Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Shawna Gardner

Irvine,California
Shawna Gardner

Summary

Compassionate, warm, hardworking, and dedicated childcare professional with over eleven years of experience nurturing and supporting children's growth. Committed to fostering a Christ-centered environment that emphasizes love, strong character, and the development of essential social-emotional and life skills. She views each child as a unique and gifted individual, created in the image of God and deserving of personalized attention and care. Proficient in directing playtime, small-group instruction, promoting positive behavior, and effectively managing challenges through behavior redirection, with a passion for creating a nurturing, positive, safe, and engaging atmosphere that supports overall well-being and development.

Overview

13
years of professional experience
1
Certification

Work History

Grace Harbor Church

Summer Camp Counselor
06.2025 - 08.2025

Job overview

  • Designed and led daily Bible activities for students aged 5-11, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for campers
  • Implemented creative lesson plans tailored to diverse age groups
  • Worked with children of varying age, interest, skill, and developmental levels.
  • Led groups of children safely through variety of camp activities.
  • Supported children by actively listening and offering encouragement.
  • Implemented camp activities fostering physical, social, spiritual and emotional growth.

St. John's Lutheran School-Orange, CA

Preschool Teacher's Aide
07.2023 - 06.2024

Job overview

  • Assisted the lead teachers in caring for approximately 24 students, aged 2-5
  • Supervised the students after school, ensuring they were safe and cared for
  • Got to know students and their interests and taught them self-regulation techniques
  • Supported classroom management by maintaining a safe and organized learning environment.
  • Engaged students through hands-on activities that promoted social and emotional development.
  • Provided a nurturing and supportive environment, encouraging students to take risks and learn from their mistakes.
  • Promoted a positive and inclusive learning environment by fostering respectful and cooperative relationships among students.

St. John's Lutheran Church-Orange, CA

Church Nursery Worker
07.2018 - 07.2023

Job overview

  • Encouraged positive behaviors, including patience with teachers and fellow students
  • Provided nurturing and appropriate environment for children ranging in age from 6 months to 12 years
  • Established and maintained safe, supportive and welcoming environments for children of all backgrounds
  • Discussed new developments, misbehavior and concerns with supervisor
  • Supervised children's activities, ensuring safety and engagement in a nurturing environment

St. John's Lutheran Church-Orange, CA

Lead Vacation Bible School Class Teacher Volunteer
06.2019 - 06.2020

Job overview

  • Led and directed summer classroom activities for bible school students, including learning centers, crafts, songs and memory verse work for 20-24 Pre-K age children
  • Introduced students to Bible games, new gospel songs and other fun church activities to provide deeper understanding of Christian values
  • Retrieved parent authorization forms, completed sign-out sheets, monitored daily attendance
  • Maintained safety and security of all children involved in program

St. John's Lutheran Church

Nursery Volunteer
08.2012 - 07.2018

Job overview

  • Supervised children's activities and Bible lessons, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for children aged from 2-10
  • Monitored interactions among children, promoting positive and Christ-centered social skills and conflict resolution
  • Managed minor injuries effectively using first aid training knowledge when needed during emergencies.
  • Assisted in organizing educational materials for age-appropriate learning experiences
  • Implemented creative play strategies to enhance child development

Education

Concordia University Irvine
Irvine, CA

Bachelor's in Liberal Studies from Child Development, Minor in Lutheran Teaching
05.2023

University Overview

  • Dean's List [Spring, 2022]

Skills

  • Working with children
  • Supporting emotional regulation in young children
  • Actionable feedback provision
  • Understanding of child development
  • First aid certification
  • Reliable work ethic
  • Detail-oriented approach
  • Trustworthy performance
  • Engaging activities tailored for specific age groups
  • Early learning principles understanding
  • Health safety management

Certification

  • Candidate for Elementary Teaching Credential (December 2025)
  • CPR Certification
  • First Aid Certification

Languages

Spanish
Elementary

Timeline

Summer Camp Counselor
Grace Harbor Church
06.2025 - 08.2025
Preschool Teacher's Aide
St. John's Lutheran School-Orange, CA
07.2023 - 06.2024
Lead Vacation Bible School Class Teacher Volunteer
St. John's Lutheran Church-Orange, CA
06.2019 - 06.2020
Church Nursery Worker
St. John's Lutheran Church-Orange, CA
07.2018 - 07.2023
Nursery Volunteer
St. John's Lutheran Church
08.2012 - 07.2018
Concordia University Irvine
Bachelor's in Liberal Studies from Child Development, Minor in Lutheran Teaching