Starlene Salas
Albuquerque,NM
Summary
Dedicated Direct Support Professional skilled in observation and monitoring, with a focus on fostering independence and well-being. Proven ability to adapt quickly to diverse needs while maintaining effective communication with families and colleagues.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Daycare Floater
Sandia Learning Center
Albuquerque, NM
05.2026 - Current
- Supervised children across various age groups to ensure safety and engagement.
- Assisted lead teachers in planning and implementing educational activities.
- Adapted quickly to varying classroom environments and group dynamics.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of learning spaces and materials.
- Supported children's emotional and social development through positive interactions.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to foster a respectful atmosphere.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding children's progress and needs.
- Collaborated with staff to create inclusive learning experiences for all children.
- Enhanced child engagement by incorporating age-appropriate activities and games into daily routines.
CCSI/Respite Care Provider
Expressions of Life
Albuquerque, NM
03.2026 - Current
- Developed personalized care plans in collaboration with healthcare professionals to address individual requirements.
- Implemented safety protocols to ensure a secure environment for clients during respite care sessions.
- Assisted clients with daily living activities, promoting independence and well-being.
- Communicated effectively with families to provide updates on client progress and needs.
- Adapted quickly to changing client needs, providing flexible support as required.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions and care provided for compliance and continuity of service.
- Engaged clients in recreational activities that promote social interaction and emotional support.
- Developed strong rapport with patients, fostering trust and open communication while providing respite care services.
- Managed challenging behaviors through positive reinforcement strategies, minimizing stress on both patients and their families.
- Communicated proactively with primary caregivers regarding any changes in patient status or condition during respite stays.
Direct Support Professional
Alianza Family Services
Albuquerque, NM
04.2025 - 01.2026
- Assisted in developing personalized care plans tailored to unique needs and preferences.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure holistic support for clients' physical and emotional well-being.
- Monitored client behavior and progress, documenting observations to inform care adjustments as needed.
- Monitored client behavior and progress, documenting observations to inform care adjustments.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary, employing de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe environment.
- Maintained accurate records of services provided and client interactions to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Trained new staff on best practices for delivering compassionate support while fostering a positive work culture.
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
- Documented progress notes thoroughly to track client achievements, concerns, or changes in behavior patterns that may need attention from the interdisciplinary team.
- Enhanced quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing compassionate and consistent direct support.
Direct Support Professional
Ability First
Albuquerque, NM
07.2022 - 02.2023
- Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.
- Assisted clients in achieving personal goals through tailored care plans and daily skill-building activities.
- Supported clients with personal care tasks, ensuring their dignity and privacy were maintained at all times.
- Monitored medication administration, maintaining accurate records to ensure client safety and compliance with prescribed treatment plans.
- Participated in ongoing training opportunities to stay current on best practices in disability support services.
- Provided ongoing communication between clients, families, and other service providers to enhance overall care coordination efforts.
- Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
Direct Support Professional
The New Beginnings
Albuquerque, NM
11.2020 - 02.2021
- Created a safe and inclusive environment by addressing behavioral challenges with patience and understanding.
- Addressed emergency situations calmly and effectively, prioritizing the safety of both clients and staff members involved.
- Promoted physical well-being by supporting clients in engaging in regular exercise routines or therapeutic activities suited to their abilities.
- Monitored progress and documented patient health status changes to keep care team updated.
- Improved client self-sufficiency through teaching essential skills such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and financial management.
- Advocated for clients'' rights within the broader community, raising awareness about issues affecting those with disabilities.
Education
High School Diploma -
Siatech High School
Albuquerque, NM07-2022
No Degree - cdc
CNM
Albuquerque, NMSkills
- Child observation
- Emotional support
- Observation and monitoring
- Childcare best practices
- Age-appropriate activities
- Child development
- Parent communication
- Social development
- Special needs care
- Appropriate activities
- Early childhood care
- Multitasking
- Child care documentation
- Safety supervision
- Respectful communication
- Problem-solving skills
- Professionalism and ethics
- Problem-solving abilities
- Adaptability skills
- Childcare supervision
Timeline
Daycare Floater
Sandia Learning Center
05.2026 - Current
CCSI/Respite Care Provider
Expressions of Life
03.2026 - Current
Direct Support Professional
Alianza Family Services
04.2025 - 01.2026
Direct Support Professional
Ability First
07.2022 - 02.2023
Direct Support Professional
The New Beginnings
11.2020 - 02.2021
No Degree - cdc
CNM
High School Diploma -
Siatech High School