Melissa Graham
Middletown,NJ
Summary
Dedicated, hard-working professional seeking a new job opportunity. Detail-oriented, accurate, and dependable, with an uncompromising work ethic. An active listener with strong interpersonal skills. Strives to understand stakeholder needs and provides exceptional results.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Needs ABA Teacher Assistant
Morris-Union Jointure Commission
New Providence, NJ
11.2004 - 01.2020
- 1500 Hour Principal/Supervisory Internship: June 1, 2010 - September 8, 2010 in preparation for XMA ELMP Degree
- Provided assistance and instruction as a one-to-one ABA Paraprofessional in outside districts associated with district to accommodate students with behavioral disabilities
- Bayberry School District, Watchung, NJ: September – May, 2014 - 1:1 ABA Behavior Support to an intermediate level behavioral challenging student
- Instructed special needs students in diverse classrooms, addressing the unique requirements of students with Autism, emotional disturbances, behavioral disorders, and multiple disabilities.
- South Orange/ Maplewood School District, South Orange, NJ: Intermittently 2010-2013 - ABA provided assistance to special need student
- Managed students with disabilities in proper Community Based Instruction based on each individual need; accommodating Primary, Intermediate and Secondary levels
- Worked in tandem with the teacher to develop a customized classroom environment that was conducive to the students' needs
- Conducted daily meetings with students with disabilities, applying customized behavioral plans to support individual learning needs
- Collaborated with the teacher to develop effective, individualized learning strategies
- Instructed a large group ratio: 6-9 behavioral students population ranging from ED, BD, MD as well as Autism conducting a group lesson conducive to each student’s individual education plan
- Applied progressive teaching principles to a class of six to nine Special Needs behavioral students to accommodate Applied Behavioral Analysis and Behavior Modification
- Employed Applied Behavioral Analysis techniques to encourage student learning and build community within the classroom
- Instructed students on ADL skills to promote independence in a natural setting
- Led groups of students in discovery exercises such as yoga and sensory accommodations to offer personalized support to each individual in need of extra assistance
- Developed and implemented interesting and interactive learning media to increase student understanding of course materials
- Implemented Behavior Modification and CPI Techniques to reduce classroom disruptions, ensuring a safe and conducive learning environment for all students
- Received high remarks for the creativity of classroom lesson plans and instructional techniques from students, parents and faculty
- Created immersive activities and utilized Smartboard technology to enhance instruction
- Established and enforced behavioral rules and procedures to maintain order in a diverse classroom of six to nine students with Autism Spectrum, ED, BD, and MD
- Led Secondary students in Job Sampling procedures as a Job Coach
- Developed and implemented skill-building activities focused on Autism and Behavioral Modification techniques
- Developed and implemented skill-building activities focused on Autism and Behavioral Modification techniques
Supervisor/Manager
26th Street Deli; Corp
Bayonne, NJ
09.1997 - 05.2012
- Provided instruction, coaching, and motivation to employees, enhancing team performance during shifts
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and empathetically, improving customer satisfaction
- Developed and implemented standards and procedures that ensured the safety of food quality
- Coordinated inquiries on ordering supplies, assisting public, and managing financial matters to ensure smooth operations
Police Officer Academy Recruit
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
New York, NY
08.2007 - 08.2007
- Involved all police academy procedures (Confidential)
- Completed academic studies on police academy procedures to build foundational knowledge
- Acquired self-defense techniques to enhance personal safety and readiness.
- Learned dusting techniques for fingerprints to aid in crime scene investigations.
- Studied firearm operation to promote safe and effective usage in law enforcement.
Legal Assistant Paralegal Intern
The Office of the Richmond County District Attorney
Staten Island, NY
05.2001 - 07.2001
- Assisted in Criminal Prosecution Paralegal work within the Investigations, Sex Crimes, as well as Narcotics Unit
- Accompanied criminal prosecutors and district attorney during grand jury proceedings, facilitating effective case presentation.
- Managed case files and maintained accurate records for ongoing investigations and prosecutions.
- Drafted legal documents, including motions and pleadings, ensuring compliance with court procedures.
- Conducted interviews with witnesses in preparation for court hearings
- Streamlined investigation process, enhancing thorough examination of evidence for ongoing cases.
- Performed extensive legal research to support case preparation and strategy.
- Abetted on several high-profile criminal cases to wit and Report Writing Aided senior leadership during executive decision-making process
- Gathered and organized documentation for legal briefs, responses to opposing counsel, motions and trial evidence
Administrative Assistant
GERVASI INC.
Bayonne, NJ
01.1998 - 09.1998
- Communicated with clients to address inquiries and assist with financial records management
- Managed office supply inventory, ensuring timely ordering of depleted or low-level stock
- Designed paper filing system according to company standards
Education
ABA Graduate Certificate - BCBA
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona05.2021
XMA - Education Leadership Management Policy
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ05.2011
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Saint John's University
Staten Island, NY01.2002
Skills
- Behavioral Support
- Crisis Intervention
- Behavioral analysis
- Cognitive therapy
- Employee training
- Classroom oversight
- Safety Protocols
- Team collaboration
- Employee relations
- Team Mentor
- Team Mentor
- Schedule management
- Professional Communication
- Effective communication
- Calm demeanor
- Positive attitude
- Team Mentor
- Computer skills
- Relationship management
- Mission Accomplishment
Accomplishments
- Perfect Score on ELMP XMA degree Comprehensive Exam
- Out of 30,000 candidates, I was chosen as a Police Academy Cadet within The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
Certification
- Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- NJ Substitute Certification
- Notary Public
- Restraint Training – Crisis Prevention (PMT)
Timeline
Police Officer Academy Recruit
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
08.2007 - 08.2007
Special Needs ABA Teacher Assistant
Morris-Union Jointure Commission
11.2004 - 01.2020
Legal Assistant Paralegal Intern
The Office of the Richmond County District Attorney
05.2001 - 07.2001
Administrative Assistant
GERVASI INC.
01.1998 - 09.1998
Supervisor/Manager
26th Street Deli; Corp
09.1997 - 05.2012
XMA - Education Leadership Management Policy
Seton Hall University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Saint John's University
ABA Graduate Certificate - BCBA
Arizona State University
AWARDS
Dean's List of College of Professional Studies, Who's Who Among American Universities and Colleges