Siems Michaela
Cedar Falls Community School District
CEDARFALLS,IA
33
years of professional experience
Compassionate Caregiver and Trainer experienced in special needs support and staff instruction. Delivered dependable service and emotional support through effective communication and teamwork, ensuring safe and respectful care for clients and families. Advocated for disability rights while promoting independence and providing respite care and behavior monitoring.
Work History
Special Needs Respite Provider
2 Years 10 Months- Provided individualized respite care, supporting client safety, comfort, and daily routines
- Coordinated activities that promoted engagement, independence, and emotional well-being
- Monitored behaviors and reported changes promptly to family and care teams
- Assisted with personal care, meal preparation, and light household tasks
- Maintained accurate documentation of care provided and client observations
- Followed care instructions, emergency procedures, and confidentiality requirements consistently
- Used eye gaze device for communication
Special Needs Respite Care Provider
11 Years 10 Months- Provided compassionate respite care, supporting daily routines and maintaining client comfort in home settings.
- Monitored client safety, responded quickly to changing needs, and reported concerns to family members.
- Assisted with personal care tasks, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal support.
- Delivered medication reminders and followed care instructions accurately to support consistent client wellbeing.
- Used a device for communication and helped him navigate
Special Needs School Bus Driver
14 Years 3 Months- Transported students with disabilities safely to and from school, activities, and home routes.
- Secured wheelchairs and mobility devices using approved restraint and tie-down procedures.
- Conducted pre-trip and post-trip inspections to verify vehicle safety and readiness.
- Monitored student behavior and provided calm support during daily transportation routes.
Trainer for Continuing Education for Bus Drivers
7 Years 4 Months- Delivered classroom and hands-on instruction for diverse learner groups.
- Assessed participant understanding and adjusted instruction to improve retention.
- Developed engaging training materials aligned with learning objectives and instructional standards.
- Coordinated training schedules, materials, and session logistics for smooth delivery.
- Traveled to several schools in Iowa to do hands on training
Special Needs Respite Care Provider
4 Years 6 Months- Coordinated schedule coverage and adapted care plans to meet changing family and client needs.
- Mentored new respite caregivers on routines, safety practices, and client-centered support techniques.
- Documented observations and care updates clearly to maintain continuity between shifts and caregivers.
- Engaged clients in conversation and activities, promoting emotional support and companionship.
Special Needs Paraprofessional
5 Years- Supported students with disabilities during classroom activities, transitions, and individualized instruction.
- Reinforced teacher-directed lessons using adapted materials, prompts, and behavior-support strategies.
- Monitored student behavior and redirected attention to maintain safe, productive learning environments.
- Assisted with personal care, mobility, and feeding needs while preserving student dignity.
- Documented student progress and communicated observations to teachers and support staff.
- Used and taught how to navigate devices to communicate
Loan Officer
9 Years 4 Months- Analyzed credit reports, income documentation, and debt obligations for lending decisions.
- Guided members through loan options, terms, and repayment requirements.
- Evaluated member loan applications for consumer, auto, and mortgage products.
- Prepared complete loan files for underwriting and compliance review.
- Ensured all tellers at the branch I headed maintained good customer service and balanced daily
Education
High School Diploma
Skills
Compassionate caregiving
Safety awareness
Mental health awareness
Autism spectrum expertise
Disability rights advocacy
Medicaid knowledge
Behavioral monitoring
Teamwork and cooperation
Patience and tolerance
Public speaking
Class B CDL
Emotional support
Interests
Enjoy hobbies that combine physical activity with outdoor exploration.
Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Kayaking
Travel
Painting
Timeline
Special Needs Respite Provider
Lindsey Brass
01.2024 - CurrentRead More
Special Needs Respite Care Provider
Lincoln Gabel
01.2021 - 07.2025Read More
Trainer for Continuing Education for Bus Drivers
Hawkeye Community College
08.2018 - 12.2025Read More
Special Needs Respite Care Provider
Gabe Castings
01.2015 - CurrentRead More
Special Needs Paraprofessional
River Hills School
09.2013 - 09.2018Read More
Special Needs School Bus Driver
Cedar Falls Community School District
08.2012 - CurrentRead More
Loan Officer
Cedar Falls Community Credit Union
02.1994 - 06.2003Read More
Cedar Falls Community Schools
High School Diploma
Read More