Melissa Cotter
Elmwood Park,NJ
Summary
Dedicated Paraprofessional Level II with experience supporting students with high-level autism in structured, high-stress educational environments. Skilled in implementing individualized support strategies, remaining calm and consistent during behavioral escalations, and collaborating with teachers and support staff to promote student safety, engagement, and progress. Known for strong patience, clear communication, and the ability to de-escalate challenging situations while fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Committed to helping students build independence, social skills, and confidence both academically and emotionally.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Paraprofessional Level II
Alpine Learning Group
Paramus, NJ
07.2023 - Current
- Implemented Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) by adapting instructional strategies to meet each student's academic, behavioral, and developmental needs.
- Delivered individualized instruction tailored to each learner’s educational level to support skill development and academic progress.
- Collected and documented daily behavioral and academic data to track student progress and support data-driven instructional decisions.
- Facilitated positive communication and relationships with parents and guardians to support student development and consistency between school and home.
- Provided in-home family consultations, offering guidance and strategies to help families reinforce learning and behavioral supports outside of the classroom.
- Assisted in coordinating and participating in monthly clinics/meetings with educational and behavioral teams to review student progress and adjust intervention plans.
- Supported students with autism and behavioral challenges in high-stress situations using de-escalation techniques and structured supports.
- Collaborated with teachers, therapists, and multidisciplinary staff to ensure effective implementation of student support plans.
- Maintain CPR certification and CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification for crisis intervention, de-escalation, and student safety.
Stay-at-Home Mom
Home
Elmwood Park, NJ
08.2014 - Current
- Care for 4 children, from birth to 17 years old. One diagnosed with Autism and ADHD.
- Advocate for my daughter with previous Individualized Education Program plans.
- Coached two school age children through remote school learning, including Occupational and Speech therapy sessions. While also managing a toddler not school age.
- Manage multiple calendars, itineraries, travel and priorities.
Dispatch Receptionist
Transauto
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Coordinated with customer service teams to ensure accurate customer information was collected and entered into the system.
- Utilized GPS data to provide real-time updates on vehicle locations and estimated arrival times.
- Organized and maintained an efficient filing system, resulting in improved document retrieval time.
- Filed and maintained records and documents, ensuring their accuracy and confidentiality.
Accounting Receptionist
Staten Island, NY
01.2013 - 08.2014
- Greeted customers as they came into the office.
- Keep accurate records of funds that go in and out of the company, often needed to reconcile things like employee hours, vacation or sick time used, and other payments that needed to be made.
- Answered phones.
- Maintained a filing system.
Vendor
Staten Island, NY
09.2011 - 01.2013
- Researched and resolved customer related problems.
- Provided an avenue of communication between the company and the supplier.
- Was a team leader.
- Utilized intelligent strategies to keep both company and its suppliers happy.
Service Representative
Staten Island, NY
07.2008 - 09.2009
- Provided great customer service.
- Maintained merchandise.
- Utilized sales techniques and handled financial transactions.
Dental Assistant
Family Dentistry
Staten Island, NY
02.2006 - 07.2008
- Prepared exam rooms by setting out instruments and ensuring general cleanliness.
- Took x-rays.
- Sterilized all equipment used.
- In charge of turning off all machines at the end of the day.
Education
High School Diploma -
Tottenville High School
Staten Island, NY01.2006
Paralegal Certificate with Associate Degree - undefined
New York Career Institute
01.2015
Associate Degree - undefined
New York City College of technology
01.2008
Skills
- IEP Implementation
- Behavior Management and De-escalation
- Crisis Intervention (CPI Trained)
- Classroom Support and Management
- In- Home Family Consultation
- Data Collection and Documentation
- Student Safety and Supervision
- One-on-One Academic Support
- Parent Communication and Relationship Building
- CPR Certified
- Team Collaboration with Teachers and Therapists
Certification
CPR Certified
CPI Certified
Timeline
Paraprofessional Level II
Alpine Learning Group
07.2023 - Current
Dispatch Receptionist
Transauto
08.2022 - 08.2023
Stay-at-Home Mom
Home
08.2014 - Current
Accounting Receptionist
01.2013 - 08.2014
Vendor
09.2011 - 01.2013
Service Representative
07.2008 - 09.2009
Dental Assistant
Family Dentistry
02.2006 - 07.2008
Paralegal Certificate with Associate Degree - undefined
New York Career Institute
Associate Degree - undefined
New York City College of technology
High School Diploma -
Tottenville High School