Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Heather Hughes

Harriston,Canada

Summary

Making a difference in people’s lives has been the driving force in my career for more than twenty years.

I have a passion for helping people, especially the vulnerable, and have had the good fortune to acquire extensive experience in supporting children, youth, adults and seniors in both community and residential settings, the school system, youth justice and long term care facilities focusing on therapeutic recreation and community support.

My leadership and management experience and my knowledge and skills span a range of specialties in support of complex needs, medical complexities and challenging behaviours. I am a strong and passionate advocate of inclusion, empowerment and independence for those in need, and I am always looking for ways to make a difference in people’s lives.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Rehabilitation Specialist

Bartimaeus Rehabilitation Services-Part Time
06.2024 - Current

Provided safe and therapeutic client care through consultation and supervision, communication and interactions

  • Provided support that aligns with patient's recovery plan objectives and needs
  • Developed programs aimed at preventing recidivism amongst previously treated clients
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive client care and optimal results
  • Delivered targeted skill-building activities tailored to each client's unique strengths and challenges
  • Supported clients in achieving their goals through structured reinforcement systems and motivational strategies
  • Developed and maintained individualised skill-appropriate lesson plans
  • Delivered crisis intervention and support in Long term care facility to clients with dementia, traumatic acquired brain injuries
  • Provided individualised care and treatment consistent with age and developmental needs of each patient

RESPITE AND RESIDENTIAL MANAGER

Hopewell Support Services
11.2020 - 12.2024
  • Manager of the adult day program, summer camp for children and community groups for both children and adults with a variety of exceptionalities: Autism, ODD, FASD, medical complexities, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders
  • Supervised a variety of residential settings including a home with 21 residents in with varying abilities, and medical complexities, and a home with 4 adults with complex behaviours.
  • Supervised employees working with residents to ensure daily care plans are followed
  • Maintained an operational budget for all project areas under my purview. Reviewed monthly financial reports and reconciled accounts to keep information current and accurate
  • Identified and hired talented individuals bringing valuable skills and experience to the team
  • Continually train, mentor and support a high-performing team of 50 employees through direct supervision, regular performance reviews, feedback and coaching to benefit both the organization and the employee
  • Supervised and provided ongoing support and supervision to Behaviour therapist team.
  • Solid knowledge of QAM, Children's licensing, the Child and Family Services Act as well as the Social Inclusion Act

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Kerry's Place Autism Services
12.2009 - 11.2020
  • Supervisory Skills
  • Provided support and guidance to community team in all areas of support
  • Directed daily operations at 3 homes overseeing the support for more than 100 children, youth and their families
  • Maintained an operational budget for all project areas under my purview. Reviewed monthly financial reports and reconciled accounts to keep information current and accurate
  • Continuously trained, mentored and supported a high-performing team of 35 employees through direct supervision, regular performance reviews, feedback and coaching to benefit both the organization and the employee
  • Ensured all legislative requirements are understood and followed
  • In co-ordination with the Director developed and assisted in the writing of appropriate funding proposals and program plans
  • Implemented policies and standard operating procedures in order to ensure quality of care
  • Collaborated with multi-disciplinary community teams to improve overall supports
  • Consulted with local community partners to understand community needs and create strategic response plans
  • Analyzed data from surveys, referrals and follow-up services on crisis intervention, community referrals and outreach services
  • Developed and incorporated community-based programs to meet various needs and monitored program effectiveness
  • Improved family satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems
  • Improved operations by working with team members and families to find workable solutions in their sons/daughters achieving personal goals
  • Collaborated with others to discuss new support opportunities, for example- Parent Support Group
  • Worked closely with team members to create goals and programming for the people they support
  • Motivated adults to participate in community activities and social events in order for them to maintain social connections and meet their individual support goals and needs
  • Strengthened community partnerships by attending local events, advocating for autism awareness, and collaborating with other organizations to provide comprehensive support services
  • Provided guidance and mentorship to adults with ASD in areas such as simple cleaning, daily exercise, employment and personal grooming
  • Provided individuals and families with emotional support and instruction in preparing healthy meals, independent living skills and employment skills
  • Monitored the progress of families towards achieving their goals, adjusting care plans as needed based on individual circumstances
  • Identified available community resources and programs for families faced with youth in diversion programs as well as youth detention centres
  • Upheld confidentiality and privacy standards for sensitive client information according to organizational policies and government regulations.

AUTISM CONSULTANT

Kerry's Place Autism Services
09.2007 - 12.2009
  • Provided excellent service and attention to families when face-to-face or through phone conversations
  • Improved operations by working with team members and families to find workable solutions in their sons/daughters achieving personal goals
  • Collaborated with others to discuss new support opportunities, for example- Parent Support Group
  • Worked closely with team members to create goals and programming for the people they support

AUTISM SUPPORT ASSOCIATE

Kerry's Place Autism Services
04.2006 - 09.2007


  • Motivated adults to participate in community activities and social events in order for them to maintain social connections and meet their individual support goals and needs
  • Strengthened community partnerships by attending local events, advocating for autism awareness, and collaborating with other organizations to provide comprehensive support services.
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to adults with ASD in areas such as simple cleaning, daily exercise, employment and personal grooming
  • Provided individuals and families with emotional support and instruction in preparing healthy meals, independent living skills and employment skills

REHABILITATION THERAPIST

Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute of Ontario
01.2005 - 03.2006
  • Planned therapeutic and recreation activities aligned with abilities, interests and therapy objectives
  • Organized and scheduled exercise programs and recreational activities to facilitate physical and emotional health of participants
  • Coordinated care with patients' family members and caregivers while communicating short and long-range goals
  • Devised personalized treatment plans, communicated with referring physicians and provided referrals based on patient evaluations

GROUP HOME BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT WORKER

Digs For Kids
01.1999 - 01.2001
  • Company Overview: Digs for Kids
  • Group Home for 4 young men with autism
  • Managed medications and oversaw compliance with personal treatment plans
  • Worked with residents to develop life skills, including how to prepare meals and keep areas clean
  • Monitored resident safety and security at the residence and on outings in the community
  • Maintained files and records for 5 clients and observed all safety protocols
  • Transported clients to locations such as medical appointments and group meetings to maintain social connections and meet medical needs
  • Helped clients maintain daily living standards by assisting with personal hygiene needs
  • Documented children's daily actions and activities and took special notes of notable incidents for daily record
  • Managed complex behaviours and crisis situations by implementing BSPs and de-escalation strategies
  • Digs for Kids
  • Group Home for 4 young men with autism

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Peel District School Board
01.1998 - 01.2001
  • Established positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers and school administrators
  • Provided students with personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support
  • Collaborated with teacher to develop and implement individual education plans with a focus on developmentally appropriate skill based lessons
  • Assisted students in participating in social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development through age-appropriate enrichment activities
  • Modeled and taught basic life skills and social skills, assisted with personal hygiene, eating as required
  • Managed crisis situations and complex behaviours helping students self-regulate and resolve conflicts

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Joint Major in Sociology and Indigenous Studies

Trent University

Skills

  • Crisis Intervention and de-escalation strategies
  • Person Centred Care and Client advocacy
  • Create/Implement behaviour and safety support plans
  • Mentorship, Coaching, Supervisory Skills
  • Case management
  • Psychosocial support
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Organizational skills
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Sydrome, Dementia, Mental Health, Medically Fragile, Acquired and Traumatic Brain injuries, Developmental disabilities, Cerebral Palsy, physical disabilities, and complex behaviours

Certification

  • Certified Instructor Crisis Prevention Institute: Non-Violent Crisis Intervention with Advanced Physical skills
  • Smart Serve Training - Certified 2024
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • ASIST training
  • Red Cross First Aid and CPR- Level C- November 2024
  • Leaders for Success-2019
  • Joint Health and Safety Certification
  • Vulnerable Sector Search - June 2024

Timeline

Rehabilitation Specialist

Bartimaeus Rehabilitation Services-Part Time
06.2024 - Current

RESPITE AND RESIDENTIAL MANAGER

Hopewell Support Services
11.2020 - 12.2024

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Kerry's Place Autism Services
12.2009 - 11.2020

AUTISM CONSULTANT

Kerry's Place Autism Services
09.2007 - 12.2009

AUTISM SUPPORT ASSOCIATE

Kerry's Place Autism Services
04.2006 - 09.2007

REHABILITATION THERAPIST

Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute of Ontario
01.2005 - 03.2006

GROUP HOME BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT WORKER

Digs For Kids
01.1999 - 01.2001

TEACHING ASSISTANT

Peel District School Board
01.1998 - 01.2001
  • Certified Instructor Crisis Prevention Institute: Non-Violent Crisis Intervention with Advanced Physical skills
  • Smart Serve Training - Certified 2024
  • Mental Health First Aid
  • ASIST training
  • Red Cross First Aid and CPR- Level C- November 2024
  • Leaders for Success-2019
  • Joint Health and Safety Certification
  • Vulnerable Sector Search - June 2024

Bachelor of Arts - Joint Major in Sociology and Indigenous Studies

Trent University
Heather Hughes