Olivia Ward
Muskegon
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Muskegon Civic Theatre
09.2023 - Current
- Direct a Special-Needs Theater Program, Penguin Project.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse performers.
- Modified general theater program standards for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
Substitute Teacher
Edustaff
09.2023 - Current
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Provided support during classes, group lessons, and classroom activities.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Provided one-on-one assistance to students who needed additional support, enabling them to achieve academic goals.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
Server
Whitlow's Forerunner
08.2019 - Current
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
Theater Teacher
Muskegon Civic Theatre
06.2019 - Current
- I teach/assistant/ direct students in learning the basics of theater and theater performance
- Develop comprehensive curriculum that incorporated acting, script analysis, and stage management skills for a well-rounded theater education.
- Facilitate open communication between parents, administration, and students to address concerns or issues related to the theater program.
- Serve as director for productions, managing all aspects of casting, rehearsal schedules, and technical requirements.
Special Needs Nanny
Families In My Community
2017 - Current
- Managed challenging behaviors effectively, utilizing de-escalation techniques and behavior modification strategies.
- Enhanced communication skills for non-verbal children through consistent use of sign language and visual aids.
- Increased independence in daily living activities by teaching self-care skills such as dressing, grooming, and hygiene management.
- Fostered emotional well-being through active listening, validation, and encouragement during difficult moments or transitions.
Education
Fruitport High School
Fruitport, MITransfer Student (GED) -
Muskegon Community College
Muskegon, MIBachelor of Science - Special Education
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI12-2028
Skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong leadership
- Differentiated instruction
- Motivating students
- Verbal and written communication
- Strategic planning
- People management
- Creativity and innovation
- Enthusiastic
Timeline
Director
Muskegon Civic Theatre
09.2023 - Current
Substitute Teacher
Edustaff
09.2023 - Current
Server
Whitlow's Forerunner
08.2019 - Current
Theater Teacher
Muskegon Civic Theatre
06.2019 - Current
Special Needs Nanny
Families In My Community
2017 - Current
Fruitport High School
Transfer Student (GED) -
Muskegon Community College
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Grand Valley State University