Tara Gardenhire
Fairview,OK
Summary
Professional paraprofessional with solid foundation in educational support and classroom management. Experience in aiding teachers with instructional tasks and maintaining positive learning atmosphere. Reliable team player focused on adapting to changing needs and achieving results through effective communication and collaboration.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Paraprofessional
Aline-Cleo Elementary School
Cleo Springs, OK
08.2025 - Current
- Assisted teachers in implementing lesson plans and classroom activities.
- Supported students with special needs, fostering inclusive learning environments.
- Monitored student behavior and engagement during instructional time.
- Facilitated small group sessions to reinforce learning objectives.
- Maintained classroom organization and prepared instructional resources.
- Participated in professional development workshops to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
- 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.
- Promoted a respectful classroom culture by modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing positive interactions among peers.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Maintained and operated classroom equipment to maximize use and lifespan.
- Stepped into non-classroom environments such as libraries to help staff manage demand.
- Collaborated with instructors to develop engaging lesson plans.
- Helped teachers manage bus loading and unloading.
- Cleaned, organized and restocked classrooms for upcoming classes.
- Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.
- Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline.
- Assisted students in developing deeper understanding of course concepts by providing one-on-one support.
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
- Monitored student safety during school outings, ensuring secure learning environment.
Child Welfare Caseworker
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
Enid, OK
10.2024 - 07.2025
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of child welfare cases, ensuring alignment with state policies and regulations.
- Developed service plans tailored to individual family needs, facilitating access to community resources and support services.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, including law enforcement and healthcare professionals, to address safety concerns effectively.
- Monitored case progress regularly, adapting strategies to achieve desired outcomes for children and families involved.
- Documented case notes meticulously, maintaining accurate records in compliance with legal standards and agency protocols.
- Participated in ongoing training sessions, enhancing knowledge of child welfare practices and policy updates.
- Advocated for children's rights within the legal system, representing their best interests during court proceedings.
- Facilitated successful reunifications between children and their families through ongoing support, communication, and coordination of services.
- Managed high caseloads efficiently while prioritizing time-sensitive tasks to ensure the well-being of all clients served.
- Contributed to positive outcomes for children by advocating for their best interests in court proceedings and meetings with service providers.
Childcare Director
Self-employeed
Fairview, OK
01.2014 - 12.2024
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate educational programs for diverse groups of children.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Managed staff recruitment, training, and performance evaluations to enhance team effectiveness.
- Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication and feedback sessions.
- Implemented a curriculum that promotes social, emotional, and cognitive development in children.
- Monitored child development progress using assessment tools and strategies for improvement.
- Engaged with parents and families to build positive relationships for children to thrive.
- Recruited, selected, and retained high-quality staff to reduce turnover and foster stability.
- Communicated with local and state government agencies to maintain compliance with all regulations.
- Operated under licensing guidelines to protect health, safety and well-being of children.
- Established strong relationships with parents through open communication and regular updates on child progress.
- Planned and monitored curriculum and program activities and liaised with teachers to create fun and engaging learning experiences.
- Collaborated with local schools to coordinate seamless transitions for children entering kindergarten.
- Maintained high-quality child care standards based on developmentally appropriate practices.
Lead Teacher
Robyn's Nest
Fairview, OK
06.2012 - 01.2014
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Maintained patience and level-headedness in diverse situations to support student development and personal growth.
- Planned and implemented different daily activities to enhance overall development and growth of every student.
- Organized rooms in line with current educational thinking to maximize educational opportunities for students.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
Pre-K Teacher Aide
Okeene Public Schools
Okeene, OK
08.2011 - 05.2013
- Fostered a nurturing classroom environment promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Boosted student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects into lesson plans.
- Fostered a love of learning among students by maintaining an energetic teaching style and incorporating creative, interactive elements into lessons.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Intervention And Child Development
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, OK05-2025
Associate of Arts - Child Development
Northern Oklahoma College
Enid, OK05-2023
High School Diploma -
Pawnee High School
Pawnee04-2006
Skills
- Behavior management
- Effective communication
- Helping students with special needs
- Small group and individual assistance
- Trauma-informed care
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Curriculum planning
- Time management
- Child safety
- Cleaning and sanitation
Timeline
Paraprofessional
Aline-Cleo Elementary School
08.2025 - Current
Child Welfare Caseworker
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
10.2024 - 07.2025
Childcare Director
Self-employeed
01.2014 - 12.2024
Lead Teacher
Robyn's Nest
06.2012 - 01.2014
Pre-K Teacher Aide
Okeene Public Schools
08.2011 - 05.2013
Bachelor of Science - Early Intervention And Child Development
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Associate of Arts - Child Development
Northern Oklahoma College
High School Diploma -
Pawnee High School
Heartsaver for K-12 Schools CPR, AED, First Aid
Heartsaver for K-12 Schools CPR, AED, and First aid