Ali Raja
Summary
Dedicated professional in the mental health field with vast amount of experience supporting children, youth and adults with autism and other mental health concerns. Passionate about making a difference in the lives of people who have autism and other mental health concerns. Experience working in recreational, hospital setting, camp-based, respite and educational environments. Known for performance excellence in the mental health field, behavioral science field and housekeeping field.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Client Services Assistant
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
10.2023 - Current
- Supported children and youth with physical disabilities and developmental delays such as autism interact and play through music, art, and recreation in a hospital respite setting
- Provided 1:1 and group assistance such as toileting, feeding, focus, lifting, behavior, activity tasks etc
- Helped facilitate client's fullest participation in the program through creative, sensory and social experiences
Entry to School Program & PEPS Program Volunteer
SAAAC Autism Centre
04.2023 - Current
- Volunteered for the Entry to school program that supports families with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are between the ages of 3 to 5 entering school for the first time. Supported children with autism develop school readiness skills in a classroom setting through implementing appropriate learning activities and strategies designed to help the children reach their learning goals
- Volunteered for the PEPS program, an after-school program dedicated to providing enjoyable experiences for children on the autism spectrum through physical activity and sports. Engaged in facilitating free play, facilitating sport activities, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting the children develop various skills
Autism Support Assistant
Geneva Centre For Autism
06.2022 - 09.2023
- Supported children, youth, and adults who have Autism to participate in center respite and community camp-setting programs
- Supported participants to engage in a variety of interactive activities that support both recreational and individualized goals including but not limited to support with personal care, programming, and ensuring health and safety
Support Staff
Beatty Buddies Daycare
05.2016 - 06.2022
- Assisted with children's classroom programs by helping early childhood educators as a support staff performing various tasks and duties with children or around children
- Assisted with community events at the daycare
- Provided customer service, cleaning support and housekeeping support
Active Listener Volunteer
7cups
01.2021 - 05.2022
- Volunteered over 220 hours providing support via online emotional support service chat to people in distress and dealing with mental health challenges
Student Intern
LifeWorks Children's Support Solutions
09.2021 - 04.2022
- Completed placement of 420 hours over 8 months for academic purposes. Completed an FBA and BSP for academic purposes on a child with challenging behaviors. Observed and worked with many different clients who have autism during placement experience
- Supported children, youth, and adults with autism in a therapeutic ABA setting
Education
Honours Bachelor - Behavioral Sciences
Humber College
Toronto, ON08.2023
Micro Credential - Positive Psychology
Western Continuing Studies
Online02.2024
Graduate Certificate - Autism And Behavioral Sciences
Conestoga College Institute of Technology And Advanced Learning
Online01.2025
Skills
- Enthusiastic and energetic
- Able to work independently or part of a team,
- Hardworking, professional, and organized
- Experience working with children, youth, and adults with diverse needs in different settings
- Strong hard and soft skills including good customer service and support staff experience
- Able to make quick decisions and work in a fast-paced environment
- Great programming and behavioral teaching and de-escalation skills
- Good age-appropriate communication skills, self-control, and patience
- Continued interest, willingness to learn more and knowledge in ABA, mental health and working with children, youth, and adults with diverse needs
- Good at building rapport and developing relationships with clients
- Abatable and flexible to best support client needs
Professional development
Webinar and Seminar certificates:
- The Science Behind Mental Illness,Understanding Stress Responses: Effects on Your Body and Behavior, Understanding Traumatic Grief in Children, Understanding Eating Disorders, Dealing with Difficult People in the Workplace, Understanding Motivation and Procrastination and Introduction to Children's Mental Health - Mindspring Mental Health Alliance
- The Connection Between the Microbiome, Gut Health and Mental Health- IMAGINE Research Network
- Brain Health Basics: Sleep and Relax for Brain Health and Brain Health Basics: Eat and Play for Brain Health - The Ontario Brain Institute
Courses:
- Supporting Play-Based Learning for Kids with ASD - Geneva Centre for Autism Sonderly
- The “A” Word: Exploring Anxiety from A Behavioural Perspective! - Geneva Centre for Autism Sonderly
- Putting Social Interaction at the Heart of Autism Interventions- Geneva Centre for Autism Sonderly
- Quality Listening Program- 7 Cups Academy
Training:
- Completed 37 active listening training courses and mental health training courses including active listening, peer training and training on various mental health concerns - 7 Cups Academy
Certification
- Standard first aid and CPR level C certified
- Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification Certificate ID:vsinrtjaw4 -Epilepsy Foundation
- Seizure First Aid Ready- Epilepsy Foundation
- Health and Safety Awareness for Ontario workers 2019, Health and safety for Ontario workers in 4 steps 2021, WHMIS GHS refresher 2019 and Heat stress prevention
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Urdu
Professional Working
Punjabi
Professional Working
Hindi
Limited Working
References
References will be provided on request
Timeline
Client Services Assistant
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
10.2023 - Current
Entry to School Program & PEPS Program Volunteer
SAAAC Autism Centre
04.2023 - Current
Autism Support Assistant
Geneva Centre For Autism
06.2022 - 09.2023
Student Intern
LifeWorks Children's Support Solutions
09.2021 - 04.2022
Active Listener Volunteer
7cups
01.2021 - 05.2022
Support Staff
Beatty Buddies Daycare
05.2016 - 06.2022
Honours Bachelor - Behavioral Sciences
Humber College
Micro Credential - Positive Psychology
Western Continuing Studies
Graduate Certificate - Autism And Behavioral Sciences
Conestoga College Institute of Technology And Advanced Learning
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