Wendy Schmidt
Oconomowoc
Summary
* Over 15 years of experience working with individuals with diverse abilities in education and community employment. *Developed "Learning Hubs" in manufacturing, hospitality and restaurant industries. *Contracted with area High School Transition Programs to provide Employment Readiness Classes. *Worked closely with funding sources such as DVR, IRIS and Family Care. *Developed strong relationships with clients, families and school staff during the employment life cycle including soft skills, career exploration, job shadows, school visits, resume building and interview prep, internships, hires and long term support as needed.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Interim Director of Programs
Down Syndrome Association Of Wisconsin
01.2024 - Current
- Improved team efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing new management strategies.
- Reduced operational costs through careful analysis and implementation of cost-saving measures.
- Managed budgets effectively, identifying opportunities for savings and reallocating resources as needed for maximum impact.
- Spearheaded change management initiatives, guiding staff through transitions smoothly and efficiently.
- Oversee daily operations, ensuring smooth workflows and timely completion of tasks.
- Built a culture of collaboration by fostering open communication channels between team members.
Director of Vocational Services
Down Syndrome Association Of Wisconsin
05.2020 - 01.2024
- Servant leader for Vocational Services staff in Southeastern, South Central and Northwestern Wisconsin DSAW offices.
- Train and support staff to understand DSAW's funding sources including; DVR funding, programs, reporting and tech specs, IRIS and Family Care funding for Long Term Support Job Coaching or Job Development, School contract programming specific to each school and Learning Hub programs at DSAW's various community partners.
- Continuously creating new partnerships with area businesses, schools and service providers in order to provide opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities.
- Increased company revenue by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
Restorative Justice Coordinator
Opportunities Inc.
04.2019 - 11.2019
- Worked with Jefferson County Youth Justice Case Managers, School Liaison Officers, and Clerk of Courts to redirect juvenile offenders through Teen Court, Community Service and Restitution
- Additionally developed classes and training that focused on soft skills, anger management and career assessments
- Managed case load of youth offenders in Jefferson County
- Organized individual referrals to obtain community service, including advocating for needs and resolving roadblocks
- Spoke with community organizations to boost outreach and highlight programs successes
Community Employment Specialist
Opportunities, Inc.
07.2016 - 04.2019
- Established and maintained relationships with public and private organizations in Waukesha County to develop job opportunities for individuals with disabilities and barriers to employment.
- Provided guidance and training in job seeking skills and community resources, arranged for career exploration activities and developed job opportunities.
- Managed, expanded and further developed Business Mentorship Programs to become year round opportunities for students in Waukesha area school districts.
- Established ongoing school year classes at 3 area high schools that focused on job readiness skills, interviewing and resume building.
- Maintained case load of 25 individuals with up to 45 services.
Special Education Teacher Assistant
Oconomowoc Area School District
09.2011 - 07.2016
- Performed special tasks such as implementing Sensory Integration and Visual or Auditory learning modifications to help students with special needs learn and grow
- Used behavior modeling and specialized teaching techniques to share and reinforce social skills
- Created lesson materials, visuals and digital presentations to supplement lesson plans
- Monitored student actions and applied established interventions to redirect behavior and resolve conflicts
Behavior Interventionist/Special Education Asst.
Waukesha School District
11.2009 - 06.2011
- Completed observations of students in classroom and social situations
- Met with teachers to establish goals for students in intervention program
- Mediated conflicts through structured sessions
- Helped students build skills to navigate typical academic and social situations
- Communicated nonverbally with children to provide comfort, encouragement and positive reinforcement
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS)
- Interacted, observed and responded to children's needs, emergencies and conflicts while supervising classroom activities
- Used computers, audiovisual aids and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations
- Enforced school and class rules to teach students proper behavior
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance to support classroom instruction
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
UW- Whitewater
Whitewater, WI1991
Skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Program development and management
- Documentation and reporting proficiency
- Case management
- Needs assessment and modification evaluation
- Recruitment and onboarding experience
- Culturally-sensitive
- Networking
- Staff training
- Computer proficient
- Good listening skills
Timeline
Interim Director of Programs
Down Syndrome Association Of Wisconsin
01.2024 - Current
Director of Vocational Services
Down Syndrome Association Of Wisconsin
05.2020 - 01.2024
Restorative Justice Coordinator
Opportunities Inc.
04.2019 - 11.2019
Community Employment Specialist
Opportunities, Inc.
07.2016 - 04.2019
Special Education Teacher Assistant
Oconomowoc Area School District
09.2011 - 07.2016
Behavior Interventionist/Special Education Asst.
Waukesha School District
11.2009 - 06.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
UW- Whitewater
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