Vanessa Kickhoefer
Frisco,Texas
Summary
Compassionate professional and volunteer with accomplished background inspiring, motivating and leading communities to include people with diverse abilities. Skilled at analyzing complex problems and implementing practical solutions. Strategic and committed to fostering a culture of inclusion.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Board of Directors
Parkland Buddy Sports
Parkland, FL
01.2013 - 06.2016
- Provided guidance and leadership on strategic planning initiatives and organizational development for peer assisted sports program dedicated to full inclusion of children and young adults with developmental disabilities.
- Introduced and implemented positive behavioral support methods, practices, and systems to facilitate successful mentorship between typically developing peers and program participants.
- Initiated pathways for participants with developmental disabilities to become peer mentors to younger participants with developmental disabilities.
Volunteer Inclusion Facilitator
Coral Springs United Methodist Church
Coral Springs, FL
05.2009 - 05.2015
- Initiated inclusive classrooms for Sunday school and summer camps by providing one on one support for students with diverse needs. Promoted a culture of empathy, understanding, and respect by modeling inclusive language and behaviors within the church.
- Trained and supported adult and peer one on one support volunteers.
- Helped students with diverse needs integrate into classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping volunteer teachers solve problems.
ESE Advisory Representative
Broward County School System
Parkland, FL
08.2007 - 04.2010
- Promoted advocacy and fostered communication between ESE Parents, the Superintendent, BCPSB Members and other district derived advisories for the purpose of improving exceptional student education.
- Improved parent and school collaboration by building strong relationships with the local school ESE department.
Adult Community Services Emory Autism Center
Emory University School Of Medicine
Atlanta, GA
08.2002 - 08.2003
- Assessed client needs and facilitated person centered planning with a robust collaborative approach with client, families, community and state agencies.
- Coordinated with community stakeholders for successful implementation of social, behavioral and job support plans for clients.
- Researched best practices and developed strategies to improve program outcomes.
Employment Consultant
Winners At Work, Inc.
Honolulu, Hawaii
09.1994 - 08.1998
- Developed and monitored individual career plans for adults with developmental disabilities to ensure long term community based employment.
- Developed relationships with diverse businesses to develop competitive and permanent job opportunities for clients.
- Worked with mangers and employees at job site to provide training modules on strategies for coaching, evaluating, and encouraging self management for their employee.
- Conducted intake and job readiness assessments and develop person centered plans for support in community employment, transportation and recreation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Texas A&M University
College Station, TXSkills
- Relationship and Team Building
- Extensive experience with Autism
- Community Inclusion
- Collaborative Advocacy
- Stakeholder Engagement
Timeline
Board of Directors
Parkland Buddy Sports
01.2013 - 06.2016
Volunteer Inclusion Facilitator
Coral Springs United Methodist Church
05.2009 - 05.2015
ESE Advisory Representative
Broward County School System
08.2007 - 04.2010
Adult Community Services Emory Autism Center
Emory University School Of Medicine
08.2002 - 08.2003
Employment Consultant
Winners At Work, Inc.
09.1994 - 08.1998
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Texas A&M University