Donna Cushnie-Alexander
Winnipeg,MB
Advertisement #43752
Educational Assistant #43752
Summary
With 8+ years at Louis Riel School Division, and 10+ years as a Foster Parent, I've excelled in supporting special needs students/children, leveraging skills in learning and empathy to foster educational growth. In my role as a mentor and
educational professional with a proven track record in supporting classroom activities and enhancing student learning experiences.
I am flexible in adapting to changing educational needs. Effective at fostering positive learning environment and employing instructional support techniques.
I'm successful at working with students from diverse backgrounds. Combining real-life experience with certified hours of student teaching experience to provide engaging and interactive learning environment.
Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Educational Assistant - Special Needs
Louis Riel School Division
09.2016 - Current
- Friendly and energetic with over 40 years experience supporting special needs students
- Ability to work individually and with a team
- Developed strong rapport with students, fostering trust and mutual respect to create a positive classroom atmosphere conducive to learning.
- Support students with special needs by adapting lessons and providing necessary accommodations in collaboration with education staff.
- Encouraged social-emotional growth among students by modeling appropriate behavior and guiding conversations around self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision making.
- Improved student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instructional strategies tailored to individual learning needs.
- Tailored lesson plans for students with emotional and cognitive disabilities.
- Served as a mentor for new educational assistants, sharing best practices and offering guidance throughout their first years in the role.
- Coordinated with other staff members to ensure seamless transitions between classes or grade levels for students requiring additional support services.
- Participated in professional development opportunities regularly, and incorporating new strategies into teaching practices.
On Call Emergency Caretaker
WRE Development
01.2024 - Current
- Improved resident satisfaction by promptly addressing maintenance requests and ensuring a clean living environment.
- Addressed emergency situations with calm and efficiency, ensuring resident safety.
- Evenings and weekends...one week a month
Specialized Foster Parent
Mamawii
06.2011 - 04.2021
- Fostered cultural competence within the family by celebrating diverse traditions, customs, and holidays relevant to each child''s background.
- Maintained detailed records of children''s progress, medical appointments, and school activities for regular review by caseworkers.
- Facilitated the integration of new foster children into the household by providing a warm welcome and thorough orientation to house rules and expectations.
- Promoted educational success by assisting with homework assignments, monitoring school performance, and attending parent-teacher conferences.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to address challenging behaviors while promoting personal growth and development.
- Advocated for the best interests of each child during court hearings or case reviews involving decisions about their future placements or permanency plans.
- Connected children with community resources such as recreational programs or mental health services tailored to their specific interests or needs.
- Nurtured resilience in foster children by helping them understand their strengths and building self-esteem through encouragement and praise.
- Coordinated with therapists, educators, and other professionals to ensure all aspects of each child''s needs were met.
- Provided consistent emotional support and guidance to help children cope with past trauma and adjust to their new living situation.
- Attended ongoing training sessions to stay current on best practices in foster care provision and trauma-informed parenting techniques.
- Transported kids to mandated therapy, extracurricular activities and medical appointments.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Improved children's health by preparing healthy meals and snacks.
- Helped reunify birth families through coordinated visitation strategies.
Education
Educational Assistant
Jobworks
Winnipeg, MB03-2017
GED -
Youth Business Learning And Development
Winnipeg, MB01-1987
Skills
- Certified Educational Assistant
- Adept at working with Special Needs students
- WEVAS
- Non Violent Crisis Intervention
- Emergency First Aid CPR/AED Level C
- Suicide Prevention
- Reclaiming Youth International RAP Working with children and youth at risk
- Code of Honor Training
- Gentle Teaching
- Magic 123
- Manitoba Foster Parent Mentorship Program
- Positive reinforcement
Languages
English
Volunteer Work
Heart and Stroke Foundation - Area Captain - Canvassing
Cancer Care Manitoba - Canvassing
Jocelyn House - Cooking meals and visiting with patients
Metis
Knowledge of Indigenous Culture
Timeline
On Call Emergency Caretaker
WRE Development
01.2024 - Current
Educational Assistant - Special Needs
Louis Riel School Division
09.2016 - Current
Specialized Foster Parent
Mamawii
06.2011 - 04.2021
Educational Assistant
Jobworks
GED -
Youth Business Learning And Development
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