Melanie Gillespie
Waterloo,ON
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Child and Youth Worker, focused on supporting and advocating for all students by providing meaningful support based on individual needs. Successful at, and take pride in maintaining positive peer and student relationships.
With 20 + years of experience, provides support for emotional, social and personal development of young individuals. Understanding and accommodating in assisting youth navigate various situations using healthy coping skills. In addition, assists within an education team to assess student needs and develop plans that outline strategies to reinforce skill building and school success for youth. Proficient in communication, patience, and accessing appropriate resources to deliver exceptional support to youth using a strengths-based approach, fostering mental wellness, personal achievement and academic support.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Child and Youth Worker
Waterloo Region District School Board
09.2021 - Current
- Develop rapport with students to create a safe and trusting environment for youth
- Consult administration, social workers, teachers and other school personnel to determine best course of action for individual cases.
- Apply theoretical and behavioral knowledge to maintain safety during crisis moments.
- Assist students and families in developing a support network by identifying and utilizing community resources and services.
- Collaborate with community program leaders and advocates to make resources accessible to students and families.
- Build solid and trusting rapport with students, fostering trust and communication to meet individual needs.
- Report suspected cases of child abuse in accordance with legal standards of mandatory reporters
- Document data and complete accurate updates to case records
Educational Assistant
Waterloo Region District School Board
09.2001 - Current
- Secondary and Primary experience
- Academic and behavioural support
- Small group and one-to-one instruction
- Resource support
- Mental health support
- Managed and led activities promoting growth in mental wellness, social/emotional skills and academic areas
- Provided key emotional and academic support to special needs youth.
Support Worker- Weekend Parent Relief
KW Habilitation Services
06.2001 - 08.2001
- Assisted clients with daily living needs
- Provided safe mobility support
- Tracked and documented client behaviour/daily activities
- Transported clients to appointments, shopping venues and entertainment events according to determined schedule
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Music Therapy, Social Welfare
Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, ONResource Teacher Diploma -
Conestoga College
Kitchener, ONSkills
- Positive attitude
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Flexible and adaptable
- Proficient in working independently and within a team
- Anti-racist advocate and ally
- Advocate for LGBTQ community and ally
- Understanding of diverse needs
- Youth advocate
- Cultural Awareness
- Advocate for mental health
- Highly organized
- Compassionate
- Comfortable with technology and distance learning models
- Open-minded and forward thinking
- Creative and resourceful
- Committed to lifelong learning
- Skilled in accessing Community Resources
Additional Information
- April 2024 - Successfully obtained $15,000 grant from President's Choice Children's Charity to support CHCI's Nutrition For Learning program
- January 2020- Volunteer for Future of Work and Youth Leadership in Art, Music and Business conference featuring President Barack Obama.
- 2017-2020 - Facilitated a group for at -risk girls at Glencairn P.S
- June 2019 - Organized Waterloo Warriors Football Huddle Up assembly at Glencairn P.S
- 2010-2016 - Faculty Advisor for Cameron Heights Key Club
- 2016 - Recipient of the Allen Stewart Most Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award from Key Club International -Eastern Canada District
- 2013-2016 -Assistant Coach for Cameron Heights Girls Varsity Soccer
- 25+ years - Piano teacher
Professional Development
- Professional member of OACYC ( Ontario Association of Child & Youth Care )
- Behaviour Management Systems
- Introduction to Mindfulness
- Conference- Helping youth who live in toxic situations
- 4 Big Questions - Racial Justice in Education ( Facilitated by Pamala Agawa, Kike Ojo-Thompson, Debbie Donsky , Paul Gorski)
- Webinar facilitated by Ibram X. Kendi- How to be an Anti-Racist
Timeline
Child and Youth Worker
Waterloo Region District School Board
09.2021 - Current
Educational Assistant
Waterloo Region District School Board
09.2001 - Current
Support Worker- Weekend Parent Relief
KW Habilitation Services
06.2001 - 08.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Music Therapy, Social Welfare
Wilfrid Laurier University
Resource Teacher Diploma -
Conestoga College