Accomplished educator with a strong work ethic and advocacy, previously at Montini Catholic High School and Technology Center of DuPage. Concentration in translating individualized education plans into service plans and fostering student-centered learning environments, implementing curriculum via collaboration, and mapping out steps to attain student goals. Proven track record in enhancing student success through effective communication and classroom management. Adaptable and resourceful, consistently achieving educational goals with attention to detail and teamwork. Life long learner who values our God-given talents and appreciates being part of the self-discovery-through-learning process.
Experienced with creating engaging and effective learning experiences. Utilizes innovative teaching methods and adaptive strategies to meet diverse learner needs. Strong understanding of curriculum development, classroom management, and collaboration, ensuring a productive educational environment.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
CO-Op Learning Facilitator
Self-employeed
09.2024 - Current
Designed and implemented engaging learning objectives and activities for diverse learners via an eclectic proficiency-based portfolio curriculum
Supported learning using digital classroom tools, hand/power tools, and educational resources including professional, as well as vocational, hands-on interactions
Developed strong relationships with parents/guardians through frequent communication about learner progress
Served as a mentor to parent coaches by sharing expertise on instructional design principles proven successful in promoting student achievement.
Enhanced learner engagement by incorporating interactive activities and real-world examples into lesson plans
Promoted a positive classroom culture rooted in mutual respect, open communication, and active participation from all students
Monitored overhead, prepared budgets and directed spending and resources to support fiscal efficiency
Facilitated discussions and feedback sessions to evaluate participant understanding and engagement
Adapted teaching methods based on learner feedback and varying skill levels
Maintained organized records of training, attendance, and quarterly participant performance metrics
Fundraised for educational materials and P.E. activities to foster positive and supportive environments for participants
Crafted comprehensive lesson plans with clear objectives, assessment criteria, and opportunities for reflection and feedback
Organized extracurricular enrichment activities related to coursework topics that enhanced overall educational experience outside the classroom setting including automotive, culinary, horticulture, hospitality, environmental, financial, and civics
Teacher Coordinator
Families of Faith Christian Academy
08.2022 - 05.2024
Facilitated communication between teachers, parents, and administration to promote student success
Developed resource materials and tools to enhance teaching/learning effectiveness across various subjects
Increased parent involvement through regular communication, fostering a strong home-school connection and encouraging parental support in student learning
Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting instruction as needed to maximize learning outcomes
Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and instructional materials
Improved student writing skills by providing clear feedback and guidance on assignments, resulting in higher assessment scores
Accurately and completely recorded student progress and development in compliance with school policies and standards
Supported diverse learners by differentiating instruction and providing appropriate accommodations for individual needs, leading to improved academic performance
Promoted a growth mindset among students by setting high expectations and celebrating progress, inspiring greater motivation to achieve academic goals
Attended and participated in extracurricular activities such as social activities, sporting activities, clubs and student organizations
Served as an advisor for extracurricular clubs or organizations, enriching the overall educational experience for participating students outside the classroom setting
Reduced classroom disruptions by implementing consistent behavior management strategies and maintaining a safe and positive learning environment
Conducted conferences with parents and students to review progress, adjust academic plans, and renew enrollments
Implemented student assessment and evaluation processes
Supported staff recruitment initiatives for high-quality program delivery
Assessed student performance and utilized feedback
Spearheaded outreach activities to expand educational opportunities and promote programs and services
Built relationships with external stakeholders, community organizations and donors to increase program scope
Liaised between faculty, staff and administrators to coordinate educational program delivery
Sales and Design Consultant
The Tile Shop
06.2015 - 09.2020
Designed innovative solutions that enhanced client satisfaction and brand identity
Collaborated with building contractors, building suppliers, manufacturers, clients, and corporate leaders to complete both, large and small scale projects
Invested in user research to inform design decisions and improve usability
Created detailed design specifications for projects, ensuring alignment with client objectives
Participated in monthly trainings via tech modules or in-person to maintain current market trends and fluctuations in supply and demand
Collaborated weekly with management to review and update sales goals and best practices aligning with our corporate AOS business operations.
Designed interior and exterior spaces using architectural blueprints, provided measurements, or measuring on project site
Managed client orders, tracked materials, and arranged delivery of materials
Maintained communication from initial design consultation through the completion of each closed order and completed project
Early Childhood Education & Care Instructor
Technology Center of DuPage
08.2014 - 06.2015
Assisted in curriculum development, ensuring alignment with state standards and best practices for effective instruction
Collaborated with Co-instructor to design comprehensive hands on Lab-based training for students
Organized and converted program files to digital format
Applied OSHA and DCFS training to ensure compliance with operation mandates, promoting classroom safety, collaboration, and best practices
Coordinated training for Red Cross CPR & First Aid certification for students
Facilitated interactive classroom discussions using technology to enhance student participation
Assessed and tracked student progress and performance through regular evaluations and feedback sessions providing individualized support and targeted feedback
Mentored student instructors, promoting best teaching practices and innovation for real world application
Established clear expectations and maintained consistent classroom management techniques, promoting a positive learning environment
Tested and evaluated students on materials presented in workshops and classes
Developed and clearly presented classroom rules, guidelines and objectives communicating clear goals and performance metrics
Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities, fostering critical thinking and real world problem-solving
Participated in department meetings to collaborate with colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs
Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops
Completed student progress mid-term reports
Special Education Liaison
Montini Catholic High School
08.2007 - 05.2014
Served as communication liaison between educators, parents, and support staff, and coordinated district meetings to review student progress, discuss concerns, and develop appropriate next steps to enhance student success
Utilized technology effectively to enhance instruction, track student progress, and streamline communication with colleagues and families
Managed caseloads efficiently, maintaining accurate confidential records of student performance, progress, IEP goals, attendance, and service delivery hours
Developed and implemented individualized education plans (IEPs) translating them into Service Plans, tailored to student needs and available resources
Monitored student progress and adjusted strategies to ensure alignment with ed
Implemented evidence-based instructional approaches to support diverse learners with varying abilities and needs via small group instruction
Supported successful transitions from middle school to high school, and from high school to college, by collaborating with receiving schools to ensure proper accommodations were in place prior to enrollment
Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices and compliance regulations in special education and related fields
Maintained high standards for ethical conduct, confidentiality, and professionalism while working with students, families, and colleagues within the educational setting
Assisted in the development of behavior intervention plans and techniques, promoting positive behaviors leading to social and academic success, while reducing disruptive actions in the classroom
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education LBS I
Benedictine University
Lisle, IL
Associate of Arts - Education And Psychology
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL
08-2015
No Degree - Early Childhood Education Certificate
Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Hills, IL
06-1991
Skills
Student-centered
Goal oriented
Strong work ethic and advocacy
Time management
Attention to detail
Multitasking Abilities
Organizational leadership
Classroom management
Effective communication
Decision-making
Goal setting and task prioritization
Adaptable and resourceful
Teamwork and collaboration
Certification
Child Development Certification Training
Para Pro ELS 1
Cosmetology Licensure (inactive)
Certified Travel Agent
SLANT (accredited Literacy Program) Certification in progress
Interests
Interior Design
Travel
Creative Writing
Fashion
Crafting and DIY Projects
Attend local theater productions
Enjoy hobbies that combine physical activity with outdoor exploration
Volunteering
Outdoor Recreation and trail hiking
Gardening
Youth mentor, providing guidance and support to empower the next generation of leaders
Volunteer Work
Homelessness/Veterans Outreach
Participating in fundraising events to support local charities, schools, or community projects