Paula Meek
Chicago,IL
Summary
I am a passionate Restorative Practice Advocate motivated to positively impact individuals with knowledgeable and caring strategies to improve SEL implementations. I am always ready to provide strategies that impact programs and people by providing extra support wherever needed to improve behavior and academics.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Student Special Svc Advocate
Chicago Public Schools CPS
08.2022 - 06.2024
- Served as an advocate for students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth.
- Improved overall parent, teacher and student satisfaction by promptly addressing concerns or issues with proposed solutions.
- Maintained school records and addressed behavior and attendance issues.
- Conferred with school Counselor and Social Worker to establish programs suitable for students.
- Built and supported community relationships and wrap around services. Mentored student advocates within the school, sharing knowledge and experiences to foster growth among their peers.
Guidance Counselor Aide
Chicago Public Schools CPS
08.2019 - 06.2022
- Led professional development workshops for educators on topics such as restorative practice classroom management strategies and mental health awareness initiatives.
- Mentored, coached and monitored Restorative Justice Team practices.
- Implemented data-driven decision making practices that informed program planning efforts based on identified trends in student achievement data.
- Empowered students to take ownership of their behavior and education by teaching self-advocacy skills and fostering decision-making abilities.
- Enhanced student progress by implementing individualized counseling plans and monitoring academic performance.
- Worked with students to provide information regarding careers and continuing education.
- Distributed career literature to students and families as needed.
- Provided technical assistance to students in locating specific information and literature regarding careers and schools.
- Assisted parents and students in the completion of Go CPS application.
- Assisted in maintaining student records and updated reports as necessary.
- Completed written reports when required.
School Office Assistant
Chicago Public Schools CPS
08.2013 - 06.2019
- Enrolled students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth grade.
- Processed FIIF applications.
- Prepared Transfers
- Serves as a receptionist, greeted and directed visitors to appropriate staff, scheduled appointments for school administrators, received and placed telephone calls for school personnel, responded to general inquiries from students, parents and guardians and the general public.
- Filed a variety of correspondence, reports, and records
- Operated basic office machines, such as photocopiers, duplicators, fax machines, and operated the school intercom system.
- Maintained daily attendance procedures.
- Ensured timely response to correspondence from parents or other stakeholders by efficiently managing mail distribution within the school office.
- Facilitated smooth operations during standardized testing periods by organizing exams, proctoring tests, and ensuring adherence to test procedures.
- Aided administrative decision-making through diligent research on relevant topics when required.
- Proactively identified areas for improvement within the office setting by regularly evaluating processes and implementing changes as needed.
Restorative Practices Coach
Chicago Public Schools CPS
11.2007 - 06.2013
- Built restorative mindsets for school staff, students and community stakeholders, to implement Restorative Practices.
- Facilitated professional developments.
- Supported the integration of Restorative Practices with SEL strategies.
- Familiarized school staff with content and tools aligned with the CPS RP Toolkit.
- Addressed questions and concerns from staff, students, and community stakeholders regarding Restorative Practices and implemented strategies to gain buy-in.
- Participated in monthly OSEL Restorative Practices Professional Learning Community
- Encouraged everyone to cultivate strong work ethic by demonstrating diligence, patience, and respect for others.
- Boosted player confidence through personalized training sessions and continuous feedback.
- Increased athlete''s skills development through individualized training plans based on each player''s strengths and weaknesses.
- Collaborated with other coaches to share best practices, techniques, and insights for overall program improvement.
Billing Coordinator
Digital Generations Systems
07.2000 - 02.2005
- Billed for major digital accounts such as Coca Cola
- Answered telephone and in person inquiries with friendly demeanor and full knowledge of billing department processes.
- Identified, researched, and resolved billing variances to maintain system accuracy and currency.
- Contacted clients with past due accounts to formulate payment plans and discuss restructuring options.
- Managed the implementation of new billing software, contributing to more accurate financial reporting and data management.
- Referred past due payments to collections department.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Computer And Information Sciences
Richard J. Daley
Chicago, United States05.1995
Skills
- Peer Mediation
- Restorative Practices
- Restorative Discipline
- Adult SEL Strategies
- Attendance Improvement
- School Office Management Procedures
- Code of Conduct documentation aligned to Restorative Practices
Certification
- [Area of certification] Training - [Timeframe]
Timeline
Student Special Svc Advocate
Chicago Public Schools CPS
08.2022 - 06.2024
Guidance Counselor Aide
Chicago Public Schools CPS
08.2019 - 06.2022
School Office Assistant
Chicago Public Schools CPS
08.2013 - 06.2019
Restorative Practices Coach
Chicago Public Schools CPS
11.2007 - 06.2013
Billing Coordinator
Digital Generations Systems
07.2000 - 02.2005
Associate of Applied Science - Computer And Information Sciences
Richard J. Daley
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