Open To Work
Aviance Cruz
New York
Work Preference
Summary
Seasoned Human Services and Education leader with 14 years of management experience in OPWDD residential and day habilitation programs. Expertise in residential operations, staff leadership, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance. Committed to fostering team cohesion, ensuring program safety and compliance, and enhancing independence and quality of life for individuals served.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Middle School 390 | New York City Department of Education
09.2017 - Current
- Provide differentiated instruction in an Integrated Co-Teaching classroom serving students with diverse learning needs.
- Develop and implement IEP goals and accommodations to improve academic achievement.
- Collaborate with administrators, teachers, families, and related service providers to support student success.
- Analyze student performance data to guide instructional decisions.
- Successfully maintained concurrent leadership responsibilities in OPWDD residential services while serving as a full-time educator.
Residential Manager
Creative Lifestyles Division – CP Unlimited
Bronx
03.2022 - 07.2026
- Directed daily operations of an OPWDD residential home serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Supervised and developed Direct Support Professionals through targeted coaching, mentoring, and performance management to enhance service delivery.
- Coordinated medical appointments, medication oversight, Life Plans, Behavior Support Plans, and interdisciplinary services to support residents' health and well-being.
- Managed staffing schedules, program operations, documentation, incident reporting, and regulatory compliance.
- Managed household budgets, purchasing, inventory, and residents' personal funds to ensure financial stability and resource availability.
- Built collaborative relationships with families, clinicians, and community providers to ensure high-quality, person-centered services.
Day Habilitation Supervisor
Adapt Community Network
01.2012 - 09.2017
- Coordinated daily programming, staffing, and community inclusion to facilitate life-skills development.
- Supervised direct support professionals to enhance person-centered services for adults with developmental disabilities.
- Ensured compliance with OPWDD regulations, agency policies, and documentation standards.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to support participant independence and attainment of individual goals.
Education
Master of Science - Education
Hunter College
New York, NY01-2019
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, Human Services
Monroe College
Bronx NYSkills
- OPWDD Compliance
- Behavior Support Plans
- Person-Centered Planning
- Documentation
- Incident Management
- Quality Assurance
- Residential Operations
- Scheduling
- Leadership & Coaching
- Team Development
- Family Collaboration
- Microsoft Office
- Google Workspace
- Google Workspace
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
- 14+ years of progressive leadership in OPWDD residential and day habilitation services.
- Successfully balanced leadership responsibilities in human services while serving as a full-time Special Education Teacher.
- Extensive experience supervising staff, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting person-centered care.
- Strong reputation for leadership, collaboration, crisis management, and operational excellence.
Timeline
Residential Manager
Creative Lifestyles Division – CP Unlimited
03.2022 - 07.2026
Special Education Teacher
Middle School 390 | New York City Department of Education
09.2017 - Current
Day Habilitation Supervisor
Adapt Community Network
01.2012 - 09.2017
Master of Science - Education
Hunter College
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice, Human Services
Monroe College