Joanna Garcia
Fontana
Summary
Innovative professional with expertise in promoting academic, career and social development programs. Experienced behavior specialist with excellent interpersonal and communication skills builds meaningful relationships with clients and families. Experienced in working with clients from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Trusted advisor that goes an extra mile to help individuals succeed.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Care Worker/Behavior Specialist
Building Bridges Foster Family Agency
03.2024 - Current
- Provide crisis intervention support to Unaccompanied Alien Children (UAC) during critical incidents, deescalating situations and ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
- Guide UAC with environmental transition through skill development and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
- Reinforce daily life skills that would enhance the UAC's ability to successfully live at home and in their community.
- Develop trusting relationships with resource parents in order to create and sustain a positive living environment for UAC.
- Develop leisure activities with behavioral team to help UAC cope with stress and build resilience through hands-on activities.
- Collaborate with UAC's clinicians and case managers to execute specialized treatment plan.
- Develop strong rapport and trusting relationships with UAC, fostering a sense of belonging and emotional security within the school setting.
- Aid teachers when needed in classroom setting with academic support.
- Transport UAC to scheduled appointments and bring them back to center.
Teacher's Aide & Morning Daycare Provider
Carden Arbor View Schoo
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
- Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by class teacher.
- Assisted with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.
- Supported campus events to increase student engagement and promote campus-wide initiatives.
- Participated in student group discussions to stimulate insights and gather resources to help facilitate program success.
- Maintained accurate child care attendance records, keeping track of which students are present each day and when they are signed out.
Housing Office Assistant
California State University, Los Angeles
05.2018 - 08.2019
- Welcomed office visitors and alerted staff to arrivals of scheduled appointments.
- Maintained confidentiality in handling sensitive information while performing administrative tasks.
- Enhanced community living experience, helped organize events and activities for residents to foster a sense of belonging.
- Coordinated with maintenance teams to address repair needs efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption for students.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Child Development, & Chicano Studies
California State University, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA05.2022
High School Diploma -
Crenshaw Arts & Technology Charter High School
Los Angeles, CA05.2018
Skills
- Behavioral Support
- Intervention Planning
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Mental Health Support
- Classroom Management
- One-to-One Instruction
- Recreational Activities
- Special Education Support
- Early Childhood Education
- Computer Proficiency
- Organizational Skills
- Attention to Detail
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Youth Care Worker/Behavior Specialist
Building Bridges Foster Family Agency
03.2024 - Current
Teacher's Aide & Morning Daycare Provider
Carden Arbor View Schoo
08.2021 - 08.2022
Housing Office Assistant
California State University, Los Angeles
05.2018 - 08.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Child Development, & Chicano Studies
California State University, Los Angeles
High School Diploma -
Crenshaw Arts & Technology Charter High School
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