Ursa Skvarca
Bowen Island
Summary
Energetic professional experienced in directing activities and helping individuals of all ages develop confidence and achieve life goals. Skilled at planning, executing, and supervising activities including arts, sports, and team-building exercises. Possesses strong interpersonal communication abilities that encourage fun while sustaining program missions.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Caregiver
Private Residence
01.2024 - Current
- Created a safe environment through routine inspections of play areas, toys, and equipment for potential hazards.
- Implemented creative problem-solving techniques to address challenges faced while caring for multiple children simultaneously.
- Improved communication skills by engaging children in age-appropriate conversations and active listening.
- Promoted healthy habits by encouraging regular exercise, outdoor play, and nutritious meals.
Camp Counsellor
Camp KIRK
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Camp KIRK is intended for children with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities and other exceptionalities.
- Supervised campers and ensured their safety, development, growth, skill achievement and general well-being.
- Facilitated and created lesson plans for daily activities, organized and led various small and large group activities.
- Led groups of children safely through variety of camp activities.
- Instructed campers to observe proper behavior and etiquette to avoid conflicts and unruly activities.
- Encouraged team performance to increase camaraderie, trust and rapport.
- Completed Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training.
Au Pair
Private Residence
03.2019 - 08.2021
- Supervised and care for two children in family residence.
- Planned, prepared and served healthy and nutritious meals for children.
- Instructed children in personal hygiene, such as toilet training, teeth, bathing.
- Organized and participated in activities such as games, crafts, reading and outings.
- Transported children safely to school, activities and appointments on time.
- Maintained effective schedule balance between rest periods, active play, and instruction.
- Supervised children on playground to help develop physical and social skills.
- Established and maintained safe play environment for children.
- Provided developmentally appropriate activities for children.
Camp Counselor
Angela Fountain & Associates
05.2019 - 08.2020
- Participated in four-week Summer Camp Program.
- Worked individually with camper who needed extra support and flexibility to successfully participate in group program.
- Worked with children of varying age, interest, skill, and developmental levels.
- Collaborated with other camp counselors to design fun and enriching learning activities for campers.
- Instructed campers to observe proper behavior and etiquette to avoid conflicts and unruly activities.
- Oversaw and taught campers basic principles to enhance wellbeing and safety measures in nature.
- Assisted with maintenance and upkeep of campgrounds to promote clean environment.
- Kept track of allergies and dietary restrictions, verifying correct meals and snacks were given to campers.
- Kept athletic and games equipment and facilities organized and maintained.
Babysitter
Private Residence
09.2017 - 04.2018
- Supervised and care for one child in family home.
- Planned, prepared and served healthy and nutritious meals.
- Played games, worked on puzzles, and read books.
- Engaged with children on age-appropriate level.
- Built positive and nurturing environments to support child social and emotional growth.
- Promoted language development skills through reading and storytelling.
- Stayed current on toy and child-related recalls and safety warnings.
- Monitored children's play activities to verify safety.
Au Pair
Private Residence
06.2017 - 08.2017
- Supervise and care for three children in family residence.
- Taught children to organize toys, wash hands, and share by leading by example.
- Applied positive behavior management techniques to enhance social interactions and emotional development.
- Developed creative activities to encourage physical, social and emotional growth.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships.
- Prepared healthy foods and beverages for children based on optimal dietary guidelines and individual restrictions.
- Discipline children according to methods requested by parents.
Volunteer
Vencer Autismo
01.2017 - 04.2017
- Implemented the Son-Rise Program method to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by creating a nurturing and engaging environment.
- Focused on enhancing the development of social skills and flexibility in young children with Autism through personalized and interactive activities.
- Systematically tracked progress based on clearly defined intervention goals, ensuring that each child's unique needs were addressed effectively.
- Delivered brief, targeted interventions to assist clients in developing healthy coping skills, promoting emotional resilience and well-being.
Daycare Assistant
Kurircek
12.2013 - 06.2015
- Promoted learning and social development through structured and unstructured playtime.
- Monitor children throughout day and ensure safety at all times.
- Designed monthly activity schedules to balance play, rest and learning time.
- Maintained clean, neat and hazard-free areas to protect kids, personnel and families.
- Provided lunchtime assistance to monitor children, assist with eating and serve food.
- Used patience, skill and various behavior modification techniques to maintain order and safety.
Assistant for Young Adults With ASD
Association of Autism
09.2017 - 06.2018
- Completed 30 hours of training on Comprehensive Support Strategies for Enhancing the Transition to Adulthood for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Multidimensional Approach to Employment, Education, and Independent Living.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Effectively collaborated in a team setting, offering support and guidance.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Education
Master's Degree in Psychology - Psychology
FAMNIT
Koper, Slovenia, Europe 08.2018 - 10.2021
B.Sc. in Biopsychology - Biopsychology
FAMNIT
Koper, Slovenia 09.2011 - 09.2015
Skills
Organizational Skills:
Facilitated SonRise Program meetings
Implemented individual therapy sessions during summer camp at Dr Angela Fountain & Associates
Coordinated and scheduled therapy sessions, ensuring efficient use of time and resources
Organized and maintained detailed client records and progress reports
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
Developed communication skills during the summer camp program at Dr Angela Fountain & Associates, focusing on interpersonal relationships with other therapists and camp counselors
Enhanced communication skills through the study of psychology, gaining knowledge of various communication techniques used in individual or group therapy and counseling Practiced active listening skills
Problem-Solving Skills:
Developed and implemented personalized therapy plans based on individual client needs and goals
Adapted therapeutic approaches to address diverse client issues and challenges
Utilized critical thinking to assess client progress and adjust treatment strategies accordingly
Technical Skills:
Proficient in using various therapeutic tools and techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
Accomplishments
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training with Camp KIRK
- Early Start Denver Model Introductory Workshop with UC Davis
Timeline
Child Caregiver
Private Residence
01.2024 - Current
Camp Counsellor
Camp KIRK
06.2022 - 08.2022
Camp Counselor
Angela Fountain & Associates
05.2019 - 08.2020
Au Pair
Private Residence
03.2019 - 08.2021
Master's Degree in Psychology - Psychology
FAMNIT
08.2018 - 10.2021
Assistant for Young Adults With ASD
Association of Autism
09.2017 - 06.2018
Babysitter
Private Residence
09.2017 - 04.2018
Au Pair
Private Residence
06.2017 - 08.2017
Volunteer
Vencer Autismo
01.2017 - 04.2017
Daycare Assistant
Kurircek
12.2013 - 06.2015
B.Sc. in Biopsychology - Biopsychology
FAMNIT
09.2011 - 09.2015