SYLVANA PENEFF
Summary
Dedicated educator with a track record of maintaining 100% student enrollment and fostering positive learning environments. Expertise in designing engaging lesson plans that promote social, emotional, and artistic development for diverse student populations.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructor
One River School of Art
Evanston
01.2025 - Current
- Lead classroom instruction for the school's largest class while maintaining 100% student enrollment.
- Developed lesson plans that aligned with educational standards and objectives.
- Create a positive and inclusive classroom environment that encourages creativity, participation, and student growth.
- Fostered artistic, social, and emotional development through engaging educational activities that encouraged self-expression.
- Communicated with students and families to align learning objectives with classroom success.
- Organized student exhibitions to showcase creative work and strengthen community involvement.
Legal Assistant
Thomas J. McCracken Jr. & Associates
Chicago
09.2025 - 02.2026
- Organized and maintained detailed records and databases for over 30 properties.
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail, communication, and administrative support skills.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strict deadlines.
Manager
Colectivo Coffee
Evanston
11.2022 - 05.2024
- Developed training programs to effectively onboard 15 team members, reducing their time to proficiency.
- Trained and mentored new employees to enhance team performance in a fast-paced environment.
- Fostered teamwork and positive communication to elevate customer service standards.
- Reduced operational waste by 15% through process improvement initiatives.
Client Operations Manager
Cardinal Intellectual Property
Evanston
07.2021 - 11.2022
- Managed client accounts to ensure timely and accurate service delivery.
- Cultivated client relationships, ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality service.
- Liaised with clients to address inquiries and resolve operational issues.
- Coordinated project timelines and resources for efficient workflow management.
- Facilitated collaborative review sessions, enhancing team workflow and communication.
Manager
Starbucks
Evanston
01.2017 - 07.2021
- Supervised daily operations, leading staff to achieve team goals.
- Primary point of contact for customer relations and conflict resolution.
- Facilitated team meetings, fostering collaboration and enhancing employee development.
Instructor
Connelly's Academy of Martial Arts
Evanston
02.2011 - 09.2017
- Designed and delivered lesson plans for students ranging from preschool age through adulthood for in-school, afterschool programs and summer camps.
- Adapted instruction to address diverse learning styles and developmental needs, enhancing student engagement and comprehension.
- Conducted regular progress discussions with students and parents to align educational goals and track student development.
- Fostered discipline, confidence, teamwork, and personal growth in a supportive learning environment, contributing to overall student success.
- Evaluated students' skills during color belt advancement tests.
Education
Litigation Practice Certificate -
Loyola University
Chicago10-2025
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
DePaul University
Chicago, IL06-2021
Skills
- Classroom Management
- Lesson Planning Support
- Child Development
- Behavior Management
- Student Engagement
- Parent and Family Communication
- Conflict Resolution
- Team Leadership
- Organization and Time Management
- Microsoft Excel
- Clio, Lexis AI, Anaqua
- Proofreading & Documentation
Timeline
Legal Assistant
Thomas J. McCracken Jr. & Associates
09.2025 - 02.2026
Instructor
One River School of Art
01.2025 - Current
Manager
Colectivo Coffee
11.2022 - 05.2024
Client Operations Manager
Cardinal Intellectual Property
07.2021 - 11.2022
Manager
Starbucks
01.2017 - 07.2021
Instructor
Connelly's Academy of Martial Arts
02.2011 - 09.2017
Litigation Practice Certificate -
Loyola University
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
DePaul University