YEGGI WATTS, Ma.Ed
Costa Mesa,CA
Summary
Passionate and motivated, trauma-informed, trilingual instructor with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse developmental, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Expertise in child development and basic education skills as well as extensive experience with curriculum development and innovative teaching strategies to create the most optimal learning outcomes for students.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community College Instructor-Inmate Education
Rancho Santiago Community College District
05.2024 - Current
- Create and implement parenting curriculum for incarcerated students in Orange County men's and women's jails
- Participate in professional development opportunities and utilize best practices in education while applying new strategies in the classroom.
- Implementing assessment tools to evaluate student progress and adjust teaching methods accordingly for optimal results.
- Deliver engaging lectures using diverse instructional methods and trauma informed care.
- Promote a positive classroom environment through effective communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution strategies.
- Improve overall student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instruction techniques tailored to individual needs.
- Instruct and evaluate students in alignment with college mission by incorporating innovative teaching and learning strategies.
- Created syllabus and instructional plans for each class session in accord with stated course objectives.
- Teaching diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
Early Childhood Art & Music Teacher
Anneliese Schools
05.2022 - Current
- Create and implement creative art and music curriculum for children 2-5 years old
- Facilitate learning through developmentally appropriate lesson plans in small and large group settings in English, Spanish, Farsi, German & French
- Encourage children to express their ideas in a safe and supportive environment
- Implement and maintain a clean, safe, and nurturing environment
- Assess and report developmental milestones
- Coordinate large group seasonal art and musical performances
- Foster an inclusive environment where every student is respected regardless of race or cultural background
- Follow licensing guidelines and educational standards to provide proper care of children
- Diversify teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
Founder
Heartsy Inc.
06.2016 - Current
- Developing and maintaining company's vision, mission statement as a non-profit 501c3
- Provide therapeutic art, music, & mindfulness workshops to children with special needs & children experiencing homelessness
- Pursuing networking events, participating in community events and industry-related meetings to raise awareness
- Recruiting, training, and coordinating a small team of volunteers to assist with workshops
- Hosting quarterly fundraisers & curating fundraising events such as art shows and musical events.
Children's Program Manager
Illumination Foundation
06.2021 - 04.2022
- Created and implemented children's programming at three local emergency shelters
- Assessed developmental milestones and provided referrals for children with special needs
- Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures while managing programs
- Successfully managed multiple programs simultaneously while addressing ongoing crisis in the homes
- Provided consultations and assistance with obtaining housing, mental health, medical, and social services
- Worked in partnership with DCSS to ensure safety and well being of children
- Served as a liaison between the shelters and local school districts to ensure educational needs of children were met
- Managed a team of 6 employees, providing ongoing training and support
- Tracking client progress as well as grant outcomes from multiple donors.
Child & Family Support Specialist
Century Villages at Cabrillo
09.2017 - 06.2020
- Created an implemented after school enrichment curriculum for children experiencing homelessness or in transitional housing.
- Served as a liaison between schools and housing program to ensure school enrollment and advocated for special education services as needed
- Provided parenting workshops for residents in English and Spanish
- Organized and planned social and holiday events for children and families
- Provided trauma informed care to meet the needs of children who had experienced domestic violence or trauma in the home.
Behavior Support Specialist
Various Non-public Agencies/LBUSD/GGUSD
09.2002 - 06.2015
- Provided 1:1 Behavior Intervention to children and adolescents with Autism and other special needs in the home and school setting
- Utilized variety of methods, skills and tools to provide direct behavior support to students on caseload.
- Provided crisis intervention during critical situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of all parties involved.
- Conferred and resolved education-related issues and problems with students, parents and school officials.
- Delivered evidence-based behavior curricula to students while maintaining high levels of behavioral and academic expectations for students.
- Assisted in reducing overall behavioral incidents by conducting thorough functional behavior assessments.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of implemented behavioral interventions and adjusted strategies as needed to ensure continued progress towards desired outcomes.
Education
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education -
National University
05.2015
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Child Development -
Cal State University Dominguez Hills
05.2008
Skills
- Tri-lingual in English, Spanish, Farsi
- Program Planning
- Group and Individual Instruction
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Lesson Planning
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Language Skills Development
- Workshop Development
- Classroom Management
- IEP Goal Writing
- Student Needs Assessments
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Safe, Positive Learning Environment
- Curriculum Development for Diverse Populations
- Cultural Awareness
- Public Speaking
- Philanthropy
- Mindfulness & Yoga Training
- Trauma Informed Care
Certification
- Trauma-Informed Care
- CPR/First Aid
- Mandated Reporter Training
- Childcare Provider
Volunteer Experience
- Childcare Provider, Orange County Rescue Mission, Tustin, CA, 09/2002, 01/2011, Provided programming for children in need throughout Latin America.
- Taught small and large group English classes to children and adults.
- Assisted with construction projects for various homes, orphanages, and schools in high needs communities.
- Assisted with coordination of fundraising and marketing of service projects
- Childcare Provider, UCO, Long Beach, CA, 01/2016, 06/2018, Provided free childcare for children and families attending a church service or while accessing social services
- Children's Program Coodinator, Various non-profit, Mexico, Central, & South America, 09/2002, 01/2011, Provided programming for children in need throughout Latin America.
Timeline
Community College Instructor-Inmate Education
Rancho Santiago Community College District
05.2024 - Current
Early Childhood Art & Music Teacher
Anneliese Schools
05.2022 - Current
Children's Program Manager
Illumination Foundation
06.2021 - 04.2022
Child & Family Support Specialist
Century Villages at Cabrillo
09.2017 - 06.2020
Founder
Heartsy Inc.
06.2016 - Current
Behavior Support Specialist
Various Non-public Agencies/LBUSD/GGUSD
09.2002 - 06.2015
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education -
National University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Child Development -
Cal State University Dominguez Hills
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