Experience

Mount Olivet Rolling Acres - MORA

• United States
• Individual and Family Services
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Behavior Analyst

  • Aug 2017 - Present

  Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area Provide crisis support services for adults and children with Intellectual Disabilities or related conditions throughout the Twin Cities Metro area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties). Work with each client and their support team (family, case manager, doctors, school, residential and/or day service providers), to develop a Functional Behavior Assessment along with tools, resources, and strategies which the team can use to reduce the behavior leading to… Show more Provide crisis support services for adults and children with Intellectual Disabilities or related conditions throughout the Twin Cities Metro area (Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties). Work with each client and their support team (family, case manager, doctors, school, residential and/or day service providers), to develop a Functional Behavior Assessment along with tools, resources, and strategies which the team can use to reduce the behavior leading to the crisis. This can include communication tools, visual supports, social stories, reinforcement plans, and emotion regulation strategies. Train, consult, and follow up with support teams to maximize the effectiveness of the strategies in addressing the current crisis and reduce the likelihood of loss of residential, educational, or employment services. Develop and deliver trainings to professionals on best practices for supporting people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (such as Autism, Down Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Brain Injury) and co-occurring Mental Health diagnoses (such as Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Schizophrenia). Additionally at the forefront of company efforts to provide leadership and training through co-chairing Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, Resiliency Building Team, and Annual Conference Development Show less



Chrestomathy, Inc.

• Program Director

  • Jul 2002 - Aug 2017

  Chrestomathy Center Minneapolis and Eden Prairie Program Locations Manage the daily operations of two of the company’s three state-licensed Day Training and Habilitation centers for adult clients with Intellectual Disabilities, mental illness, challenging behavior, and other disabilities. Key responsibilities include: Leadership-- direct all operations at program sites; lead a team of seven supervisors and 33 direct care professionals; hire, train and supervise; coordinate with other center directors on company initiatives; manage referral and intake… Show more Manage the daily operations of two of the company’s three state-licensed Day Training and Habilitation centers for adult clients with Intellectual Disabilities, mental illness, challenging behavior, and other disabilities. Key responsibilities include: Leadership-- direct all operations at program sites; lead a team of seven supervisors and 33 direct care professionals; hire, train and supervise; coordinate with other center directors on company initiatives; manage referral and intake processes for new clients; manage site funds; oversee maintenance of company resources including a fleet of 14 vehicles; Increased number of clients served by 30% Programming--develop and review person-centered program plans; develop innovative behavioral approaches for clients in crisis; lead therapeutic groups focused on coping skills, positive identity development, relationship skills, and problem-solving strategies; develop strategies for securing and maintaining community employment for clients; partner with outside agencies including the Metro Crisis Coordination Program, CSS, and crisis homes; develop health and wellness programming; compile and analyze data for internal reports and academic studies; Tripled number of clients placed in community-based competitive employment in the last two years. Public Speaking and Engagement—presenter at company-wide trainings, state and national conferences, fundraisers; participate in Department of Human Services advisory committee meetings, rule hearings, and trainings regarding the Positive Supports Rule and Disabilities Services Divison provider stakeholder workgroups regarding Home and Community Based Service standards.

• Team Supervisor

  • May 2001 - Jun 2002

  Chrestomathy Center, Minneapolis Trained and led a team of four direct care staff; developed programmatic goals for clients to increase independence in behavior management, communication, community integration, and vocational abilities; prepared quarterly and annual progress reports; led client progress meetings; coordinated care with clients, families, case managers and other service providers; honored with annual Leadership Award.



Chrestomathy Center

• Program Trainer

  • Oct 2000 - May 2001

  Minneapolis Provided direct care to clients with intellectual disabilities; assisted in activities of daily living, including toileting, food preparation, and ambulation; facilitated growth in communication and vocational skills; intervened in behavioral crisis incidents to prevent and reduce aggressive and self-injurious behavior; provided transportation.



Able Trek Tours Inc

• United States
• Civic and Social Organizations

• Travel Chaperone

  • Aug 2000 - Aug 2000

  Reedsburg, WI Provided assistance and supervision to a group of three men with disabilities on a week-long vacation to Colorado.



Wisconsin Badger Camp

• Camp Counselor

  • Jun 2000 - Aug 2000

  Prairie Du Chien, WI Planned and supported week-long camp experiences for groups of adults and school-aged children with developmental and physical disabilities as well as severe physical disabilities and aggressive behavior. Provided 24 hour care, assisted with activities of daily living, helped them participate in outdoor activities, tailored activity schedule to meet interests and needs of campers, including fishing, swimming, overnight camping.



Community Alternatives

• Residential Care Staff

  • May 1999 - May 2000

  Kirksville, MO Taught residents living skills (medication management, shopping for and cooking nutritious meals), facilitated participation in community activities (arts and culture, softball team), provided care during day, evening, and overnight shifts.