Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteer Experience
Awards
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Pearse Sweeney

Halifax,Canada

Summary

An analytical and organized individual with a growth mindset and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Honours), bringing 4 years of experience in team-based settings supporting vulnerable individuals through personal care, recreational therapy, and social development. Recognized as a charismatic, reliable, and collaborative leader with a strong track record of managing people and programs. Over the course of five years, successfully planned and facilitated recurring programs for more than 50 long-term care residents with diverse needs, while leading a team of 6 volunteers and 4 long-term care staff. Additionally, contributed to the development, implementation, and delivery of therapeutic programming for over 146 long-term care residents. Demonstrates a high degree of empathy, conducting thorough case analyses and maintaining consistent communication with team members and stakeholders to ensure best care practices.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Music Therapy Assistant/Recreational Therapy Assistant

Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home
Halifax, Canada
04.2021 - Current
  • Tracking resident participation by entering program activity data in Microsoft Excel and PointClickCare to ensure that residents are participating in recreational programs.
  • Updating progress notes of resident’s behavior through PointClickCare on a weekly basis to track behavioral trends and to alter care practices as needed.
  • Administering music therapy techniques to aid in neurology, relaxation, pain, and end of life care.
  • Facilitating a variety of inclusive recreational programs for residents while adapting to meet individualized needs and environmental safety resulting in offering an inclusive experience.
  • Lead a large-scale music therapy program in a long-term care facility, overseeing volunteers and care assistants and coordinating programming for residents with diverse cognitive and physical needs.

Global Learning and Intercultural Support Ambassador

Saint Mary’s University
Halifax, Canada
02.2021 - 03.2021
  • Worked on a team of researchers to create a transition guide for Saint Mary’s study abroad students by researching exchange programs from partner schools to help with adjusting to a foreign environment.

Educational Program Assistant

Joseph Howe Elementary School
Halifax, Canada
09.2018 - 03.2020
  • Assisting children who require one on one support in classroom settings through implementing behavioral intervention and adaptive learning strategies.

After School Program Staff

George Dixon Centre
Halifax, Canada
09.2017 - 03.2020
  • Maximizing inclusion and development for children with support needs through evidence-based recreational practices.

Inclusion Staff

Halifax Regional Municipality
Halifax, Canada
07.2018 - 08.2018
  • Maximizing inclusion and development for children with support needs through evidence-based recreational practices.

Support Worker

Playing and Learning Together
04.2018 - 06.2018
  • Supporting adults with special needs grow and learn through evidence-based practices in a recreational environment.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology (Honours)

Saint Mary’s University
Halifax, NS
04.2025

Skills

  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Leadership and facilitation
  • Effective communication
  • Conflict resolution
  • Data analysis
  • Crisis intervention
  • Behavioral planning
  • Recreational therapy
  • Microsoft Excel proficiency
  • Client support
  • Time management
  • Healthcare software usage

Volunteer Experience

  • After school tutor, Chebucto Connections, 02/01/24, 04/30/24, Providing academic and social support for junior high and high school students in the Spryfield area fostering academic success and a strong community atmosphere.
  • Student Speaker, Deputy Minister Visit to Saint Mary’s University, 03/20/24, Developed and delivered a five-minute presentation on the Student Employment Initiative Program at Saint Mary’s University highlighting the programs focus on helping university students with disabilities develop concrete skills in the workforce.
  • Volunteer, Peaceful Schools International, 12/01/22, 01/31/23, Developed and participated in fundraisers to send Saint Mary’s University students to Northern Ireland to teach peace education.
  • Student Representative, Accessibility Manager Interviews, 05/30/22, Acted as representative for the student body of Saint Mary’s University by collaborating with a hiring committee, asking thoughtful and engaging questions to potential candidates to fulfill the role of Manager of Student Accessibility for the Fred Smithers Centre at Saint Mary’s University.

Awards

  • Joyce Foundation Opportunities, $2960, 2022
  • F & L Donahoe Family Scholarship, $1000, 2013
  • Nicola Schwind Scholarship, $4200, 2012

Accomplishments

Thesis: “Dehumanizing AI: an investigation into the AI composer bias”

Supervisor: Dr. Jim Cameron

Timeline

Music Therapy Assistant/Recreational Therapy Assistant

Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home
04.2021 - Current

Global Learning and Intercultural Support Ambassador

Saint Mary’s University
02.2021 - 03.2021

Educational Program Assistant

Joseph Howe Elementary School
09.2018 - 03.2020

Inclusion Staff

Halifax Regional Municipality
07.2018 - 08.2018

Support Worker

Playing and Learning Together
04.2018 - 06.2018

After School Program Staff

George Dixon Centre
09.2017 - 03.2020

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology (Honours)

Saint Mary’s University
Pearse Sweeney