Ross Caruso
Oak Ridge,TN
Summary
Dedicated professional with experience as a Direct Support Professional for many years, I'm great at fostering independence and emotional support for clients. I'm Intuitive with seeing the whole individual, and what they need to be successful. Skilled in teaching strategies and cultural sensitivity. I excel in promoting social skills development and tracking progress, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher Assistant
Anderson County Schools
08.2024 - Current
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Helped classroom teachers achieve instructional objectives.
- Provided one-on-one support for students struggling with specific concepts or tasks, resulting in improved comprehension and performance.
Postulant for Religious Life
Franciscan Friars of Minor Conventuals
07.2023 - 04.2024
- Self-motivated, set up for Mass, served and performed the readings.
- Worked to meet the needs of the homeless at the Soup Kitchen.
- Help organize activities for people in assisted living, at St.Joseph Home for the Elderly.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Direct Support Professional/Job Coach
Emory Valley Center
05.2020 - 05.2023
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
- Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns
- Facilitated social outings and community integration activities, promoting inclusion and positive experiences for clients.
- Established good relationships with managers of multiple organizations to better provide ongoing support, for people served, at their job.
Licensed Massage Therapist
Longevity Massage Specialists
04.2018 - 03.2020
- Improved overall wellness for clients by performing various massage techniques, including deep tissue, Swedish, and hot stone massages.
- Provided safe, effective, and appropriate massage therapy techniques during customer appointments.
- Educated clients on self-care techniques, empowering them to maintain their well-being between appointments.
Licensed Massage Therapist
Balance Massage
09.2017 - 09.2018
- Effectively managed time to ensure all appointments ran smoothly without compromising the quality of service provided to clients.
- Cultivated a calm atmosphere within the massage space using soft lighting, tranquil music, and essential oils, while also giving customized massage to each client.
- Skillfully addressed diverse client needs by adapting massage modalities accordingly while adhering to appropriate pressure levels throughout each session's duration.
Licensed Massage Therapist
Massage Envy Spa
03.2015 - 06.2017
- Improved overall wellness for clients by performing various massage techniques, including deep tissue, Swedish, and hot stone massages.
- Delivered great customer service experiences resulting in positive reviews and increased word-of-mouth referrals.
- Conducted post-treatment evaluations with clients, discussing their experiences during the session and providing workout and stretch routines for in-between care.
Direct Support Professional
AbleLight
06.2011 - 10.2014
- Monitored medication administration, maintaining accurate records to ensure client safety and compliance with prescribed treatment plans.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in disability support services.
- Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
Direct Support Professional
Albertina Kerr Centers
07.2010 - 07.2011
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Encouraged clients to keep up on their physical and oral hygiene so they could participate fully in community inclusion.
- Replaced bandages, dressings, and binders to care for wounds and encourage healing.
Volunteer
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
09.2009 - 06.2010
- Assisted with special projects such as: gardening, farming, building walls, from recycled tires, preparing meals, and cleaning out space for new use.
- Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.
- Supported engaging, fun social events with other WWOOF volunteers and hosts.
Direct Support Professional
Parents For Alternate Support Solutions
05.2007 - 08.2009
- Accompanied clients in community inclusion outings that were customized to each client's preferences.
- Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive environment by addressing behavioral challenges with patience and understanding.
Nutrition Clerk
Kroger
09.2006 - 05.2007
- Worked to keep department orderly and presentable for customer's enjoyment and an overall great shopping experience.
- Assisted in stocking vitamins and health food products in the nutrition department along with educating customers on our newest items.
- Enhanced customer experience by greeting them and asking what I could help them find.
Direct Support Professional
Misericordia Home
06.2004 - 08.2006
- Monitored clients while feeding them to ensure a safe environment to avoid choking hazards.
- Encouraged and supported clients to participate in recreational and leisure activities.
- Transported clients to medical and dental appointments to provide support.
Education
Massage Certificate 850 Clock Hours - Massage Therapy License
East West College of The Healing Arts
Portland, OR04-2015
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Mt. Hood Community College
Gresham, OR05-2012
High School Diploma -
Palatine High School
Palatine, IL06-2000
Skills
- Patience and flexibility
- Teaching strategies
- Cultural sensitivity
- Learning difficulties experience
- Social skills development
- Disability awareness
- Emotional support
- Progress reporting
Timeline
Special Education Teacher Assistant
Anderson County Schools
08.2024 - Current
Postulant for Religious Life
Franciscan Friars of Minor Conventuals
07.2023 - 04.2024
Direct Support Professional/Job Coach
Emory Valley Center
05.2020 - 05.2023
Licensed Massage Therapist
Longevity Massage Specialists
04.2018 - 03.2020
Licensed Massage Therapist
Balance Massage
09.2017 - 09.2018
Licensed Massage Therapist
Massage Envy Spa
03.2015 - 06.2017
Direct Support Professional
AbleLight
06.2011 - 10.2014
Direct Support Professional
Albertina Kerr Centers
07.2010 - 07.2011
Volunteer
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
09.2009 - 06.2010
Direct Support Professional
Parents For Alternate Support Solutions
05.2007 - 08.2009
Nutrition Clerk
Kroger
09.2006 - 05.2007
Direct Support Professional
Misericordia Home
06.2004 - 08.2006
Massage Certificate 850 Clock Hours - Massage Therapy License
East West College of The Healing Arts
Associate of Arts - Psychology
Mt. Hood Community College
High School Diploma -
Palatine High School
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