Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sarah McKenna

Austin,TX

Summary

Accomplished leader with a proven track record, adept in operations management and fostering team collaboration. Spearheaded initiatives that significantly boosted employee engagement and streamlined processes, leveraging skills in people management and program administration. Demonstrated excellence in forming strategic partnerships, enhancing client satisfaction, and driving business development with innovative solutions.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Congregate Programs

Meals On Wheels Central Texas
05.2016 - 10.2023
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
  • Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
  • Monitored office workflow and administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly.
  • Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
  • Formed strategic partnerships and connected with potential clients to drive business development.
  • Optimized staff performance by designing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
  • Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
  • Increased company revenue by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
  • Boosted client satisfaction rates through exceptional relationship management and prompt resolution of issues.
  • Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
  • Drove business expansion by identifying new markets, conducting research, and developing targeted marketing campaigns.
  • Optimized operational processes using analytics tools to address client-specific metrics.
  • Oversaw supply chain functions to verify inventory levels and budget adherence.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
  • Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
  • Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
  • Monitored and collected data for grant reporting.

Special Education Teacher

My Learning Time
07.2009 - 05.2014
  • Developed educational plans tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
  • Created and managed student success plans to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
  • Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
  • Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
  • Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
  • Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
  • Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.

Behavior Specialist

Moore-Weis Children's Center Of Austin
11.2007 - 05.2009
  • Reduced classroom disruptions through careful observation and analysis of student behaviors, leading to tailored interventions.
  • Provided crisis intervention support during critical incidents, deescalating situations and ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of behavior interventions using data-driven approaches, making adjustments as needed to ensure success.
  • Supervised student behavior during daily academic routines to secure safety of students and staff.
  • Improved student behavior by implementing individualized behavior support plans and strategies.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive, effective treatment plans for students with behavioral challenges.
  • Conducted functional behavior assessments to identify root causes of challenging behaviors and inform intervention planning.
  • Implemented data collection systems for monitoring student progress toward behavioral goals, providing regular updates to stakeholders on achievements made over time.
  • Utilized positive reinforcement to maximize desired behavior and educational outcomes.
  • Trained staff in evidence-based practices for addressing challenging behaviors and promoting positive outcomes.
  • Coached teachers in proactive classroom management techniques, reducing instances of disruptive behavior during instructional time.
  • Promoted a positive school climate by fostering collaborative relationships between staff members, families, and community partners in support of student success.
  • Maintained accurate and confidential records of assigned students.
  • Developed social skills curricula tailored to individual student needs, enhancing peer interactions and fostering positive relationships.
  • Enhanced teacher-student relationships by providing guidance on effective communication and rapport-building techniques.

Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant

Benhaven School
09.2001 - 10.2007
  • Educated families on strategies to facilitate communication development at home, enhancing overall progress in therapy sessions.
  • Supported diverse populations, including children with autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, stuttering challenges, and phonological disorders.
  • Maintained detailed records of patient progress, allowing for better adjustments in treatment plans when needed.
  • Collaborated with classroom teachers and school officials to design and implement instructional strategies.
  • Liaised with Speech Language Pathologist to conduct speech and language screening to assess needs for intervention and treatment.
  • Increased patient engagement by creating interactive, fun, and stimulating speech therapy activities.
  • Liaised with multi-disciplinary team to incorporate treatment plan ideas, goals, and objectives.
  • Implemented and adhered to therapeutic treatment plans and protocols in recommended setting to optimize patient response.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and open communication throughout the therapeutic process.
  • Fostered an inclusive supportive atmosphere for clients of all backgrounds promoting individual growth and improved communication abilities.
  • Assisted in the creation of visual aids for use during therapy sessions, promoting better understanding of concepts among patients.
  • Performed clerical duties to prepare therapy materials and schedule exercises and activities.
  • Assisted in reducing language barriers for non-English speaking clients through bilingual therapy sessions.
  • Administered standardized tests under the supervision of Speech-Language Pathologists for accurate evaluation of speech and language skills.
  • Utilized evidence-based treatment approaches ensuring the most up-to-date and effective methods were being employed in therapy sessions.
  • Developed effective data collection systems which streamlined documentation processes while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Collaborated with Speech-Language Pathologists to develop individualized treatment plans for patients.
  • Enhanced patient outcomes by implementing tailored speech therapy sessions and tracking progress.
  • Facilitated group therapy sessions focused on social skills training where patients could practice essential communication skills together.
  • Documented clients' progress toward meeting established treatment objectives.
  • Implemented treatment plans or protocols as directed by speech-language pathologists.
  • Performed support duties such as preparing materials, keeping records and scheduling activities.
  • Worked with teachers, psychologists and other professionals to coordinate effective treatment plans.

Education

Communication Disorders

Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT

High School Diploma -

Southern Senior High School
Harwood, MD

Skills

  • Verbal and written communication
  • People Management
  • Operations Management
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Effective leader
  • Decision-Making
  • Performance Evaluations
  • Program Administration
  • Partnerships and Alliances
  • Hiring and Retention

Timeline

Director of Congregate Programs

Meals On Wheels Central Texas
05.2016 - 10.2023

Special Education Teacher

My Learning Time
07.2009 - 05.2014

Behavior Specialist

Moore-Weis Children's Center Of Austin
11.2007 - 05.2009

Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant

Benhaven School
09.2001 - 10.2007

Communication Disorders

Southern Connecticut State University

High School Diploma -

Southern Senior High School

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Sarah McKenna