Sonya Hernandez
North Fontana,California
Summary
Accomplished Instructional Assistant at Hesperia Unified School District, adept in structured learning environments and small group instruction. Professional and friendly with strong background in special education and commitment to student success. Proven ability to support diverse learning needs, implement individualized education plans, and foster positive, inclusive classroom environment. Strong collaborator known for adaptability and reliability, with skills in behavior management, instructional support, and effective communication. Recognized for contributing to team goals and achieving measurable educational outcomes.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Hesperia Unified School District
Hesperia, CA
10.2016 - Current
- Provided support during classes, group lessons, and classroom activities.
- Provided one-on-one assistance in academic subjects such as reading, writing, math, and social studies to help students achieve their full potential.
- Collaborated with teachers to identify areas of improvement in students, leading to targeted intervention strategies.
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
- Prepared instructional materials such as worksheets, visuals aids, or manipulatives according to teacher directives for effective lesson execution.
- Facilitated small group instruction sessions based on specific skill sets or subject matter, boosting overall student achievement levels.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to maintain a positive and focused learning environment.
- Coordinated with other instructional assistants to ensure consistent implementation of classroom procedures and expectations across all subjects.
- Assisted educators in planning and executing field trips that reinforced curriculum content while providing hands-on learning experiences for students.
- Managed classroom materials inventory, ensuring necessary supplies were available for daily lessons and activities.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Provided one-on-one academic and physical support to students with complex medical needs in inclusive and specialized classroom settings.
- Collaborated closely with special education teachers, nurses, therapists, and families to ensure continuity of care and instruction.
- Maintained a calm, nurturing, and safe environment that promoted student comfort, emotional regulation, and academic engagement.
- Supported students in transitioning between classrooms, buses, and therapy sessions with proper use of assistive devices and medical equipment.
- Promoted communication, independence, and social interaction by encouraging participation in classroom activities and peer engagement.
Medical Assistant
Desert Valley Medical Group- Pediatrics
Victorville, CA
01.1994 - 04.1998
- Coordinated patient scheduling, check-in, check-out and payments for billing.
- Checked patient insurance, demographic, and health history to keep information current.
- Assisted pediatricians during physical exams, vaccinations, and minor procedures for infants, children, and adolescents.
- Collected and recorded vital signs, growth measurements, and developmental milestones to support age-appropriate care.
- Administered immunizations and provided comfort techniques to reduce anxiety in young patients and their families.
- Educated parents on topics such as vaccine schedules, nutrition, common childhood illnesses, and medication instructions.
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date health records for pediatric patients, including vaccination logs and well-child checkups.
- Performed routine lab tests, such as rapid strep, flu, and urine collection, ensuring proper sample handling and labeling.
- Prepared exam rooms with child-friendly supplies and sanitized all areas in compliance with infection control guidelines.
- Supported parents in completing medical forms, obtaining referrals, and navigating insurance and follow-up appointments.
- Responded to patient and caregiver questions with empathy, professionalism, and age-appropriate communication strategies.
- Collaborated with pediatricians, nurses, and other team members to provide holistic and family-centered pediatric care.
Medical Assistant/Receptionist
Dr. Urvashi Sura- OB/GYN
7365 Carnelian St, Rancho Cucamonga, Ca
04.1993 - 01.1994
- Managed high call volumes, directing calls to appropriate departments while maintaining a polite and professional demeanor.
- Transcribed phone messages and relayed to appropriate personnel.
- Coordinated patient scheduling, check-in, check-out and payments for billing.
- Prepared exam rooms and assisted physicians during gynecological and obstetric procedures, including Pap smears, pelvic exams, and prenatal checkups.
- Collected and documented vital signs, medical histories, and pregnancy-related symptoms to support accurate diagnosis and care planning.
- Performed clinical duties such as urine pregnancy tests, venipuncture, STI screenings, and specimen collection for lab analysis.
- Educated patients on topics including birth control, prenatal care, menstrual health, postpartum recovery, and routine screenings.
- Provided compassionate, trauma-informed care while ensuring patient comfort, dignity, and privacy during sensitive procedures.
Education
Associate of Arts - Education
Chaffey College
Rancho Cucamonga, CA12-2026
High School Diploma -
Alta Loma High School
Alta Loma, CA01-1993
Certificate of Technical Studies - Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, EKG Tech
Nova Institute of Health Technology
Upland01-1993
Skills
- Structured learning environment
- Clear communication
- Conflict resolution
- Small group instruction
- Helping students with special needs
- Teacher support
- Friendly and outgoing
- Attention to detail
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Individual student assistance
Certification
CPR and First Aid
Timeline
Special Education Instructional Assistant
Hesperia Unified School District
10.2016 - Current
Medical Assistant
Desert Valley Medical Group- Pediatrics
01.1994 - 04.1998
Medical Assistant/Receptionist
Dr. Urvashi Sura- OB/GYN
04.1993 - 01.1994
Associate of Arts - Education
Chaffey College
High School Diploma -
Alta Loma High School
Certificate of Technical Studies - Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, EKG Tech
Nova Institute of Health Technology