Susana Augusto
Cumberland,RI
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate professional with 15+ years of experience in the behavioral health field and a proven knowledge of crisis intervention, project planning, and classroom management. Aims to bring an energetic and goal-oriented approach to any role.
Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Paraprofessional
East Providence School Department
East Providence, RI
10.2023 - Current
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
- Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess and ensuring safety at all times.
- Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
- Supported special education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Implemented behavior management techniques effectively to maintain a structured learning environment conducive to student success.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Promoted a respectful classroom culture by modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing positive interactions among peers.
- Enhanced classroom efficiency through organizing instructional materials, managing daily schedules, and preparing resources for lessons as needed.
- Assisted in the collection and analysis of data on student performance, contributing to ongoing progress monitoring efforts.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Supported school initiatives by participating in professional development opportunities and collaborating with colleagues on best practices for student growth and achievement.
- Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate student progress and adjust instructional strategies as needed.
- Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to parents.
- Assisted in the administration of standardized testing, ensuring accurate assessment of student performance levels.
- Strengthened student literacy skills through targeted reading intervention programs tailored to individual needs.
- Enhanced student engagement by implementing interactive learning activities.
- Utilized technology in classroom to enhance learning experiences.
- Participated in professional development workshops, continuously improving teaching skills.
- Supported bilingual students by providing language assistance, promoting language proficiency.
- Provided one-on-one support to students with special needs, fostering supportive learning environment.
- Improved classroom management with development of behavior modification plans.
- Engaged with students during extracurricular activities, supporting their interests beyond classroom.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, and staff, enhancing school community.
- Fostered positive learning environment, managing classroom behavior effectively.
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
- Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student engagement.
Behavioral Health Specialist
Bradley Hospital
East Greenwich, RI
09.2022 - 09.2023
- Established trust-based relationships with clients through empathetic listening and non-judgmental communication, fostering stronger therapeutic alliances.
- Implemented cognitive-behavioral techniques to address negative thought patterns and promote healthier thinking habits among clients.
- Used [Software] to document patient information, progress notes, and treatment plans.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergency situations, ensuring immediate support and safety for affected individuals.
- Worked closely with clients and their families at the partial program to ensure communication between parties as communicated in a timely manner.
- Created progress reports, assessments and charting within required timeframes.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions addressing topics such as coping skills, stress management, and relapse prevention, fostering a supportive environment for participants.
- Assisted clients in developing healthy coping mechanisms that contributed to sustained behavioral changes and improved overall wellbeing.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress and treatment plans in compliance with organizational policies and legal requirements.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive care, resulting in improved treatment planning and coordination.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry best practices and enhance clinical skills.
- Served as a mentor for new behavioral health specialists, sharing knowledge and expertise to support their professional growth.
- Contributed to program development initiatives aimed at improving service delivery within the organization''s behavioral health division.
- Coordinated discharge planning processes to ensure seamless transitions for clients exiting the program and returning to the community.
- Implemented and established behavior strategies by setting rules, reiterating expectations, and rewarding good behavior.
- Worked closely with families to provide education about mental health conditions and promote understanding of treatment strategies, strengthening family relationships and support systems.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by utilizing evidence-based practices and tailoring interventions to individual needs.
- Conducted thorough assessments, identifying underlying issues contributing to clients'' behavioral health concerns.
- Adhered to ethical and legal standards for confidentiality, protecting clients' privacy.
- Attended trainings to participate in regular supervision and continued education to maintain professional competence and ethical standards.
- Observed and monitored client behavior and responses to treatment.
- Documented clients' progress to keep detailed notes on each client's treatment progress and changes in mental health status.
- Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion.
- Conducted crisis interventions to respond to clients in crisis, assess immediate needs and provide support and resources.
- Assessed mental health needs to determine nature and extent of clients' emotional, behavioral or mental health issues.
- Consulted with other staff members regarding treatment plans as deemed appropriate by team leader.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Teacher Assistant
St. Teresa School
Pawtucket, RI
08.2020 - 08.2022
- Responded to student needs and questions promptly.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by effectively managing classroom behavior and addressing individual needs.
- Assisted teachers in preparing instructional materials, ensuring alignment with curriculum objectives.
- Supported teacher in monitoring students during lunch periods, recess, and other non-instructional times to maintain safety and orderliness.
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
- Distributed learning materials such as worksheets, textbooks, and supplemental activities.
- Cultivated core values such as kindness, respect, compassion and integrity within students.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between activities by providing clear instructions and maintaining routines.
- Contributed to increased student success by providing one-on-one support for struggling learners.
- Aided students with special needs by adapting instructional materials and providing personalized guidance throughout lessons.
- Completed daily reports on attendance and disciplinary performance.
- Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
- Worked with teacher to optimize learning plans based on student test grades and evaluations.
- Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by class teacher.
- Copied, organized and distributed classroom assignments or other paperwork.
- Organized materials in classroom spaces based on lecture plans, activity stations or other requirements outlined by teachers.
- Mentored and tutored individual students needing additional help.
Education Director
Wetzel Center, YOU Inc.
Worcester, MA
01.2019 - 05.2020
- Head of the education department at a residential program for adolescents (aged 13-17) and latency children (aged 6-12) with severe mental health and behavioral challenges
- Uphold all responsibilities of previous teacher role (see below)
- Serve as the main liaison between the educational department and the clinical team to ensure patients behaviors were reported and treatment was comprehensive
- Lead of team of 3 additional teachers and 2 teacher aids to develop their own cohesive lesson plans and improve student support
- Supervise the school on both the adolescent and latency units
- Ensure resident's safety and aid in the implementation of behavioral and psychiatric treatment of the patients
- Plan and facilitate activities to engage 15 students for 6 hours a day
- Document daily occurrences, activities, and incidents, an essential part of maintaining a treatment plan
- Maintain a calm and professional demeanor while utilizing verbal and physical deescalation techniques in emergency situations
- Primarily work directly with the adolescent students, in addition to occasionally working directly with latency aged students
Adolescent Teacher
Wetzel Center, YOU Inc.
Worcester, MA
05.2008 - 01.2019
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Implemented classroom management plan that reduced disruptions, creating more conducive learning environment.
- Designed curriculum materials for special education students, facilitating inclusive learning.
- Led professional development workshops for peers on effective classroom management techniques.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
Education
Bachelors of Arts -
ANNA MARIA COLLEGE
Paxton, MA05.2006
Skills
- Bilingual fluency in English and Portuguese
- Positive communicator
- Creative problem-solver
- Experience working with distressed individuals
- Physical Restraint Trainings
- Trauma-informed trainings
- Administrative skills
- Team Management Skills
- High ethical standards
- Ability to handle confidential information
- Effective Communication
- Calm and Patient Demeanor
- Helping Students with Special Needs
- Small Group and Individual Assistance
- Behavior Management
Certification
- 2023 RIELDS Foundations Certificate- The Nine Domains.
- Physical Restraint Training Certificate – Crisis Prevention Institute.
Languages
Portuguese
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Paraprofessional
East Providence School Department
10.2023 - Current
Behavioral Health Specialist
Bradley Hospital
09.2022 - 09.2023
Teacher Assistant
St. Teresa School
08.2020 - 08.2022
Education Director
Wetzel Center, YOU Inc.
01.2019 - 05.2020
Adolescent Teacher
Wetzel Center, YOU Inc.
05.2008 - 01.2019
Bachelors of Arts -
ANNA MARIA COLLEGE