Wanda Garcia
Cranston,RI
Summary
Compassionate educator and social work intern with over 10 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families in school and community-based settings. Demonstrated expertise in behavioral intervention, crisis response, case management, and social-emotional learning (SEL). Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized support plans. Currently pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) with hands-on clinical internship experience.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Social Work Internship
Cunningham-Pawtucket
Pawtucket, RI
08.2025 - Current
- Delivered mental health support counseling and case management services to students under professional supervision.
- Facilitated social skill groups for students. Supported social emotional development through peer interactions. Implemented calm down strategies and self-control techniques.
- Facilitated SEL classroom lessons
- Facilitated behavioral evaluations and interventions during student crises.
- Coordinated efforts with IEP teams, educators, parents, and school personnel to create targeted support strategies for students.
- Facilitated access to community resources and school support for families through targeted advocacy initiatives.
School Support Specialist
Boys Town
Providence, RI
08.2023 - 07.2025
- Organized and facilitated weekly social skill groups for students to enhance social and coping abilities.
- Assisted students in one-on-one sessions to address individual challenges including low self-esteem, peer relationships, and classroom support. Provided tailored social-emotional support to enhance individual skills.
- Designed and implemented educational plans and activities tailored for individual and group learning experiences.
- Facilitated lift referrals for families to access community resources through care coordination and in-home services.
- Conducted home visits to address truancy issues and facilitate family crisis intervention.
- Developed and implemented safety plans to effectively regulate student behaviors.
- Facilitated development and execution of behavior management strategies and interventions for teachers.
- Facilitated meetings to discuss classroom strategies and improvements. Observed classroom activities to support teaching practices. Assisted in gathering feedback from educators to enhance learning environments.
- Assisted in maintaining accurate records and files. Supported data collection efforts and analyzed reports as required.
Lead Teacher
Children’s Friend
Providence, RI
01.2016 - 12.2022
- Assisted in implementing various projects and educational themes throughout the school year using the creative curriculum and developmental checklists. Supported assessment, monitoring, and evaluation of children's progress. Facilitated referrals based on assessment results when necessary.
- Supported children with individual learning needs by implementing behavioral support plans and tailored strategies. Assisted in training behavioral teams to enhance classroom support. Collaborated with colleagues to create a positive learning environment for all students.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies and instructional techniques to enhance student engagement.
- Assisted with home visits and parent-teacher conferences to foster communication. Supported classroom trips and team meetings to enhance collaboration. Facilitated parent-child activities and maintained daily communications with parents regarding children's progress. Organized parent workshops by connecting families with community resources.
Teacher Assistant/Youth Group Leader
Marc Academy & Family Center
Bronx, NY
08.2007 - 08.2015
- Supported lead teacher in coordinating calendar events, lesson planning, and classroom management activities.
- Established and enforced classroom rules and expectations to enhance management effectiveness.
- Supported lead teacher in planning daily activities and conducting performance reviews.
- Oversaw classroom activities in kid’s connect program for six years. Collaborated with educators to develop behavioral support strategies. Provided individualized teaching assistance to enhance student learning outcomes.
Education
Master’s Program - Social Work (MSW)
Regis College
MA04.2026
Bachelor’s degree - psychology (Child & Adolescent Development)
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH12.2024
Associate in arts (AA) - Early Childhood Education
Community College of Rhode Island
Warwick, RI08.2019
High School Diploma -
Herbert H. Lehman High School
The Bronx, NYSkills
- Bilingual communication skills in English and Spanish
- Behavioral management expertise
- Collaborative team player
- Experienced classroom management
- Advanced organizational skills
- Familiarity with the Boys Town Model
- Crisis management expertise
- Expert case management
- Data gathering expertise
Certification
- First Aid Certification
- CPR Certification
- HIPPA Certification
Languages
English/Spanish - Fluent
Timeline
Social Work Internship
Cunningham-Pawtucket
08.2025 - Current
School Support Specialist
Boys Town
08.2023 - 07.2025
Lead Teacher
Children’s Friend
01.2016 - 12.2022
Teacher Assistant/Youth Group Leader
Marc Academy & Family Center
08.2007 - 08.2015
Bachelor’s degree - psychology (Child & Adolescent Development)
Southern New Hampshire University
Associate in arts (AA) - Early Childhood Education
Community College of Rhode Island
Master’s Program - Social Work (MSW)
Regis College
High School Diploma -
Herbert H. Lehman High School