PROFILE

Caring and dedicated professional with the knowledge of systems related to the provision of services to children with special needs

Outstanding ability to work with families, local health department and education staff and impart information accurately

Skilled in dealing with families in crisis

Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the Part C of IDEA law (Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities) and associated regulations

Resourceful problem-solver with a talent for identifying needs and presenting effective solutions

Excellent interpersonal, communication and listening skills; able to interact with children, parents, teachers, and community agencies to provide the services that meet the needs of the children

Fluent in Spanish.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Family Counseling and Children's Services, Adrian, Michigan 2006-Present

Visitation Specialist Part-Time

•  Observe supervised visitation for parents of children of abuse and neglect.

•  Transport children to and from parenting time with biological parents.

•  Provide reports to the foster care workers.

Lenawee Intermediate School District, Adrian, Michigan 2000-2007

Parent Support Coordinator

•  Contracted through the Lenawee Intermediate School District to conduct home visits to evaluate development levels for children. Determine qualifications for free home services.

•  Coordinate with school speech therapists, physical therapists and occupational therapists to provided needed services to improve development.

•  Develop individual family service plans with input from the family that documents what services will be provided. This plan is reviewed every six months to evaluate progress.

•  Accurately document all visits, evaluations and progress.

•  Act as resource specialist, providing information on such resources as Community Mental Health and Community Action Agency to assist with housing and childcare issues.

•  Serve as parent representative and Early On team member on the Lenawee Interagency Coordinating Council.

Family Support Network of Michigan 1996-Present

Family Support Coordinator

•  Assist school social worker in coordinating parent support group meetings. Match parents together with other parents with children of similar developmental abilities.

•  Provide and coordinate resources and make referrals to other government agencies.

Lenawee County Health Department, Adrian, Michigan 1996-1999

Parent Consultant

•  Served as liaison and advocate for families of children enrolled in Children's Special Health Care Services. Educated families concerning Medicaid managed care options. Assisted in enrolling children in the Medicaid program.

•  Researched family income and determined eligibility for enrollment.

•  Determined eligibility and assisted pregnant women to enroll in the MICH-care Medicaid program.

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Additional experience includes work as a Physician's Assistant in a Pulmonary and a family practice physician's office. Prepared treatment rooms, assisted with cultures, interviewed patients.

ASSOCIATIONS

Appointed to the Lenawee Intermediate School District Special Education Parent Advisory Committee from 1999-2002.

EDUCATION

Mid Michigan Community College, Harrison, Michigan

Medical Terminology and Math for Health Workers

Oakland Community College, Royal Oak, Michigan

Fundamentals of Human Behavioral and Social Sciences

Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City, Michigan

Business Courses

University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Certificates—Grammar, Syntax, Conversation, Classical Literature