Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic
Serena Cleveland

Serena Cleveland

Citrus Heights,CA

Summary

Dedicated student teacher, mother, and artist with a deep appreciation for Waldorf philosophy and holistic child development. Currently a student teacher in a 6th-grade classroom, working toward my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (graduating May 2025) and currently have a preliminary teaching credential, and will be submitting my TPE's to be reviewed to receive my full multiple subject teaching credential by May 2025 as well.

With over 10 years of experience in childcare and nannying, I have nurtured children from infancy through adolescence, embracing play-based, nature-centered, and artistic learning approaches. I am patient, creative, and deeply committed to fostering a warm, rhythm-based, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.

As an artist and experienced photographer, I integrate storytelling, music, movement, and handwork, and art into learning experiences. My artistic background includes painting, clay modeling, resin art, and textile design, aligning with Waldorf’s emphasis on creativity and hands-on learning. I am enthusiastic about pursuing new avenues of learning, growing professionally and building upon acquired skills. Well-organized and ready to support all students in tapping in to their full potential.

I am seeking a placement at a school as a teacher, where I can cultivate a joyful, engaging, supportive, and safe learning space for children.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Student Teacher, Sixth Grade

Ridgeview Elementary School
01.2025 - Current
  • Developed lesson plans that incorporated mandated topics and included immersive activities for student engagement.
  • Monitored classrooms of 30 students, for safety and good behavior, offering students positive reinforcement to maintain discipline.
  • Worked with classroom teacher to learn about current standards and best practices.
  • Cultivated positive relationships with administration, teaching staff, and students.
  • Created and implemented different learning activities to meet needs of different types of learners.
  • Assisted with management of classroom rules, procedures and expectations to instill discipline and observance of conduct code.
  • Monitored student progress to provide feedback on assignments and guidance on areas requiring improvement.
  • Communicated with parents and guardians regarding student progress and behavioral issues.
  • Provided one-on-one attention to students, while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction to meet needs of diverse learners.
  • Promoted positive and productive learning environment to increase engagement and rapport with students and teachers.

Photographer

Kiarah Portraits
03.2024 - Current
  • Engaged with school age children and photographed students and teachers at their school locations.
  • Planned and prepared for on-location and studio shoots.
  • Took photos from different angles and perspectives to capture perfect images.
  • Utilized natural and artificial lighting to capture desired images and maintain quality.
  • Assisted clients in selecting poses, wardrobe and backgrounds to photograph different looks, concepts and locations.
  • Collaborated with other photographers and videographers to capture special events.

Photographer

Self Employed
02.2020 - Current
  • Company Overview: Www.sacredessencephotography.com to view my portfolio
  • I am a self employed photographer, specializing in maternity and birth, as well as family, portrait and animal photography
  • Www.sacredessencephotography.com to view my portfolio
  • Digitally edited photos to enhance appearance.
  • Planned and prepared for on-location and studio shoots.
  • Photographed high-quality images for various print and digital projects.
  • Scheduled and booked locations for photo shoots, working collaboratively with clients and contacts.
  • Edited, toned, captioned, and uploaded photographs for publication.
  • Took photos from different angles and perspectives to capture perfect images.
  • Offered image proofs to help clients choose best photos from shoot.
  • Utilized natural and artificial lighting to capture desired images and maintain quality.
  • Assisted clients in selecting poses, wardrobe and backgrounds to photograph different looks, concepts and locations.
  • Customized photography strategies based on intended use and client preferences.
  • Assisted clients with creative ideas for photography needs.

Nanny

Individual Employer
01.2014 - Current
  • Nanny for multiple families from newborns up to 10 years of age
  • Experience with several children at a time
  • Played games, worked on puzzles, and read books to young children.
  • Supported children in play activities, meals, and snacks, hygiene and socialization.
  • Established lasting, professional connections with families and children by encouraging open communication and delivering positive feedback.
  • Organized and cleaned home after activities by picking up toys and straightening up play room.
  • Built positive and nurturing environments to support child social and emotional growth.
  • Bathed, dressed, and helped with teeth brushing as part of bedtime preparation.
  • Developed and implemented behavior management strategies to minimize indiscipline and guide children in attaining positive behavior.
  • Administered basic first-aid and medication in emergency situations.
  • Transported children to and from activities using personal or family vehicle.

Babysitter

Independent Employer
01.2013 - Current
  • Prepared healthy, age-appropriate snacks and meals.
  • Organized and cleaned home after activities by picking up toys and straightening up play room.
  • Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys, and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
  • Taught children to organize toys, wash hands, and share by leading by example.
  • Reassured children when upset providing emotional support and stability.
  • Planned fun outings and educational activities to keep children entertained.
  • Assisted with meal preparation, light housekeeping and laundry to support family with additional chores.
  • Communicated with parents regarding children's progress and development, raising any issues.
  • Transported children to and from school, medical appointments, and extra-curricular activities.

Photographer/Sales Associate

JCPenney Portraits by Lifetouch
09.2023 - 12.2024
  • I worked as a photographer and photographed newborns, families, business portraits and provided high quality images.
  • Experience running the front desk and selling photography packages to clients.
  • Provided a welcoming and engaging experience for clients, ensuring comfort and natural expressions.
  • Directed and posed individuals and groups to achieve flattering and visually appealing compositions.
  • Utilized studio lighting, backdrops, and props to enhance portrait aesthetics.
  • Edited and enhanced images to meet company standards and client expectations.
  • Assisted customers in selecting photo packages and placing orders.
  • Maintained equipment, organized studio space, and upheld brand guidelines for a professional photography experience.

Housekeeper

AirBNB Cleanings
02.2019 - 03.2023

Cleaned and maintained Airbnb homes.

Education

Graduating May 2025 With Bachelors Degree in ECE - Early Childhood Education

National University
San Diego, CA
02.2025

High School Diploma -

Greater San Diego Academy
Rancho San Diego, CA
05-2017

Skills

  • Encouraging outdoor exploration, gardening, and seasonal rhythms
  • Creating a calming, nature-inspired classroom with natural materials
  • Child-Centered, Developmentally Appropriate Teaching – Understanding and implementing age-appropriate learning aligned with child development stages
  • Experiential & Hands-On Learning – Incorporating movement, storytelling, arts, and sensory experiences into lessons
  • Holistic Education Approach – Fostering intellectual, emotional, and physical growth through creative teaching
  • Microsoft Office
  • Cash register
  • Adobe Lightroom
  • Adobe Premiere
  • Photo editing
  • Childcare
  • Visual arts painting
  • Early childhood education
  • Painting
  • Childhood development
  • Photography
  • Childcare
  • Communication skills
  • Sales
  • Time management
  • Cleaning
  • Organizational skills
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Caretaking
  • Front desk
  • Customer service
  • Student engagement
  • Project-based learning
  • Lesson planning
  • Teacher support
  • Modern teaching methods
  • Elementary education
  • Student needs assessment
  • Classroom management
  • Watercolor
  • Photographic editing
  • Child development

Certification

  • Driver's License
  • CPR

Additional Information

I am a compassionate, nurturing educator with a deep love for children and a strong appreciation for Waldorf philosophy. My approach to teaching and caregiving is rooted in gentle guidance, respect for each child’s individuality, and the belief that learning should be a joyful, creative, and holistic experience. I strive to create a safe, warm, and supportive environment where children feel secure, valued, and encouraged to explore the world at their own pace.



Timeline

Student Teacher, Sixth Grade

Ridgeview Elementary School
01.2025 - Current

Photographer

Kiarah Portraits
03.2024 - Current

Photographer/Sales Associate

JCPenney Portraits by Lifetouch
09.2023 - 12.2024

Photographer

Self Employed
02.2020 - Current

Housekeeper

AirBNB Cleanings
02.2019 - 03.2023

Nanny

Individual Employer
01.2014 - Current

Babysitter

Independent Employer
01.2013 - Current
  • Driver's License
  • CPR

Graduating May 2025 With Bachelors Degree in ECE - Early Childhood Education

National University

High School Diploma -

Greater San Diego Academy
Serena Cleveland