Rafa Aljiesi
Brooklyn,NY
Summary
Dedicated professional with extensive experience in the human services sector, committed to providing compassionate support and guidance to individuals in need. Possesses a strong ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes access to essential services. Passionate about empowering others, with hands-on expertise in early childhood development and a proven ability to apply knowledge of developmental milestones and best practices to enhance children's growth and well-being. Demonstrated success in advocating for clients and facilitating their journey toward improved quality of life.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Pre-School Lead Teacher
Goddard Schools
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Led a classroom of 9-17 children, including those with mild developmental delays and varying social-emotional needs, promoting inclusive, supportive learning.
- Developed and maintained individualized care and learning plans for children requiring extra support, including those not fully potty-trained, in collaboration with families.
- Supervised and mentored two teacher assistants to maintain a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment, encouraging teamwork and professional growth.
- Maintained detailed progress records, communicated regularly with parents, directors.
- Designed and implemented an age-appropriate curriculum that emphasized free play and flexible structure, believing that a balance of guided learning and open exploration fosters creativity and independence.
Pre-K Teacher
Andalusia School
09.2023 - 08.2024
- Created supportive and learning-focused classroom environments to help children achieve developmental milestones.
- Improved classroom control by resolving behavioral issues using positive reinforcement techniques.
- Implemented sensory-based learning activities for fine motor skill development.
- Designed creative art projects that helped children express themselves while enhancing fine motor skills.
- Maintained a positive learning environment with well-organized classrooms and content.
- Enforced behavioral rules and class procedures to maintain order.
- Tracked and informed parents of children's developmental progress.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
Teaching Assistant
Greenburgh-Graham Union Free School District
09.2022 - 08.2023
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Observed and monitored children's activities.
- Supported children's development by encouraging teamwork and understanding of others.
- I partnered with a teacher assistant to plan and implement lessons following the school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
- Tutored struggling students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
Gardener
Lowe's/Plant Partners
01.2007 - 01.2021
- Watering plants, moving dried-out plants to the backstage, and placing stressed-out plants on discount carts.
- Providing answers to consumers' product-related queries.
- Arranging tables and putting signages out.
Receptionist
Maimonides Medical Center
08.2020 - 12.2020
- Company Overview: PediatricSubspecialty Clinic
- Data entry, mail letters folding, taking inpatients, getting rooms ready for doctors.
- Pediatric Subspecialty Clinic
- Corresponded with clients through email, telephone, or postal mail.
- Resolved customer problems and complaints.
Site Leader
GallopNYC
09.2019 - 12.2019
- Company Overview: therapeutic horsemanship
- Welcome volunteers and teach the new volunteer the on-site protocols.
- Preparation for lessons including managing equipment, maintaining the schedules free.
- Therapeutic horsemanship
Catering and events specialist
Hostos Community College
08.2017 - 12.2017
- Company Overview: Supplemental Instructions
- Welcoming guests, and new staff members.
- Planning events and organizing rooms for meetings.
- For each catering event, gathered all food supplies, utensils, decorations, heating components, and serving trays.
- Supplemental Instructions
Education
Bachelor - Human Services
New York City College of Technology
Brooklyn, NY05-2026
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Proficient in Google Docs
- Proficient in Google Sites
- Proficient in iMovie
- Strong leadership skills
- Strong customer service skills
- Classroom Organization
- One-to-One Instruction
- Special Needs Student Assistance
- Behavior Management
- Student assessments
- Special education
- Childcare requirements
- Department leadership
- Safety precautions
- Training and mentoring
- Early childhood education
- Team building
Languages
Arabic
English
Timeline
Pre-School Lead Teacher
Goddard Schools
08.2024 - 06.2025
Pre-K Teacher
Andalusia School
09.2023 - 08.2024
Teaching Assistant
Greenburgh-Graham Union Free School District
09.2022 - 08.2023
Receptionist
Maimonides Medical Center
08.2020 - 12.2020
Site Leader
GallopNYC
09.2019 - 12.2019
Catering and events specialist
Hostos Community College
08.2017 - 12.2017
Gardener
Lowe's/Plant Partners
01.2007 - 01.2021
Bachelor - Human Services
New York City College of Technology
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