Dedicated professional skilled in crisis intervention and educational outreach, with a proven track record in team collaboration and classroom management. Aiming to leverage expertise to enhance students support and community engagement initiatives.
Overview
1
1
Certification
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Intake and Crisis Specialist
Garden Of Prayer Youth Center
Kankakee, Illinois
02.2012 - Current
Conducted initial intake interviews to gather comprehensive client information, facilitating informed decision-making for subsequent services.
Coordinated intake processes across departments, enhancing client onboarding experience and improving interdepartmental communication.
Provided crisis assessment and intervention to individuals in acute distress.
Utilized de-escalation techniques to stabilize individuals in acute distress.
Provided supportive environment for clients to express themselves freely, fostering trust and encouraging open dialogue during critical moments.
Counselor/Instructional Teaching Assistant
Indian Oaks Academy
Manteno, Illinois
06.2009 - 10.2011
Facilitated learning sessions for students in classroom settings, promoting active participation and understanding.
Assisted students with daily activities and academic tasks to foster development.
Delivered crisis intervention services during emergencies, ensuring safety and support for those in distress.
Supervised in-house activities, providing structured support and engagement for program participants.
Instructional Assistant
Speed School District 802
Chicago Heights, Illinois
08.2008 - 05.2009
Collaborated with special education staff to support individualized education plans (IEPs).
Supported classroom management by monitoring student behavior and engagement.
Monitored students in class, hallways, and cafeteria to enforce school rules.
Organized classroom materials and resources for effective learning environments.
School and Street Outreach Counselor
Aunt Martha's Youth Service Center
Kankakee, Illinois
09.2006 - 07.2008
Developed outreach programs to connect youth with community resources.
Engaged clients through outreach events and community presentations, fostering awareness of available resources.
Conducted outreach activities that engaged community members in educational opportunities, enhancing personal development and growth.
Facilitated life skills workshops, promoting personal development and equipping participants with essential tools for success.
Collaborated with local agencies to coordinate support services for youth.
Instructional Assistant/ One on One Aide
Kankakee School District
Kankakee, Illinois
08.1996 - 06.2006
Supported students with special needs during instructional activities and assessments.
Provided classroom support throughout planned instruction and individual lessons.
Implemented behavior management strategies to maintain a positive classroom environment.
Assisted teachers with lesson preparation and classroom management tasks.
Monitored students in class, hallways, and cafeteria to enforce school rules.
Education
High School Diploma -
Kankakee High School
Kankakee, IL
05-1992
Bachelor of Arts - Health Sciences
University of The People
Pasadena, CA
08-2026
Some College (No Degree) - General Studies
Kankakee Community College
Kankakee, IL
Skills
Crisis assessment
Crisis intervention
Conflict de-escalation
Client assessment
Community engagement
Team collaboration
Classroom management
Certification
State of IL Certified Paraprofessional
Experience working with LD, BD, DD and ASD
Affiliations
Basketball Coach for Kankakee School District 2024-
Member of the Kankakee County Crisis Team
Board member of the Eastside Bulldogs organization