over families to plan funerals by discussing service options and needs.
- Performed administrative duties by obtaining burial permits and doctors' signatures on death certificates and registering deaths.
- Drove company vehicles to transport remains or families to services.
- Used [word] and [Software] to create and print tribute cards, guest books and prayer cards.
- Prepared facilities for funeral visitations and memorial services, arranging chairs and flower arrangements and setting up sign-in books and memorial cards.
- Arranged floral tributes and lights around caskets in visitation rooms and chapels.
- Transported caskets from morgue to reserved rooms to prepare caskets for viewing.
- Processed death certificate and other required paperwork.
- Provided administrative support to funeral home staff.
- Greeted funeral guests and coordinated seating.
- Supported funeral director with all facets of funeral service coordination.
- Transported deceased to funeral home.
- Prepared deceased individuals for viewing by ensuring proper care and presentation.
- Provided administrative assistance including record-keeping, filing, and inventory management tasks.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of funeral home facilities and equipment.
- Set up flowers, opened and closed caskets and acted as pallbearer.
Education
No Degree - Early Childhood Care And Education
Texas Southmost College
Brownsville, TX05.1998
Skills
- Helping students with special needs
- Active listening
- Excellent communication
- Team building
- IEP management
- Individual instruction
- Faculty collaboration
- Faculty support
- Educational support
- Student learning support
- Student needs support
- Special education
- Friendly and outgoing
- Computer skills
- Effective communication
- Verbal and written communication
- Calm and patient demeanor
- Collaborative teamwork
- Relationship building
- Positive reinforcement
- Parent communication
- Helping students with special needs
LANGUAGES
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Pre-Need Funeral Home Agent
Conduct informative sessions in person. We educate families on Pre-Need Planning Benefits and choices. We understand individuals family preferences, budget, and cultural needs to tailor plans. Explain various funerals, cremation and cemetery options.
Guide clients through purchasing decisions and completing necessary contracts and legal forms. Prospect for new clients through communication outreach or working with provide leads. Develop long-term relationships by offering support and ensuring peace of mind. Collaborate with funeral home staff and managers to ensure smooth services. Comfort clients during sensitive discussions about end 0f life planning. Ability to meet goals while focusing on clients needs. Manage appointments, client data and sales documentation, Understanding funeral laws, insurance and company offerings.
Timeline
Funeral Home Assistant
Forest Lawn Funeral Home
02.2021 - 06.2025
Instructional Paraprofessional
PasadenaISD
08.2004 - Current
No Degree - Early Childhood Care And Education
Texas Southmost College