Vanessa Simms
Monroe,CT
Summary
Dedicated and reliable professional with a strong focus on customer service and a positive attitude. Highly organized and proactive, consistently meeting deadlines and exceeding expectations. Team-oriented mindset fosters collaboration and enhances workplace efficiency. Proven ability to contribute positively to team dynamics and customer satisfaction.
Overview
1
1
Certification
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Paraeducator, Special Education
Monroe Public Schools
Monroe, Connecticut
08.2022 - Current
- Contributed to IEP development and tracked student progress toward achieving goals.
- Implemented specialized instructional strategies under the guidance of special education staff.
- Developed personalized learning plans in coordination with teachers to address student needs.
- Provided individualized support during lessons, reinforcing literacy and numeracy skills.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to foster a positive classroom atmosphere.
- Facilitated clear communication among students, teachers, and parents to improve overall outcomes.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to create differentiated assignments for diverse learners.
- Facilitated student social interactions during daily activities to enhance peer relationships.
Girl Scout Troop Leader
Girl Scouts of Connecticut
Monroe, Connecticut
08.2018 - 06.2021
- Led troop meetings to plan activities and engage members in discussions.
- Developed age-appropriate educational programs aligned with Girl Scout principles.
- Coordinated community service projects to instill values of citizenship and leadership.
- Mentored young girls in problem-solving and teamwork through hands-on experiences.
- Organized events that promoted outdoor skills and exploration for troop members.
- Organized fun, interactive activities to address interests and community needs of troop members.
- Cultivated a supportive environment that encouraged personal growth and friendship among girls.
- Facilitated communication between parents, volunteers, and local Girl Scout councils.
- Maintained accuracy of troop records of dues, attendance, and budget for reporting purposes.
Preschool Gymnastics Instructor
Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA
Trumbull, Connecticut
02.2017 - 03.2020
- Instructed preschool children aged 3-5 in basic gymnastics skills and techniques.
- Ensured safety and inclusivity in gym environment for all participants.
- Developed interactive activities to improve motor skills and coordination.
- Facilitated warm-up exercises and cool-down stretches to prepare and recover participants.
- Collaborated with parents to discuss child progress and improvement areas.
Preschool Program Assistant
Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA
Trumbull, Connecticut
02.2017 - 03.2020
- Assisted lead teacher in planning and implementing daily lesson plans.
- Engaged children in play-based learning to foster social skills development.
- Supported children during group activities and individual learning sessions.
- Monitored classroom behavior and ensured a safe, nurturing atmosphere.
- Facilitated art and craft projects to enhance creativity and fine motor skills.
- Assisted with or led story time by reading books to children.
- Organized classroom materials and maintained a clean learning environment.
- Maintained clean, well-kept classroom to encourage children to create, explore and play with confidence.
- Reorganized classroom furniture to create a more functional learning space. and learning materials to keep areas neat.
- Assisted management with planning and logistics for program activities.
Private Nanny
Chandi & Keith Russell
Aurora, Colorado
11.2014 - 06.2015
- Provided attentive care and supervision for children in nurturing settings.
- Coordinated care for multiple children during night shifts, fostering a supportive and attentive atmosphere.
- Developed bedtime routines to ensure restful sleep for children.
- Ensured safe and clean environments for all child activities, promoting health and well-being.
- Ensured play areas and infant supplies remained organized and hygienic.
- Streamlined organization of essential supplies for overnight feedings, enhancing readiness for child care.
- Communicated with parents regarding children's needs and behaviors.
Cheer Coach Volunteer
Douglas County Dolphins
Castle Rock, Colorado
08.2014 - 12.2014
- Trained athletes in cheerleading techniques while enforcing safety protocols to promote a safe learning environment.
- Developed cheer routines for diverse skill levels and age groups.
- Coordinated practice sessions and schedules for athletes and coaches, ensuring efficient use of time and resources.
- Led warm-up exercises to prepare athletes for practices and performances.
- Facilitated team-building activities to enhance group cohesion and foster a supportive team atmosphere.
- Promoted team spirit and sportsmanship during events through engaging activities.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding schedules and team updates.
Personal Banker
West Suburban Bank
Oswego, Illinois
01.2004 - 12.2011
- Evaluated customer needs to recommend suitable banking solutions.
- Processed transactions efficiently while ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Resolved customer issues promptly, maintaining a positive banking experience.
- Promoted bank products through relationship-building with clients and prospects.
- Helped customers open and close accounts, apply for loans and make sound financial decisions.
- Provided customer service to clients, including answering questions and resolving issues.
- Assisted customers with deposits, withdrawals, transfers, loan payments and other banking transactions.
- Cross-sold banking products such as credit cards, loans and investments.
- Identified potential fraud risks on accounts and reported suspicious activities to management.
- Educated clients on online banking tools and services available.
- Participated in training sessions regarding new banking products or services.
- Partnered with loan and mortgage officers and financial advisors to provide clients with optimal financial solutions.
- Responded promptly to customer emails, phone calls and requests for information.
- Prepared closing statements, secured signatures on documents, and reviewed all loan conditions with customers.
Customer Service Representative
West Suburban Bank
Lombard, Illinois
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Answered incoming calls and provided highest level of professionalism and knowledgeable service to every customer.
- Resolved customer complaints through effective communication and problem-solving.
- Assisted customers with account inquiries and transaction processing.
- Educated clients on bank products and services to enhance their experience.
- Resolved complex problems by working with other departments to provide solutions that meet customer needs.
- Maintained accurate records of customer interactions and transactions in the system.
- Performed administrative tasks such as filing paperwork, updating databases and generating reports.
Office Administrator
Arrow Truck Sales Inc.
Bolingbrook, Illinois
10.1999 - 10.2002
- Managed daily office operations for a busy corporate environment.
- Answered phone calls, responded to emails, routed mail and coordinated courier services.
- Oversaw inventory management and ordering of office supplies.
- Maintained filing system for records, correspondence and other documents.
- Tracked invoices and payments to ensure accuracy of accounts receivable and payable information.
- Reviewed files and records to obtain information and respond to requests.
- Processed daily invoices through in-house software to ensure financial accuracy.
- Processed vehicle title applications for accurate documentation and compliance.
- Coordinated with state agencies to resolve title discrepancies efficiently.
- Reviewed and verified title documents for completeness and accuracy.
- Coordinated with lenders and borrowers to ensure timely closings.
- Facilitated communication between all parties involved in the loan process.
- Prepared closing disclosures and settlement statements according to regulations.
- Notarized signatures of parties involved in the loan transaction.
Switchboard Operator
First Midwest Bank, N.A.
Joliet, Illinois
01.1997 - 10.1999
- Operated multi-line switchboard to manage incoming calls efficiently.
- Answered and transferred incoming calls to appropriate departments, personnel or outside lines.
- Directed customer inquiries to appropriate departments for resolution.
- Assisted clients with account information and general banking services.
- Maintained communication logs for accurate record-keeping.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure seamless call handling.
- Protected sensitive information to maintain client trust. with discretion and professionalism.
- Performed general administrative duties such as filing documents, photocopying materials.
Education
High School Diploma -
Bolingbrook High School
Bolingbrook, IL06-1997
Skills
- Instructional strategies
- Behavior management
- Special education strategies
- Progress monitoring
- Student data tracking
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Adaptability to change
- Attention to detail
- Conflict resolution
- Interpersonal skills
- Professionalism
- Computer proficiency
Certification
- ParaPro Paraeducation Certificate-2022
Timeline
Paraeducator, Special Education
Monroe Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
Girl Scout Troop Leader
Girl Scouts of Connecticut
08.2018 - 06.2021
Preschool Gymnastics Instructor
Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA
02.2017 - 03.2020
Preschool Program Assistant
Lakewood-Trumbull YMCA
02.2017 - 03.2020
Private Nanny
Chandi & Keith Russell
11.2014 - 06.2015
Cheer Coach Volunteer
Douglas County Dolphins
08.2014 - 12.2014
Personal Banker
West Suburban Bank
01.2004 - 12.2011
Customer Service Representative
West Suburban Bank
01.2003 - 01.2004
Office Administrator
Arrow Truck Sales Inc.
10.1999 - 10.2002
Switchboard Operator
First Midwest Bank, N.A.
01.1997 - 10.1999
High School Diploma -
Bolingbrook High School