Karissa Foster
North Bay,ON
Summary
A professional individual with practical experience promoting children and youths' growth and development through advocacy, mentoring, and evidence-based interventions as a committed and caring child and youth care worker. Has the ability to empower young people, cultivate emotional awareness, and establish trust. Demonstrates a strong desire to establish inclusive settings that put people's health and meaningful participation first.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
In-School Mentor (Field Placement)
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Orillia , Ontario
09.2024 - Current
- Provide children and youth with a role model and a friend to talk to and share experiences of growing up with.
- Help the children and youth create goals for themselves
- Build close and trusting relationships with the children and youth
- Plan different activities for the children and youth weekly
Assistant Teacher (Field Placement)
West Ridge Early Childcare Center
Orillia, Ontario
09.2024 - 12.2025
- Created developmentally appropriate lesson plans
- Taught and performed age-appropriate activities, such as lap play, reading, and arts and crafts to encourage intellectual development of children
- Performed housekeeping and cleaning duties related to children’s care
- Helped prepare and serve nutritionally balanced meals and snacks for children
- Maintained a safe play environment
Camp Counselor
YMCA Simcoe Muskoka
Orillia, Ontario
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Lead and participated with the campers in daily activities
- A role model for safety and am responsible for the supervision and security of the campers in my care at all times.
- Supported the children’s emotional and social development, encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
- Interacted with the campers in a positive and supportive manner.
Child Care Supply Educator
YMCA Simcoe Muskoka
Orillia, Ontario
07.2023 - 06.2024
- Communicated with children’s parents or guardians about daily activities, behaviors, and related issues.
- Maintained a safe play environment
- Read to children and teach them simple paintings, drawings, handcrafts, and songs
- Observed and monitored children’s play activities.
- Provided direct care to children
Kitchen Staff
Red Lobster
Brampton , ON
07.2021 - 08.2022
- Contributed to a successful kitchen operations with smooth handling of daily checklists
- Assisted the cook team by preparing soups and salads.
- Maintained order and cleanliness of work areas to conform with health codes
Teacher Assistant
PLASP
Brampton, Ontario
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Supervised children in a classroom setting
- Participated with children play and therapeutic activities
- Planned and engaged in activities with the children
Education
Advanced Diploma - Child And Youth Care
Georgian College
Orillia, ON04-2025
High School Diploma -
Bramalea Secondary School
Brampton, ON06-2022
Skills
- Building trusting therapeutic relationships with children and youth
- Strong advocacy skills
- Conflict resolution skills
- Active listening
- Leadership skills
- Adaptable and empathetic
- Strong communication skills as well as interpersonal skills
- Effective time management and organization
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Crisis intervention skills
Certification
- Vulnerable Sector Check
- CPR-C & First Aid
- Non-violent Crisis Intervention Training
- Addictions 101 (CAMH)
- Mental Health 101 (CAMH)
Timeline
In-School Mentor (Field Placement)
Big Brothers Big Sisters
09.2024 - Current
Assistant Teacher (Field Placement)
West Ridge Early Childcare Center
09.2024 - 12.2025
Camp Counselor
YMCA Simcoe Muskoka
06.2024 - 08.2024
Child Care Supply Educator
YMCA Simcoe Muskoka
07.2023 - 06.2024
Kitchen Staff
Red Lobster
07.2021 - 08.2022
Teacher Assistant
PLASP
09.2019 - 03.2020
Advanced Diploma - Child And Youth Care
Georgian College
High School Diploma -
Bramalea Secondary School
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