Stephanie Andrango
Zion,IL
Summary
Dynamic Special Education Paraprofessional with a proven track record at Cook County School District 39, adept at individualized instruction and behavioral modeling. Skilled in fostering resilience in students, I effectively collaborated with educators to enhance learning outcomes and support diverse needs. Passionate about empowering students with special needs to thrive.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
Cook County School District 39
Wilmette, Illinois
02.2020 - 08.2024
- Supported teachers in delivering individualized instruction to students with special needs.
- Provided one-on-one support to students during classroom activities and assignments.
- Monitored student progress and reported observations to educators regularly.
- Prepared instructional materials and resources tailored for individual learning styles.
- Prepared instructional materials and resources tailored for individual learning
- Offered emotional support during times of difficulty or crisis situations involving the student.
- Assisted with transitioning from one activity to another throughout the day as needed by the student.
- Supported the development of social skills through modeling appropriate behavior and interactions with peers.
- Escorted students to restroom cafeteria, outside to playground, and on field trips.
- Managed class of special education students in absence of lead teacher.
- Attended professional development sessions related to working with special education populations.
- Advised instructor on student behavior or issues requiring immediate attention.
- Administered assessments as directed by teachers or other school personnel.
- Demonstrated appropriate behaviors using behavior modeling and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks and build resilience for later educational efforts.
- Assisted neurodiverse students with classwork and activity preparation.
Foster Program Operations Coordinator
PAWS Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
05.2018 - 02.2020
- Developed standard operating procedures for operational efficiency and consistency.
- Generated a concise introduction video answering FAQs about the program for new foster parents.
- Compiled a library of instructional videos demonstrating how to administer a variety of medications.
- Optimized team productivity by training interns to work the foster desk, granting coordinators needed time to focus on medical concerns from active foster homes.
- Produced a training manual for incoming interns.
- Responded to calls on the 24-hour Emergency Foster Hotline.
- Managed foster pick-ups and recheck appointments at a satellite location.
- Reduced wait times for outsourced consultation appointment scheduling.
Foster Coordinator
PAWS Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
12.2012 - 05.2018
- Collaborated with the medical team for healthcare services for shelter animals in foster homes.
- Facilitated communication between different departments and foster parents in order to resolve issues quickly.
- Maintained systematic data for all animals to ensure vaccinations were kept up to date, and next steps were scheduled.
- Recruited, trained, and retained key volunteer families to foster pets in need.
- Ensured that foster care information, communications, reports, website, and social media page are complete, accurate, and current.
- Streamlined the new foster parent application process.
- Appropriately matched foster homes with pets in need.
Education
Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Zoo & Aquaria Studies -
Western Illinois University Graduate School
Macomb, MI05-2011
Biology
Augustana College
Rock Island, IL05-2007
Skills
- Individualized instruction
- Student assessment
- Behavioral modeling
- Crisis intervention
- Instructional material preparation
- Special education knowledge
- Visual schedules
- Collaboration with teachers
- Small group support
- Verbal and written communication
- Personal hygiene assistance
- Special needs
- Autism and spectrum disorders
- Nonverbal communication
- Sensory processing support
Affiliations
- Gardening
- Hiking
- Dog training
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
Cook County School District 39
02.2020 - 08.2024
Foster Program Operations Coordinator
PAWS Chicago
05.2018 - 02.2020
Foster Coordinator
PAWS Chicago
12.2012 - 05.2018
Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Zoo & Aquaria Studies -
Western Illinois University Graduate School
Biology
Augustana College