SAMANTHA M. RITTER
Coopersburg,PA
Summary
Education professional prepared for roles in special education assistance. Proven ability to support students with diverse educational needs and implement tailored learning strategies. Collaborates effectively with team members to adapt to changing requirements. Known for strong organizational skills and empathy.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Intervention Specialist
Gormas Speech Pathology, Inc.
04.2024 - Current
- Conducted assessments to identify developmental delays and recommend appropriate resources.
- Monitored progress of children, adjusting interventions based on individual growth trajectories.
- Empowered parents through coaching on how to effectively implement strategies at home that would foster their child''s development.
- Facilitated family support programs to enhance parenting skills and promote child well-being.
- Established strong relationships with families, fostering trust and open communication for effective collaboration.
- Supported families in navigating complex systems of care by offering information on available resources and facilitating connections with appropriate providers.
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Southern Lehigh School District-JPLIS
09.2019 - Current
- Supported classroom management by reinforcing positive behavior and providing tailored instruction to students.
- Collaborated with teachers to adapt lesson materials for accessibility and comprehension of special education students.
- Monitored student progress and documented behavioral observations to enhance instructional strategies.
- Participated in professional development workshops to refine skills in special education techniques and interventions.
- Developed resource materials that enhanced learning engagement for students with disabilities across various subjects.
- Provided one-on-one assistance in academic subjects such as reading, writing, math, and social studies to help students achieve their full potential.
- Implemented a variety of accommodations, including visual schedules and modified materials, to support students'' diverse learning needs effectively.
Homemaker
Stay At Home Mom
01.2005 - 01.2019
- Full time parent caring for my special needs son.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all therapy members.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Adoption Social Worker
Pearl S. Buck International, Inc.
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Coordinated the Statewide Adoption Network Program
- Contributed to team goals by participating in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities focused on best practices in adoption services.
- Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients' homes.
- Facilitated training sessions for adoptive parents, enhancing understanding of adoption processes and child development needs.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of prospective adoptive families to ensure suitability and compliance with legal requirements.
- Facilitated positive adoption experiences by providing ongoing support, education, and resources to birth parents and adoptive families.
- Ensured child welfare by performing comprehensive home studies and post-placement supervision visits.
- Advocated on behalf of children''s best interests during court hearings and legal proceedings related to their cases.
Foster Care Caseworker
Pinebrook Services for Children and Youth
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized service plans for families.
- Assisted youth in developing independent living skills necessary for a successful transition out of the system upon aging out of care.
- Effectively managed high caseloads while adhering to strict timelines for documentation submission and reporting requirements set forth by state regulations.
- Provided transportation for children and parents to and from visits and court.
- Implemented case management systems to track progress and compliance with state regulations.
- Advocated for children's rights within community agencies, enhancing support networks.
- Enhanced communication between foster families and agency by maintaining regular contact through phone calls, emails, and visits.
- Increased knowledge on current best practices for foster care caseworkers by attending professional development workshops and trainings regularly.
- Ensured safety and wellbeing of children in foster care by conducting regular home visits and inspections.
Mental Health Caseworker
Penn Foundation
01.1998 - 01.1999
- Coordinated with healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care and address client needs.
- Conducted regular follow-ups to monitor client progress and adjust treatment strategies as necessary.
- Advocated for client rights and access to resources within the mental health system.
- Improved client outcomes by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored treatment plans.
- Monitored client progress through regular evaluations, adjusting treatment plans as needed for optimal results.
- Managed caseloads effectively, prioritizing urgent cases and ensuring timely followups.
- Maintained accurate case records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with relevant regulations.
- Attended trainings to participate in regular supervision and continued education to maintain professional competence and ethical standards.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Social Work
Lock Haven University
Lock Haven, PA01.1998
Associates Degree - Early Childhood Education
Harcum Junior College
Bryn Mawr, PA01.1991
Skills
- Skill building
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Calm and patient demeanor
- Effective communication
- Small group and individual assistance
- Preparing instructional materials
- Teacher support and collaboration
- Student learning support
- CPR and first aid
Timeline
Early Intervention Specialist
Gormas Speech Pathology, Inc.
04.2024 - Current
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Southern Lehigh School District-JPLIS
09.2019 - Current
Homemaker
Stay At Home Mom
01.2005 - 01.2019
Adoption Social Worker
Pearl S. Buck International, Inc.
01.2001 - 01.2004
Foster Care Caseworker
Pinebrook Services for Children and Youth
01.1999 - 01.2001
Mental Health Caseworker
Penn Foundation
01.1998 - 01.1999
Bachelor's Degree - Social Work
Lock Haven University
Associates Degree - Early Childhood Education
Harcum Junior College