Priestly Best
New Haven
Summary
Program Director with extensive experience in program development and youth counseling at Survivin’ N Da Hood. Demonstrated expertise in conflict resolution, successfully implementing training initiatives that enhance communication skills. Facilitated workshops that foster supportive environments for youth development, resulting in measurable improvements in participant engagement.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Director
Survivin’ N Da Hood
New Haven
07.1995 - Current
- Developed and implemented youth training and counseling programs.
- Organized activities, trips, and weekend retreats to enhance engagement.
- Facilitated mediation workshops and public speaking forums to improve communication skills.
Teaching Assistant – Full Time
Whitney Hall School
Hamden
08.2007 - 02.2023
- Facilitated academic instruction for middle and high school students.
- Implemented behavioral interventions to enhance student engagement and focus.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to achieve academic and behavioral objectives.
- Assisted teachers in preparing lesson materials and organizing classroom activities.
- Fostered communication among teachers, students, and parents regarding academic progress.
- Supported classroom management strategies to promote a positive learning environment.
Resident Intake
Immanuel Baptist Shelter
New Haven
05.2001 - 08.2010
- Monitored and reported observed behaviors to maintain a safe shelter environment.
- Supported residents with daily living activities and personal care tasks.
- Ensured cleanliness and safety of living spaces for all residents.
- Facilitated communication between residents and service providers for resource access.
Childcare Worker - Per Diem
The Children's Center of Hamden
Hamden
07.1999 - 08.2007
- Supervised youth ages 9 to 18, ensuring safety and welfare at all times.
- Documented and reported individualized behaviors in accordance with treatment plans.
- Maintained precise documentation and record-keeping for accountability.
- Instructed daily living skills to promote independent functioning among youth.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team to meet treatment and personal needs of youth.
School Advisor
The Wilderness School
East Hartland
08.1999 - 09.1999
- Supervised camper activities, ensuring safety during all outdoor excursions.
- Enforced camp rules to maintain a positive environment for participants.
- Facilitated team-building exercises to enhance cooperation among campers.
- Communicated with parents regarding camper progress and addressed concerns.
Assistant Teacher
West Haven Community House
West Haven
08.1998 - 06.1999
- Assist teacher in classroom management and instruction
- Collaborate with parents of students to address students’ academic development
Education
Associate of Arts - Sales Management
O.I.C
New Haven, CT06-1994
Some College (No Degree) - Human Services
Gateway Community College
New Haven, CTSkills
Program development
Conflict resolution
Demolition techniques
Crew supervision
Protective gear
Power tools
Painting
Harvesting techniques
Fertilizer application
Crop rotation
Organic farming
Websites
Certification
- First Aid
- CPR
- Crisis Physical Intervention
- Blood Borne Pathogens, Fire Safety, Boundary Training
- Epi-pen/Inhaler
- Red Cross Shelter Operations
- Red Cross Mass Care
- Red Cross Disaster Action Team
Volunteer Experience
- Basketball Coach, West Haven, CT, Assist and instruct boys ages 8-12 at Washington Elementary School in West Haven
- Teachers Assistant, Hamden, CT, Assist in instruction for an afterschool program at The Whitney Hall School in Hamden
- Distributor, Assist in the distribution of food through Connecticut Food Bank
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Teaching Assistant – Full Time
Whitney Hall School
08.2007 - 02.2023
Resident Intake
Immanuel Baptist Shelter
05.2001 - 08.2010
School Advisor
The Wilderness School
08.1999 - 09.1999
Childcare Worker - Per Diem
The Children's Center of Hamden
07.1999 - 08.2007
Assistant Teacher
West Haven Community House
08.1998 - 06.1999
Program Director
Survivin’ N Da Hood
07.1995 - Current
Associate of Arts - Sales Management
O.I.C
Some College (No Degree) - Human Services
Gateway Community College
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