Hi, I’m
Carissa Stanley-Smolka
Child & Youth Care Practitioner
Barrie,Ontario
Overview
7
years of professional experience
3
Years In Advanced Post Secondary Studies
Summary
- Child and youth care professional with deep expertise in providing compassionate support and guidance to young people. Skilled in crisis intervention, behavioral management, and fostering positive relationships. Strong focus on collaborative teamwork and consistently achieving impactful results. Adaptable and reliable, equipped to handle evolving challenges in dynamic environments.
Education
Georgian CollegeOrillia, Ontario
Advanced Diploma from Child & Youth Care
09.2023 - 04.2026
Bear Creek Secondary SchoolBarrie, Ontario
High School Diploma
09.2019 - 06.2023
Statement of originality and confidentiality
- I, Carissa Stanley-Smolka, certify that this portfolio is my own original work. All ideas, reflections, and materials presented are my own unless otherwise cited. I also affirm that I have maintained strict confidentiality in accordance with professional and ethical standards. Any information related to children, youth, families, or organizations has been anonymized, and identifying details have been altered or omitted to protect privacy. This portfolio reflects my learning and experiences as a Child and Youth Care Practitioner and adheres to the ethical guidelines and standards of the profession.
Statement of professional philosophy
- My philosophy as a Child and Youth Care Practitioner is grounded in the belief that every child and youth is unique, capable, and deserving of respect, safety, and understanding. I believe that all young people have strengths and the ability to grow, even when facing challenges such as trauma or adversity.
- I see my role as building trusting, meaningful relationships that create a sense of safety and connection. Through empathy, consistency, and non-judgment, I strive to meet young people where they are at and support their emotional, social, and behavioural development. I am passionate about empowering children and youth by helping them recognize their strengths and build confidence and coping skills.
- My approach is guided by trauma-informed, strength-based, and relational practices. I believe behaviour is a form of communication and should be met with curiosity and compassion. I use strategies such as co-regulation and positive reinforcement to support positive outcomes.
- I value collaboration and believe that working respectfully with colleagues, families, and other professionals is essential. I am also committed to creating inclusive environments where all children and youth feel a sense of belonging, with a strong focus on cultural awareness and respect.
- Overall, I strive to support children and youth with empathy, professionalism, and integrity, helping them feel safe, valued, and capable of reaching their full potential.
Portfolio
Résumé
Skills
- Safety & First-Aid
- Empathetic & Positive
- Ability to learn quickly & Efficiently
- Adaptability & Conflict Resolution
- Professional Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Team Collaboration
- Confidentiality & Ethical Documentation
- Trauma Informed Care
- Crisis Intervention
- Emotional Intelligence & Regulation
- Special Needs Support
Certification
- First Aid, CPR Level C Certified – 2025
- Crisis Intervention Certified – 2025
- Smart Serve & WHMIS Certified – 2025
- Safeguard Aquatic Training Certified – 2020
- High Five Principles Of Healthy Child Development Certified – 2020
- Bronze Cross – 2020
Timeline
Child & Youth Care Practitioner, Placement Student
Brookstone Academy
09.2025 - 04.2026
Child & Youth Care Practitioner, Placement Student
Orillia Natives Women's Group
09.2024 - 01.2025
Georgian College
Advanced Diploma from Child & Youth Care
09.2023 - 04.2026
Early Childhood Educator, After School Educator
My Pre-Academy
06.2023 - 05.2025
Camp Counselor & Youth Centre Staff
City Of Barrie
06.2021 - 01.2023
Bear Creek Secondary School
High School Diploma
09.2019 - 06.2023
Kids Camp Event Staff Leader
Mapleview Community Church
06.2019 - 09.2019
Work History
Brookstone AcademyBarrie, ON
Child & Youth Care Practitioner, Placement Student
09.2025 - 04.2026
Job overview
- Developed and implemented individualized, trauma-informed care plans to support youth emotional, behavioral, and developmental goals.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation to maintain safety and stability in high-risk situations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams and families to coordinate services and improve client outcomes.
- Designed and facilitated therapeutic and life-skills programming to promote positive behavior and engagement.
- Monitored progress, adjusted interventions as needed, and advocated for client access to appropriate community supports.
My Pre-AcademyBarrie, ON
Early Childhood Educator, After School Educator
06.2023 - 05.2025
Job overview
- Monitored and supported children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development through observation and individualized activities.
- Implemented inclusive learning strategies to support children with diverse abilities and special needs.
- Communicated effectively with parents and staff regarding progress, behavior, and individualized support plans.
- Led aftercare programming, supervised daily routines and dismissals, and ensured safety, hygiene, and documentation compliance.
- Administered medication and first aid as required while maintaining confidentiality and professional childcare standards.
Orillia Natives Women's GroupOrillia, ON
Child & Youth Care Practitioner, Placement Student
09.2024 - 01.2025
Job overview
- Developed and implemented culturally responsive, trauma-informed care plans to support Indigenous children, youth, women, and families.
- Connected families with specialized community resources, including housing, financial assistance, support groups, and crisis services.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation support, assessing risk and implementing individualized safety plans.
- Applied behavioral intervention and positive reinforcement strategies to promote social skills, emotional growth, and risk reduction.
- Maintained strict confidentiality and safety protocols while supporting community engagement initiatives and workshops.
City Of BarrieBarrie, ON
Camp Counselor & Youth Centre Staff
06.2021 - 01.2023
Job overview
- Planned and led engaging recreational activities for groups of 6–10 children, promoting creativity, teamwork, and healthy development through HIGH FIVE principles.
- Ensured participant safety across parks, swimming facilities, and activity sites while administering first aid, medication, and completing incident documentation.
- Provided crisis support to youth, connecting them with appropriate resources based on individual needs.
- Collaborated with law enforcement and social services when required and advocated for youth throughout investigative processes.
- Mentored junior staff and facilitated effective communication between families and team members to maintain a positive, supportive environment.
Mapleview Community Church Barrie, ON
Kids Camp Event Staff Leader
06.2019 - 09.2019
Job overview
- Streamlined communication between church staff, volunteers, youth, and families to ensure coordinated program delivery.
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate curriculum to support children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development.
- Fostered positive, collaborative relationships with team members to promote an inclusive and supportive environment.
- Coordinated event setup and breakdown, ensuring organized, efficient transitions between activities.
- Maintained organized facilities, equipment, and supplies to support safe and engaging programming.