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, BC01.2014
Social Service Worker Certificate -
Selkirk College
Castlegar, BC01.2011
Associates of Arts - Psychology
Selkirk College
Castlegar, BC01.2011
Associates of Mental Health and Addictions -
Selkirk College
Castlegar, BC01.2011
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
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