Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Personal Information
Timeline
Generic

Shana Alderman

New Britain,Connecticut

Summary

Human service professional with proven adaptability and quick learning capabilities. Expertise in acquiring and applying new knowledge effectively in diverse environments. Committed to continuous learning and adept at managing change successfully.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Direct Support Professional

Continuum Inc.
New Haven, Connecticut
05.2024 - Current
  • Facilitated client adjustment to new lifestyles during recovery and incapacitation periods.
  • Instructed individuals on self-advocacy skills to enhance autonomy and decision-making abilities.
  • Assisted clients in maintaining personal hygiene standards.
  • Accompanied individuals on outings to encourage community integration and independence.
  • Documented client progress and challenges in logbooks and reports.
  • Reported changes in client conditions to administrators, enabling timely nursing interventions.

Direct Support Professional

Community Residences Inc.
Newington, CT
05.2024 - Current
  • Fostered socialization through recreational activities, including group outings and community events.
  • Monitored client health and well-being, reporting significant changes promptly.
  • Collaborated with registered nurses and physiotherapists to enhance patient care.
  • Promoted positive behaviors among clients using effective reinforcement techniques.
  • Documented patient information, updating vital signs, behaviors, and eating habits accurately.

Life Skills Instructor/ Community Mentor

Key Human Services
Wethersfield, CT
07.2014 - 02.2024
  • Facilitated group sessions and provided individualized support for young adults on autism spectrum.
  • Implemented daily domestic and social activities to enhance life skills.
  • Collaborated with DDS Case Managers and Behaviorists to develop annual Individualized Plans.
  • Monitored food intake for individuals with Prader-Willi Syndrome to ensure compliance.
  • Produced bi-annual reports assessing progress toward client Individualized Plan goals.
  • Provided job coaching and career support for individuals with developmental disabilities.
  • Assisted clients in identifying challenges and establishing achievable goals.
  • Monitored vitals and medical conditions as necessary to maintain health.

MDFR Specialist

Wheeler Clinic
Plainville, CT
01.2023 - 01.2024

Facilitated engagement in substance abuse treatment and mental health services to strengthen family dynamics.

  • Educated parents on child development milestones and effective discipline techniques.
  • Assisted families in developing parenting skills and strategies to enhance overall family functioning.
  • Engaged in intervention-oriented discussions on emotional health, coping strategies, and parenting techniques.
  • Implemented evidence-based treatment strategies to support families in crisis.

Parental Life Coach

The Bridge Family Center
Hartford, CT
11.2021 - 01.2023
  • Guided parents with DCF supervised visitation to enhance child interactions and achieve familial goals.
  • Collaborated with social workers to discuss parental involvement during family visits.
  • Provided semi-annual updates to social workers regarding progress and challenges.
  • Conducted periodic assessments in DHMAS PIE system to evaluate parental engagement.

Residential Support Specialist

Center For Human Development Inc
Hartford, CT
02.2016 - 10.2021
  • Facilitated intensive case management for individuals with mental illness and substance abuse issues.
  • Increased social and community participation among clients through targeted interventions.
  • Created and implemented recovery plans tailored to individual needs.
  • Achieved monthly contact goals established by DMHAS.
  • Coordinated with health providers, clinicians, and conservators to ensure comprehensive care.
  • Provided emergency support aligned with crisis protocols, ensuring swift resolution.
  • Assisted residents in transitioning from homelessness, fostering enduring relationships.
  • Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to empower individuals toward recovery.

Assistant Program Director

Family Options
Waterbury, CT
08.2015 - 03.2016
  • Oversaw staff performance and daily activities of group home residents and staff.
  • Managed correspondence with nursing staff and Program Director regarding health status of individuals with debilitating disorders.
  • Scheduled appointments for physician visits and annual treatments.
  • Monitored staff meetings, preparing agendas and minutes for documentation.
  • Coordinated leisure and recreational activities for residents.
  • Participated in annual Individualized Plan meetings to review resident progress.
  • Allocated budget for house expenses and recreational programs.
  • Implemented progressive discipline measures to ensure staff accountability.

Assistant Manager

CCARC
New Britain, CT
03.2015 - 08.2015
  • Assisted individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • Created and updated individualized plans for clients to address specific needs.
  • Managed budgeting for housing and resident expenses effectively.
  • Maintained compliance with DDS documentation and licensing requirements.
  • Conducted community safety assessments and level of need evaluations.
  • Implemented progressive discipline strategies to address behavioral issues.
  • Monitored follow-up lab results from physicians to ensure appropriate care.

Residential Instructor

CCARC
New Britain
05.2013 - 03.2015
  • Provided care for individuals with mental disabilities, including Bipolar I Disorder and schizophrenia.
  • Supported clients in daily hygiene routines, meal preparation, and recreational activities.
  • Maintained accurate medical notes and accessed client histories regularly.
  • Implemented individualized care programs tailored to meet specific client needs.
  • Documented all patient care activities in log books for accurate record-keeping.

Math Tutor/ Youth Mentor

Eastern Connecticut State University
Willimantic, CT
06.2011 - 09.2011
  • Facilitated math instruction to enhance skills of school-aged youth.
  • Developed study guides and exam plans based on practice tests and curricula.
  • Supported teachers by creating custom practice questions and discussing key concepts.
  • Engaged with parents, students, and colleagues to foster support networks for student success.

Peer Advisor II

Eastern Connecticut State University
Willimantic, CT
08.2009 - 05.2011
  • Advised students on academic probation, leading to improved academic performance.
  • Assisted students in navigating university policies and procedures for seamless experiences.
  • Performed office tasks, including filing, answering phones, and scheduling appointments efficiently.
  • Utilized Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Oracle Database to boost productivity.

Peer Coordinator Of Substance Abuse Prevention

Eastern Connecticut State University
Willimantic, CT
08.2008 - 05.2009
  • Advocated for student safety on campus through peer engagement initiatives.
  • Coordinated self-help groups to promote sobriety and enhance campus safety.
  • Facilitated drug and alcohol prevention programs targeting at-risk students.
  • Fostered team building among peers to encourage a supportive community.

Peer Advisor

Eastern Connecticut State University
Willimantic, CT
08.2007 - 05.2008
  • Facilitated understanding of university policies for students.
  • Developed class schedules for incoming students to enhance enrollment process.
  • Performed office tasks, including filing and answering phones efficiently.

Education

Master of Science - Public Health

University of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT
12-2025

Bachelor of Arts - Biology And Public Health

Eastern Connecticut State University
Willimantic, CT
05-2012

Skills

Mental health advocacy

Crisis intervention

  • Motivational interviewing
  • Policy development
  • Behavior management
  • Report writing and analysis
  • Analytical thinking
  • Care plan evaluation
  • Safety compliance
  • Client assessment

Certification

  • CPR Certification
  • First Aid Certification
  • CT Salesperson Real Estate Agent, RES.0813258

Personal Information

Authorized To Work: US for any employer

Timeline

Direct Support Professional

Continuum Inc.
05.2024 - Current

Direct Support Professional

Community Residences Inc.
05.2024 - Current

MDFR Specialist

Wheeler Clinic
01.2023 - 01.2024

Parental Life Coach

The Bridge Family Center
11.2021 - 01.2023

Residential Support Specialist

Center For Human Development Inc
02.2016 - 10.2021

Assistant Program Director

Family Options
08.2015 - 03.2016

Assistant Manager

CCARC
03.2015 - 08.2015

Life Skills Instructor/ Community Mentor

Key Human Services
07.2014 - 02.2024

Residential Instructor

CCARC
05.2013 - 03.2015

Math Tutor/ Youth Mentor

Eastern Connecticut State University
06.2011 - 09.2011

Peer Advisor II

Eastern Connecticut State University
08.2009 - 05.2011

Peer Coordinator Of Substance Abuse Prevention

Eastern Connecticut State University
08.2008 - 05.2009

Peer Advisor

Eastern Connecticut State University
08.2007 - 05.2008

Master of Science - Public Health

University of Bridgeport

Bachelor of Arts - Biology And Public Health

Eastern Connecticut State University
Shana Alderman