LORETTE MERCIER
Vancouver,BC
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented professional dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals. Extensive experience in the disability and non-profit sectors includes expertise in program development and exceptional service delivery. Recognized for artistic creativity and a proven ability to foster inclusion while promoting independence. Committed to leveraging skills and passion to support and advance organizational missions and goals.
Overview
2
2
Languages
1
1
Certificate
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Resource Worker
The Excel Society
05.2008 - 11.2018
- Supported individuals with disabilities in enriching their lives, learning skills for independence, and achieving their goals within a day program setting.
- Designed and implemented individualized programs and activities tailored to clients’ needs and goals.
- Facilitated skill-building sessions to promote self-sufficiency, including life skills, vocational training, and social skills.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients, families, and caregivers to ensure collaborative support.
- Monitored and assessed client progress, adjusting programs and strategies as needed to meet evolving needs.
- Provided one-on-one and group support to assist clients in overcoming barriers and achieving personal milestones.
- Coordinated with community resources and services to enhance program offerings and provide comprehensive support.
- Ensured a safe and inclusive environment by managing behavioral issues and addressing any challenges promptly.
- Documented client interactions, progress, and program outcomes in accordance with organizational policies.
- 10 years combined experience
- Developed individualized service plans in collaboration with clients and multidisciplinary teams.
- Engaged with local organizations to strengthen partnerships and improve service delivery.
- Provided crisis intervention and conflict resolution support to clients in distressing situations.
- Trained new staff on organizational policies, resource navigation, and client engagement strategies.
- Improved community access to resources through developing comprehensive guides and directories.
- Enhanced community engagement by organizing and leading educational workshops on available resources.
- Facilitated workshops on life skills and personal development to empower community members.
Disability Assistant
Kids Included
11.2024 - 06.2026
- Developed engaging, play-based activities that promoted social skills and peer interactions among children.
- Assisted children with disabilities in reaching goals and milestones, fostering independence and confidence.
- Implemented individualized support plans to address specific needs of each child.
- Collaborated with educators and therapists to enhance learning experiences for students.
- Developed engaging activities that promoted social skills and peer interactions among children.
- Monitored progress and documented behavioral changes to inform adjustments in care strategies.
- Provided emotional support, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all participants.
Community Disability Support Practitioner
Chrysalis
05.2021 - 10.2023
- Contributed to case conferences to design innovative strategies for individuals with complex needs.
- Provided tailored support to clients, including crisis intervention and positive behavioral programs.
- Supported clients in exploring their goals and passions, facilitating their personal growth.
- Developed and launched innovative programming, incorporating a process-focused model to enhance the art program.
- Applied a strengths-based approach to service delivery, creating adaptive tools to meet individual needs.
- Developed personalized communication tools using Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles.
- Conducted assessments to identify client needs and develop individualized support plans.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care and support.
- Monitored and evaluated client progress, adjusting strategies and interventions as needed.
- Advocated for clients’ rights and access to services, resources, and community integration.
- Facilitated life skills training and support, promoting greater independence and self-sufficiency.
- Documented client interactions, progress, and outcomes in compliance with organizational policies.
- Developed individualized support plans based on client needs and goals to foster personal growth.
- Implemented positive behavior support strategies, improving client engagement and reducing challenging behaviors.
- Trained new staff on best practices for client interaction and support techniques, improving team performance.
Educational Assistant
Edmonton Public Schools
12.2018 - 05.2020
- Collaborate with my team to design and implement strategies that promote the academic and emotional success of students with complex needs.
- Engaged regularly with families to offer customized support tailored to their specific requirements.
- Collaborated with teachers to create engaging at-home learning activities using Google Classroom, Google Slides, and Jamboard.
- Coordinated with educators, OTs, and administrators to address and manage behavioral challenges in students.
- Executed individualized plans by implementing targeted strategies and programs for each student.
- Assisted with the development and adaptation of educational materials to accommodate diverse learning needs.
- Provided one-on-one and small group support to facilitate student participation and engagement in classroom activities.
- Monitored and documented student progress, behavior, and development to inform instructional adjustments.
- Facilitated inclusive classroom environments by promoting peer interaction and social skills development.
- Supported the implementation of behavioral interventions and positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors.
Education
Community and Disability Rehabilitation
Lethbridge College
01-2013
Diploma - Hairstyling
MC College
Edmonton, ABDiploma -
Harry Collinge High School
Hinton, ABSkills
- Innovative Disability Support: Leveraged a deep understanding of disability needs to craft tailored programs that empower individuals and promote their independence
- Relationship Builder: Excelled in creating strong, meaningful connections with clients, families, and colleagues, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment
- Creative Program Development: Pioneered engaging arts programs, including music and visual arts, that are designed to be accessible and resonate with diverse sensory needs
- Sensory Adaptation Expert: Skillfully designed activities and environments to accommodate and enhance sensory experiences, ensuring all participants can fully engage and benefit
- Client-Centric Solutions: Focused on personalized support and creative problem-solving to help clients achieve their unique goals and aspirations
- Collaborative Spirit: Worked seamlessly with multidisciplinary teams, blending diverse ideas and approaches to create dynamic and effective support strategies
- Client advocacy
- Mental health support
- Trauma-informed care
- Relationship building
- Crisis intervention
Accomplishments
Collaborated with a multi-disciplinary team to develop and pilot a new process focused art program for adults with developmental disabilities that was more inclusive and strengths based with a focus on belonging, material exploration and autonomy.
Participated in the All-In Music Project. A collaboration among 14 professional Edmonton-area musicians and 130 adults with developmental disabilities who composed, rehearsed and recorded a 16-track album.
Designed an inclusive music program that incorporated visual aids, songs, colors, and symbols to attract as much participation as possible.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Limited Working
Certification
- Mental Health First Aid
- ASIST
- First Aid & CPR/AED Level C
- Abuse Prevention & Response Protocol
- Non Violent Crisis Intervention
- Responding to Behaviours of Concern
- Positive Behavioural Supports
- Supportive Workplace Diversity
- Person-Centered Planning
- Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
Timeline
Disability Assistant
Kids Included
11.2024 - 06.2026
Community Disability Support Practitioner
Chrysalis
05.2021 - 10.2023
Educational Assistant
Edmonton Public Schools
12.2018 - 05.2020
Community Resource Worker
The Excel Society
05.2008 - 11.2018
Community and Disability Rehabilitation
Lethbridge College
Diploma - Hairstyling
MC College
Diploma -
Harry Collinge High School