Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Chelsea Smitheram

West Kelowna

Summary

Experienced social work professional with a proven track record in supporting student well-being and academic success. Skilled in developing and implementing effective intervention plans to ensure students have access to necessary resources and support. Recognized for collaborative approach and ability to adapt to evolving needs. Strong background in student advocacy, ready to drive meaningful changes in educational environments. Effective communication, conflict resolution, and empathetic support skills contribute to a collaborative spirit within team efforts. Expertise in counseling, cultural support, resource coordination, and policy implementation to empower student success and well-being.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Indigenous Student Advocate

School District #23
10.2019 - Current
  • Providing links between home and school;
  • Cultural teachings;
  • Offer and encourage students to participate in cultural learning/field studies, sports and art project opportunities;
  • Assist students with bursary and scholarship opportunities;
  • Providing emotional, social, academic, and behavioral support;
  • Motivating and celebrating your child's success;
  • Goal setting and career planning;
  • Working closely with teachers and other personnel to plan effectively for students
  • Monitor attendance
  • Health, food, clothing, housing support

Aboriginal Child Development Program Coordinator/Consultant

Westbank First Nation
09.2018 - 09.2019
  • Provide 1:1 and group therapeutic interventions
  • Develop and implement behavior plans for clients
  • Conduct intake assessments and make appropriate referrals
  • Organize cultural groups and family events
  • Support parents and families in fostering healthy relationships

Casual Education Assistant

School District #73
09.2017 - 01.2018
  • Assisted in curriculum adaptation and individual learning strategies
  • Provided emotional and behavioral support to students
  • Communicated regularly with caregivers and teachers regarding student progress
  • Supported instructional programs for students with diverse needs

Child, Youth & Family Support Worker

School District #68
01.2016 - 06.2017
  • Assisted students with learning and skill development, adapting curriculum to suit individual needs
  • Provided behavioral and emotional support in both individual and group settings
  • Worked 1:1 with students in the community, ensuring their goals were met
  • Documented student progress through daily logs and reports

Behavioral Interventionist/Education Assistant

Footholds Therapy Centre
06.2015 - 01.2016
  • Delivered one-on-one therapy for clients with emotional, learning, and developmental challenges
  • Used Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies to improve life skills for youth on the Autism Spectrum
  • Provided case management and detailed data tracking for each client
  • Partnered with parents to create consistent routines and expectations across home and school settings, reinforcing desired behaviors more effectively.

Education

Bachelor of Social Work -

Thompson Rivers University
Kamloops, BC
01.2014

Social Service Worker Certificate -

Selkirk College
Castlegar, BC
01.2011

Associates of Arts - Psychology

Selkirk College
Castlegar, BC
01.2011

Associates of Mental Health and Addictions -

Selkirk College
Castlegar, BC
01.2011

Skills

  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Expertise in behavior management and crisis intervention
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and other computer programs
  • Ability to build rapport and trust with clients and families
  • Skilled in fostering collaborative, culturally-sensitive environments
  • Strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities
  • Goal setting and prioritization

Certification

  • Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
  • Indigenous Cultural Competency Training/Workshop
  • Motivational Interviewing Certificate
  • Behavioral Intervention Training (Footholds)
  • CPR/First Aid Certified
  • Trauma-Informed Care Certificate
  • Microsoft Office/Computer Science

Timeline

Indigenous Student Advocate

School District #23
10.2019 - Current

Aboriginal Child Development Program Coordinator/Consultant

Westbank First Nation
09.2018 - 09.2019

Casual Education Assistant

School District #73
09.2017 - 01.2018

Child, Youth & Family Support Worker

School District #68
01.2016 - 06.2017

Behavioral Interventionist/Education Assistant

Footholds Therapy Centre
06.2015 - 01.2016

Social Service Worker Certificate -

Selkirk College

Associates of Arts - Psychology

Selkirk College

Associates of Mental Health and Addictions -

Selkirk College
  • Non-Violent Crisis Intervention
  • Indigenous Cultural Competency Training/Workshop
  • Motivational Interviewing Certificate
  • Behavioral Intervention Training (Footholds)
  • CPR/First Aid Certified
  • Trauma-Informed Care Certificate
  • Microsoft Office/Computer Science

Bachelor of Social Work -

Thompson Rivers University
Chelsea Smitheram