Paola Mercado
Springfield,MA
Summary
Compassionate Human Services Worker known for productive and efficient task completion. Specialized in youth management, crisis intervention, and community outreach. Excels in communication, empathy, and problem-solving to support and empower individuals in need. Strives to make meaningful impact through compassionate service and professional integrity.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Elementary School Teacher
Martin Luther King Charter School
Springfield, USA
01.2021 - Current
- Prepare weekly lesson plans for morning meetings, science and math.
- Weekly meetings with department heads to help compare student data and coordinate student and community events.
- In charge of student records and grades.
- Answers questions and provides guidance to parents and caregivers in a comfortable manner.
- Teaches a classroom consisting of 22 students.
Personal Care Assistant
Christopher Heights
Northampton, Massachusetts
07.2023 - 03.2024
- Administered medication under supervision of a registered nurse or physician.
- Utilized adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers or canes as needed.
- Monitored health and well-being of clients and reported significant health changes.
- Contributed to case reviews of client status and progress.
- Made beds, swept floors and sanitized surfaces to support activities of daily living.
- Followed care plan and directions to administer medications.
Co-Director
YMCA Youth Outreach
West Springfield, USA
01.2017 - 01.2019
- In charge of student and family recruitment.
- Programmed and planned field trips and enrichment activities, focusing on life skills and interpersonal skills.
- Upheld and reinforced all safety and confidentiality protocols and standards.
- Maintained daily attendance and sensitive student information.
- Collaborated with team leadership and social workers to log and resolve behavioral issues and concerns.
Co-Teacher Infant/ Toddler/ Pre-school
Square One Child Care
Springfield, USA
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate lesson plans to foster cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.
- Observed and assessed students’ progress, documented developmental milestones and communicated with parents regularly.
- Upheld and reinforced confidentiality.
- Collaborated with teaching assistants, administrators, and specialists to support individualized learning plans.
- Supported children with developing their basic academic skills such as letter recognition, counting, and early writing.
Education
Holyoke Community College -
Holyoke Community College
Holyoke, MA01.2025
Putnam Vocational Technical Academy -
Putnam Vocational Technical Academy
Springfield, MA01.2017
Skills
- English
- Spanish
- Effective communication
- Empathy display
- Trauma-informed care
- Multicultural competence
- Community outreach
- Parent communication
- Patient-centered care
- Organizational skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
Affiliations
- Girls on the Run mentor/coach
Accomplishments
- PHI THETA KAPPA Member
- Deans List Summer 2024
- Deans List Fall 2023
- MLKCSE Staff of the Week April 2025
Certification
- Human Service Certification HCC 2024
Languages
Spanish
Professional
English
Professional
American Sign Language
Professional
Timeline
Personal Care Assistant
Christopher Heights
07.2023 - 03.2024
Elementary School Teacher
Martin Luther King Charter School
01.2021 - Current
Co-Director
YMCA Youth Outreach
01.2017 - 01.2019
Co-Teacher Infant/ Toddler/ Pre-school
Square One Child Care
01.2015 - 01.2017
Holyoke Community College -
Holyoke Community College
Putnam Vocational Technical Academy -
Putnam Vocational Technical Academy
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