Special Education Paraprofessional with classroom experience supporting students in developmental learning and special education settings. Assists with group instruction, individual instruction, and de-escalation techniques, reinforcing 2+ behavior plans per week while helping maintain calm, structured routines for students with autism and other support needs. Brings American Sign Language skills and a patient approach to day-to-day student support.
Work History
Team Leader
5 Years 5 Months
Versiti | 05.2021 - Current
Perform venipuncture and capillary collection using proper technique and patient-centered communication.
Support specimen handling by labeling, storing, and transporting samples according to collection protocols.
Maintain patient confidentiality while answering questions and guiding people through the collection process.
Use American Sign Language to communicate with patients and improve comfort during visits.
Prepare collection areas before appointments and keep workspaces organized throughout the day.
Follow safety procedures for equipment use, workspace sanitation, and patient interaction.
Apply de-escalation techniques when supporting anxious patients or resolving collection-area concerns.
Guide team members through collection room procedures and daily workflow expectations.
Teacher's Assistant
7 Years
A.E.R.O. Special Education Coopertive | 10.2019 - Current
Ambulance Dispatcher
1 Year 2 Months
Kurtz Ambulance | 11.2018 - 01.2020
Recorded patient and incident details accurately to support timely emergency response and follow-up.
Answered incoming calls calmly and gathered essential information from callers in urgent situations.
Coordinated with ambulance crews to relay updated directions, patient needs, and scene changes.
Maintained clear logs of dispatch activity for accurate shift handoffs and service continuity.
Receptionist
1 Year 11 Months
Athletex Physical Therapy | 01.2018 - 12.2019
Greeted patients and visitors, answered questions, and directed them to the appropriate therapy services.
Maintained organized front desk records, forms, and patient files for efficient daily access.
Managed incoming calls, relayed messages, and followed up on routine patient scheduling needs.
Supported Spanish-speaking and hearing-impaired patients using American Sign Language during front desk interactions.
Teacher's Assistant
1 Year 5 Months
Elim | 06.2017 - 11.2018
Assisted teachers with daily classroom routines, materials, and student supervision.
Provided individualized support to students during lessons and guided practice activities.
Monitored student behavior and redirected attention during instructional time.
Prepared and organized classroom materials for daily lessons and activities.
Daycare Assistant
2 Years 2 Months
Penny Lane | 01.2015 - 03.2017
Supervised children during play, meals, and rest periods to support daily routines and safety.
Assisted with classroom activities, learning centers, and cleanup to keep the day running smoothly.
Observed behavior changes and responded with calm redirection to support a positive environment.
Communicated with children and staff using clear, age-appropriate language and patient guidance.
Daycare Assistant
3 Years 2 Months
High Hopes Child Care | 01.2012 - 03.2015
Assisted children with meal times, rest periods, and personal care throughout the day.
Led age-appropriate activities that supported play, learning, and social development.
Maintained a clean, safe classroom by sanitizing shared areas and monitoring hazards.
Communicated daily updates to parents about behavior, meals, and activities in a professional manner.
Teacher's Assistant
9 Years
Developmental Learning Program | 06.2003 - 06.2012
Assisted lead teachers with classroom activities, transitions, and daily instructional support.
Provided one-on-one guidance to students needing extra attention during lessons and group activities.
Used positive reinforcement strategies to support student participation and appropriate classroom behavior.
Maintained a safe, organized classroom by preparing materials and helping reset learning spaces.
Education
Certificate - Phlebotomy
Stars Academy | Hickory Hills, IL | 10 2020
Certificate - Massage Therapy
Olympia | Burr Ridge, IL | 3 2005
Certificate - Paraprofessional
South Suburban College Of Cook County | South Holland, IL | 4 2005