Singing, piano, guitar, my four children, my boyfriend, my family, friends, coffee, Jesus.
Hi, I’m
Melissa Lastoria
Direct Support Professional
Ravenna,OH
Summary
Compassionate Direct Support Professional with a proven track record at Leeda Northeast Inc., enhancing client independence through tailored care plans and effective crisis management. Skilled in medication administration and client advocacy, I foster positive relationships and promote well-being, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities.
Overview
2
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Leeda Northeast Inc.
Direct Support Professional
06.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
- Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the interdisciplinary team.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.
- Enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing compassionate and consistent direct support.
- Assisted clients in achieving personal goals through tailored care plans and daily skill-building activities.
- Supported clients with personal care tasks, ensuring their dignity and privacy were maintained at all times.
- Monitored medication administration, maintaining accurate records to ensure client safety and compliance with prescribed treatment plans.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in disability support services.
- Provided ongoing communication between clients, families, and other service providers to enhance overall care coordination efforts.
- Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive environment by addressing behavioral challenges with patience and understanding.
- Facilitated social outings and community integration activities, promoting inclusion and positive experiences for clients.
- Encouraged and supported clients to participate in recreational and leisure activities to promote social interactions and reduce loneliness.
- Addressed emergency situations calmly and effectively, prioritizing the safety of both clients and staff members involved.
- Transported clients to medical and dental appointments to provide support.
- Improved client self-sufficiency through teaching essential skills such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and financial management.
- Assessed clients'' needs on an ongoing basis, making adjustments to support plans as necessary to ensure optimal outcomes.
- Facilitated community integration for clients, enriching their social networks and life experiences.
- Administered medication under supervision, ensuring adherence to healthcare plans.
Dollar General Store
Sales Associate
10.2023 - 05.2024
Job overview
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
- Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
- Boosted customer satisfaction levels through exceptional service, addressing concerns promptly, and providing a welcoming store environment.
- Collaborated with team members to improve overall store performance, sharing best practices, and offering support as needed.
- Increased sales revenue by building strong rapport with customers and recommending appropriate products based on their needs.
Education
Lakeland Community CollegeWilloughby, OH
Some College from Psychology
Mayfield High SchoolMayfield Heights, OH
Diploma from High School
06.2009
Skills
- Time management
- First aid and safety
- Behavior redirection
- Client support
- Medication administration
- Compassionate caregiving
- Behavioral management
- Client documentation
- Housekeeping tasks
- Decision-making support
- Health and safety requirements
- Relationship building
- Direct patient care
- Transportation
- Patient care
- Disability awareness
- Client transportation
- Team collaboration
- Social skills development
- Crisis management
- Progress documentation
- Patient assessments
- Safety monitoring
- Care plan management
- Care plan assessment
- Transportation assistance
- Problem-solving
- Multitasking and organization
- Daily living support
- Empathy and patience
- HIPAA compliance
- Active listening
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Verbal and written communication
- Behavioral support
- Positive reinforcement
- Client advocacy
- Conflict resolution
- Record keeping
- Hygiene assistance
- Support plan management
- Compassionate client care
- Goal setting
- Health services
- Self-care promotion
- Mobility assistance
- Emotional intelligence
- First aid and CPR
- Client safety and first aid
- Charting and documentation
- CPR certification
- Fast learner
- Critical thinking
- First aid certification
- Attentive to people
- Ability to lift
- Cooking meals
- CPR/AED
- Vitals monitoring and documentation
- Clear communication
- Housekeeping
Certification
CPR and first aid
Interests
Timeline
Direct Support Professional
Leeda Northeast Inc.
06.2024 - Current
Sales Associate
Dollar General Store
10.2023 - 05.2024
Lakeland Community College
Some College from Psychology
Mayfield High School
Diploma from High School
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