Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteer
Timeline
Generic

Shasta Smith

Santa Barbara,CA

Summary

Exceptional child care taker with experience supporting daily success and health of children with varying needs and interests. Holds a strong passion for making a positive impact in the field of Special Education, while currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Communication at University of California, Santa Barbara. Seeking to continue full time education in the masters and teacher credential program at UCSB, in order to further a career path. Committed to enhancing skills and knowledge to ultimately obtain a respected position as a teacher in a special education classroom, upon completion of the masters program. Passionate about children’s success and happiness, I am eager to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with developmental challenges. Highly motivated, dedicated, and always willing to go the extra mile to promote growth, independence, and overall well-being

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Special Needs Caregiver

Zertuche Family
01.2018 - Current
  • Caring for a child with severe Down Syndrome, who is now 16.5 years old, along with their siblings aged 13 and 9, both of whom have ADHD and dyslexia.
  • In home paraeducator for all homework assignments and projects.
  • Organized activities that enhanced children’s physical, emotional and social well-being.
  • Taught children basic life skills, manners and personal hygiene.
  • Worked with parents to develop and implement discipline programs to promote positive behavior.
  • Provided assistance to children with disabilities by helping with activities of daily living.
  • Offered respite care for families to support overall family success and IEP progression.
  • Prepared meals and snacks to provide proper nutrition and hydration.
  • Transported individuals to appointments and activities to facilitate access to healthcare and community engagement.
  • Regularly traveled with family to help with vacation activities and childcare.

Infant Caregiver

Bec Taylor
05.2023 - Current
  • Cared for and monitored an 8 month old infant
  • Monitored schedules to maintain sleeping, eating, and school schedules for children.
  • 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.
  • Played games, worked on puzzles, and read books to young children.

Child Caregiver

Jen Wilson
07.2023 - Current
  • Care for two elementary aged sisters, one of whom is on the Autism spectrum.
  • Prepared healthy foods and beverages for children based on optimal dietary guidelines and individual restrictions.
  • Provided emotional support and guidance to children during difficult times.
  • Applied positive behavior management techniques to enhance social interactions and emotional development.
  • 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.
  • Observed play activities to identify positive behaviors and areas in need of improvement, implementing behavior redirection where appropriate.

General Manager

Eos Lounge
04.2021 - Current
  • Maintained high standards of customer service by staying up to date on bar and menu options and providing effective food recommendations for guests.
  • Consulted with managers to organize special events and promotions.
  • Chaired weekly meetings with executive leadership to identify opportunities for improvement, establish milestones, and tailor products to individual markets.
  • Drove year-over-year business growth while leading operations, strategic vision, and long-range event planning.
  • managing inventory, placing weekly orders for products, and overseeing the restocking process.
  • Handled bi-weekly payroll tasks and staff scheduling.
  • Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and conflicts.

Adventure Tour Guide

The Mystery Spot
06.2014 - 09.2019
  • Guided groups of up to 40 people on scheduled hour long tours.
  • Toured birthday parties for children of all age ranges and family sizes.
  • Worked one on one with language interpreters for travel tour groups.
  • Entertained tour guests with various props and signs for maximum engagement, fun, and lasting memories.
  • Built personal relationships with guests to promote positive experiences.
  • Communicated professionally with customers, answering questions and addressing concerns to boost satisfaction.
  • Adapted to unexpected schedule changes by being flexible and adjusting itineraries to keep tours moving smoothly.
  • Managed tour groups by keeping on schedule and quickly handling

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies

University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
06.2024

Associate of Arts - Communication Studies

Santa Barbara City College
Santa Barbara, CA
05.2024

Associate of Arts - Communication Studies

Cabrillo College
Aptos, CA
06.2017

Skills

  • IEP Compliance
  • Educational Support
  • Lesson Plan Implementation
  • Autism and Spectrum Disorders
  • Progress Monitoring
  • Behavior Management Techniques
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Social Integration
  • Critical Thinking
  • Schedule Creation and Maintenance
  • Child Psychology Knowledge
  • Medication Administration

Volunteer

Global Leadership Adventures - Dominican Republic, 2016

Lived on a protected reserve for 30 days with goals to better the lives and futures of the native children. Helped build homes, schools, and structures out of recycled materials. Taught the children how to read and write in English. Taught the families how to clean their water and grow their own food. I implemented myself into the daily life in a 3rd world country as a teenager to help understand the surrounding world and make a difference for the children in poverty. 

Timeline

Child Caregiver

Jen Wilson
07.2023 - Current

Infant Caregiver

Bec Taylor
05.2023 - Current

General Manager

Eos Lounge
04.2021 - Current

Special Needs Caregiver

Zertuche Family
01.2018 - Current

Adventure Tour Guide

The Mystery Spot
06.2014 - 09.2019

Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies

University of California, Santa Barbara

Associate of Arts - Communication Studies

Santa Barbara City College

Associate of Arts - Communication Studies

Cabrillo College
Shasta Smith