Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Paola Parra

Waterloo,ON

Summary

I am an enthusiastic and dedicated experienced worker with knowledge in psychology and a strong interest in the social field. With over two years of experience as a Personal Support Worker (PSW), I have had the opportunity to work with individuals with sensory impairments and older adults in long-term care settings, providing support and assistance tailored to their unique needs.

In addition to my PSW experience, I am currently serving as an Educational Assistant at St. John's College in the Kitchener area. Over the past year, I have gained invaluable experience contributing to the cognitive and emotional development of high-needs students. This role has not only helped improve behavioral patterns in school interactions but also positively impacted their academic performance.

My diverse background and experience working with various populations, especially those with special needs, have enabled me to develop key skills, including a strong work ethic, dedication to helping others, and the ability to work effectively within a team. Highly motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges.

I am passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of those I support and always strive to give my best in every role I undertake.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Educational Assistant

St John Catholic Elementary School
Kitchener, Ontario
11.2023 - Current

· Work closely with students identified as having high needs, providing one-on-one assistance and personalized support as outlined in their individualized education plans (IEPs). Helping with academic tasks, facilitating communication, or providing behavioral support as needed.

· Provide personal care assistance to students with high needs, including assistance with toileting, mobility, and other activities of daily living during school.

· Monitor students during transitions, recess, lunchtime, and other non-instructional periods, always ensuring their safety and well-being.

· Collaborate with the teacher, special education team, and other educational staff to share observations, exchange information, and coordinate strategies for supporting students with high needs.

Casual Intervenor

Sensity Deafblind and Sensory Support Network of Canada
Paris, Ontario
09.2021 - 07.2024

· Provide a safe and nurturing environment for people with deaf blindness to grow, learn and achieve their personal goals.

· Help everyone to communicate with the world around them in a unique way, to be heard and understood.

· Assist the deaf blind with personal care and hygiene, medication administration, and meal preparation.

· Mediate between the deafblind person and their environment to allow them to communicate effectively and receive undistorted information from the world around them.

Psychosocial Professional

Agency for Reincorporation and Normalization
Bogota, Colombia
05.2010 - 09.2018
  • Extensive experience of 8 years providing psychosocial support and rehabilitation services to individuals affected by conflict, violence, or displacement. Skilled in designing and implementing programs to promote the successful reintegration of individuals into society, focusing on their mental, emotional, and social well-being

Education

Personal Support Worker

Saint Louis Adult Learning & Continuing Education
Kitchener, ON
11-2023

Master's Degree in Psychology

Universidad Catolica De Colombia
Bogota, Colombia
12-2011

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

Universidad De Ibague
Ibague, Colombia
12-2004

Skills

Qualified Educational Assistant with over 7 months of experience supporting students with high needs at St John School Demonstrated ability to provide individualized assistance, implement behavior management strategies, and facilitate student engagement in the learning process Proficient in collaborating with teachers and maintaining a positive and inclusive classroom environment Committed to ongoing professional development and dedicated to promoting the academic, social, and emotional growth of all students"

2 years’ experience in an Intervenor Position providing support and assistance to individuals with sensory impairments

Hands-on experience in supporting children with disabilities, fostering their growth, development, and inclusion within educational and community settings

Skilled in using various communication methods and adapting strategies to meet the unique needs of everyone

High level of empathy and patience, for building trust and rapport with deafblind individuals, children and older adults with special needs

Expertise in assisting clients (older and younger people) with various daily living activities, including personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, and meal preparation

Strong team player, adept at collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including healthcare professionals, social workers, and family members

Languages

English
Professional
Spanish
Professional

Timeline

Educational Assistant

St John Catholic Elementary School
11.2023 - Current

Casual Intervenor

Sensity Deafblind and Sensory Support Network of Canada
09.2021 - 07.2024

Psychosocial Professional

Agency for Reincorporation and Normalization
05.2010 - 09.2018

Personal Support Worker

Saint Louis Adult Learning & Continuing Education

Master's Degree in Psychology

Universidad Catolica De Colombia

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

Universidad De Ibague
Paola Parra