Michaela Wiersma
Pacific,MO
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Teacher
Children's Lighthouse
08.2025 - Current
- Assisted lead teachers in delivering developmentally appropriate instruction and daily routines for early childhood classrooms
- Electronically documented student attendance, behavior, meals, and daily activities using center-approved childcare software
- Communicated with parents and guardians in real time, providing daily updates on learning activities, snacks/meals, mood, and behavior
- Captured and shared classroom photos throughout the day to promote family engagement and transparency
- Supported classroom management, transitions, and safety procedures while maintaining a nurturing, structured environment
- Collaborated with teaching staff to ensure consistency with curriculum standards and licensing requirements
Youth Mentor & Lead Teacher
North Side Youth and Senior Services Center
03.2025 - 08.2025
- Led a classroom of fifteen 4th and 5th-grade students in an after-school program, providing academic support, enrichment activities, and social-emotional learning experiences.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans tailored to students' developmental needs and learning styles.
- Applied child psychology principles to observe and reflect on student behavior, motivation, and emotional development, connecting theory to practice in real-world settings.
- Managed classroom behavior and mediated peer conflicts through restorative practices, clear expectations, and a rewards-based behavioral system.
- Guided youth in developing personal goals and life skills through structured mentoring sessions.
Behavior Technician
Behavior Frontiers
12.2024 - 03.2025
- Delivered 1:1 Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to individuals with autism and developmental disabilities in various settings, focusing on communication, social skills, and independence.
- Utilized electronic data collection software to analyze behavior patterns and inform real-time decision-making, collaborating with families and BCBAs for consistent progress.
- Applied evidence-based techniques such as discrete trial training (DTT), naturalistic teaching strategies (NATS), and verbal behavior (VB) while maintaining professional integrity and promoting a positive client experience.
Teaching Assistant
Kid's International Early Childhood Center
05.2024 - 12.2024
- Assisted lead teachers in planning and implementing educational activities, ensuring a safe and engaging learning environment for up to 18 children aged 2-7 years.
- Communicated with parents and guardians about their child’s progress, daily activities, and any concerns/incidents.
- Monitored children’s activities to ensure safety and compliance with center policies and managed children’s behavior through positive reinforcement techniques.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychological Sciences
University of Missouri- St. Louis
St. Louis, MO05.2026
Associate of Arts - General Transfer Studies
St. Louis Community College- Wildwood
Wildwood, MO05.2024
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Parent-teacher communication
- Behavior management
- Effective verbal communication
Awards
Missouri Access Award (2024), Charles D. Kemp Scholarship (2024), UMSL Gold Scholarship (2024), VFW Voice of Democracy (2021).
Timeline
Assistant Teacher
Children's Lighthouse
08.2025 - Current
Youth Mentor & Lead Teacher
North Side Youth and Senior Services Center
03.2025 - 08.2025
Behavior Technician
Behavior Frontiers
12.2024 - 03.2025
Teaching Assistant
Kid's International Early Childhood Center
05.2024 - 12.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Psychological Sciences
University of Missouri- St. Louis
Associate of Arts - General Transfer Studies
St. Louis Community College- Wildwood