DENESHA THOMPSON
Toronto,ON
Summary
Experienced support professional with strong focus on fostering positive relationships and personal growth. Skilled in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and mentoring, with proven track record of adapting to changing needs and collaborating effectively within teams. Reliable and results-driven, capable of creating impactful programs and supporting youth in achieving their goals. Equipped with excellent communication and problem-solving skills, ensuring supportive and safe environment for all.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Housing & Drop-In Relief Worker
Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre
03.2025 - Current
- Supported clients with daily needs such as meals, hygiene supplies, housing referrals, and access to social services.
- Built positive, trusting relationships through active listening, empathy, and non-judgmental communication.
- Assisted in setting up and cleaning drop-in spaces to ensure a clean and organized environment for all visitors.
- Promoted dignity, inclusion, and empowerment among participants by fostering a respectful and supportive atmosphere.
- Upheld harm-reduction principles while responding to mental health and substance-related crises.
Child and Youth Worker
Kinnect Support Services
11.2024 - 05.2026
- Delivered support services across multiple settings, including schools, open custody facilities, youth shelters, and adult homeless shelters.
- Provided individualized assistance to both youth and adults facing housing instability, trauma, mental health challenges, and justice involvement.
- Responded to crises using trauma-informed, de-escalation, and strength-based approaches.
Child And Youth Support Worker
Carpe Diem Residential Therapeutic Treatment Homes
04.2024 - 07.2025
- Supervised youths in residential and community-based programs to reduce hazards and provide assistance.
- Worked with youth that have FASD, Autism, suicidal ideation, and self-harming
- Managed crisis interventions when required by assessing risks while collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams.
- Enhanced youth development by implementing engaging and interactive activities tailored to individual needs.
- Reduced behavioural issues by establishing clear expectations.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of special events, creating memorable experiences for youth members.
Child & Youth Worker
Judah Care Inc
01.2021 - 05.2024
- Nurtured child development through personalized care plans, fostering emotional growth and social skills in diverse youth groups
- Implemented behavior management strategies, reducing incident reports and enhancing overall program effectiveness
- Partnered with families and multidisciplinary teams to create holistic support systems, ensuring consistent care across environments
- Developed creative activities tailored to individual needs, promoting engagement and skill development in children of various ages
- Maintained meticulous documentation of child progress, interventions, and outcomes, supporting data-driven decision-making in care plans
Freelance-Organizational & Social Benefit Service
Gary A. Newman
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Spearheaded organizational initiatives, enhancing social benefit services
- Implemented creative solutions, resulting in improved community engagement and resource allocation
- Optimized service delivery processes, leading to substantial increase in client satisfaction
- Tracked and analyzed performance metrics to drive continuous improvement
- Fostered partnerships with local organizations, expanding reach of social benefit programs
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to deliver comprehensive support services
Education
DIPLOMA - COMMUNITY & JUSTICE SERVICES
Centennial College of Applied Arts And Technology
Scarborough, ON05-2021
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE - INDIGENOUS STUDIES: FIRST PEOPLES STORIES
Centennial College of Applied Arts And Technology
Scarborough, ON05-2021
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
St. Marguerite D' Youville Secondary School
Brampton, ON06-2006
Skills
- Trauma Informed Care: Supporting Children & Youth
- PRIDE (Parent Resources For Information, Development & Education
- Substance Abuse Awareness
- De-escalation techniques
- Youth Development
- Crisis Management
- First Aid & CPR
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Certification
- First Aid Certification
- U.M.A.B.
- CPR/AED Certification
- PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development & Education)
- Trauma Informed Care: Supporting Children & Youth
Timeline
Housing & Drop-In Relief Worker
Parkdale Activity Recreation Centre
03.2025 - Current
Child and Youth Worker
Kinnect Support Services
11.2024 - 05.2026
Child And Youth Support Worker
Carpe Diem Residential Therapeutic Treatment Homes
04.2024 - 07.2025
Child & Youth Worker
Judah Care Inc
01.2021 - 05.2024
Freelance-Organizational & Social Benefit Service
Gary A. Newman
01.2019 - 01.2022
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE - INDIGENOUS STUDIES: FIRST PEOPLES STORIES
Centennial College of Applied Arts And Technology
HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA -
St. Marguerite D' Youville Secondary School
DIPLOMA - COMMUNITY & JUSTICE SERVICES
Centennial College of Applied Arts And Technology