Lawanda Harris
Jonesboro
Summary
Dedicated and responsive rehabilitation instructor with over 20 years of experience in classroom management, behavior modification, and individualized support. Proven expertise in creating inclusive learning environments that cater to diverse skill levels, promoting educational success through tailored programs and curricula designed to meet social, emotional, and academic needs. A strong advocate for continuous improvement, utilizing data-driven insights to refine instructional strategies and enhance program effectiveness. Committed to inspiring a growth mindset and instilling a lifelong love of learning in students.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Residential Care Supervisor
Jonesboro Human Development Center
2021.07 - 2023.05
- Conducted assessments to gauge residents' performance, ensuring alignment with educational objectives.
- Implemented strategies to maintain a safe and orderly classroom conducive to effective learning.
- Cultivated strong relationships with parents to facilitate effective communication about residents' progress and well-being.
- Coordinated educational field trips to provide students with experiential learning opportunities outside traditional settings.
- Managed resident supervision throughout the day to ensure a safe and engaging environment.
- Implemented technology-based learning tools to elevate classroom instruction.
- Engaged with instructional staff and educational experts to create and deliver comprehensive learning programs.
- Facilitated development and presentation of professional development sessions.
Direct Care Worker
United Cerebral Palsy
2013.03 - 2016.10
- Facilitated residents' daily living activities, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
- Delivered companionship and emotional support to enhance residents' well-being.
- Ensured cleanliness, safety, and health standards for resident environments.
- Supervised and documented changes in residents’ health status for nursing staff review.
- Facilitated meal preparation and ensured timely feeding of residents as needed.
- Facilitated transfer and positioning of residents with mobility needs.
- Facilitated client participation in community activities by coordinating transportation and providing accompaniment as needed.
- Implemented safety protocols to prioritize client well-being and enhance service quality.
- Ensured client privacy by safeguarding and managing confidential personal information.
Occupational Therapy Assistance
Jonesboro Human Development Center
2017.07 - 2020.03
- Help occupational therapy clients by providing rehabilitative services to people with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments.
- Provides services under the direction of licensed occupational therapist.
- Verifies client information by interviewing clients, reviewing and recording medical history, confirming purpose of treatment.
- Helps clients improve their quality of life by helping them compensate for limitations, such as helping injured workers improve their motor skills and re-enter the labor force, and teaching people with learning disabilities to prepare meals or to use public transportation and increase their independence.
- Follows treatment plan developed in collaboration with occupational therapist by teaching techniques, such as, the proper method of moving from a bed into a wheelchair, and the best ways to stretch and limber muscles.
- Monitors activities to make sure they are performed correctly and provide encouragement, bringing treatment that is not having the intended effect to the attention of the therapist.
- Maintains patient occupational therapy records by recording client’s progress for use by the occupational therapist.
Quality Assurance
Jonesboro Human Development Center
2023.10 - Current
- Assisted in drafting quality assurance policies and procedures. Supported interpretation and implementation of quality assurance standards and procedures.
- Compiled and analyzed reports to convey results of quality activities.
- Assessed training needs and orchestrated training interventions to uphold quality standards.
- Facilitated coordination and support for on-site audit processes.
- Assessed audit findings and executed necessary corrective actions.
Direct Care Professional
Abilities Unlimited Inc
2012.03 - Current
- Delivered emotional support and encouragement to clients, fostering resilience and well-being.
- Facilitated client development of essential daily living skills, including hygiene, cooking, and laundry management.
- Analyzed client behavior and documented changes in condition or attitude.
- Facilitated client transportation to medical appointments and various activities.
- Monitored client interactions and escalated concerns to supervisor for resolution.
- Facilitated collaboration with family members of clients to ensure optimal care delivery.
- Assisted with household tasks including light cleaning, meal preparation, and grocery shopping.
- Established a secure environment for clients by enforcing safety procedure policies.
- Evaluated client requirements for supplementary resources and external agency support.
Residential Care Supervisor Expert
Jonesboro Human Development Center
2009.03 - 2017.08
- Provides administrative direction to subordinate staff by developing and establishing short- and long-term program goals and objectives, administering and evaluating project assignments, providing interpretation of laws and policies in the absence of precedents to resolve issues and achieve implementation of project goals and objectives.
- Oversaw development and monitoring of programs and services to ensure adherence to federal regulations.
- Develops and interprets policies and regulations to meet program needs and objectives.
- Conducts investigations of complaints and allegations of abuse and/or neglect, review center administrative problems, and prepare report of action recommended to superintendent.
- Reviews and monitors classrooms, living units, and records to assure compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Develops and monitors staff, material, and equipment needs for programs managed to contribute to the formulation and justification of budgetary requests.
- Represents the agency at community and group meetings, hearings and seminars.
- Provides technical assistance to support staff and parents regarding agency operations and programs.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education
Some College - General Studies/Education
Northwest Community College
Senatobia, MSHigh School Diploma - undefined
Madison Palmer High School
Marks, MS2005-05
Skills
- Creative problem solving
- Educational evaluations
- Proficient in Microsoft 365
- Career advancement
- Effective verbal communication
- Facilitating group instruction
- Progress evaluations
- Cultural awareness
- Creative instructional teaching
- Supportive learning atmosphere
- Documentation expertise
- Classroom management
- Quality assurance standards
Certification
- CPI Certification/Mental Health
- CNA License
- CPR Certification
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Quality Assurance
Jonesboro Human Development Center
2023.10 - Current
Residential Care Supervisor
Jonesboro Human Development Center
2021.07 - 2023.05
Occupational Therapy Assistance
Jonesboro Human Development Center
2017.07 - 2020.03
Direct Care Worker
United Cerebral Palsy
2013.03 - 2016.10
Direct Care Professional
Abilities Unlimited Inc
2012.03 - Current
Residential Care Supervisor Expert
Jonesboro Human Development Center
2009.03 - 2017.08
High School Diploma - undefined
Madison Palmer High School
Some College - General Studies/Education
Northwest Community College