female

Speaks English

I am a Certified Medical Assistant, having recently graduated from Everest Institute with honors. For my medical assistant externship, I assisted physical therapists with elderly patients and other younger people with various injuries and disabilities. I also helped patients use the exercise machines, lift weights, applied hot and cold packs, took vital signs, and performed front office duties. I have years of effectively and compassionately working with people of all ages WITH and WITHOUT Special Needs. Starting as a teenager, I was a summer camp leader for youngsters ages 6 to 12 years old. I have a background in participatory Arts in Education programs, which is also where my skills of compassion and interpersonal caregiving come into play. In fact, this caregiving blossoms well beyond the participatory arts because it fosters improved communication, cooperation, self-esteem, and having fun. In addition to looking after someone and providing helpful companionship, when applicable, I utilize integrated arts such as storytelling, music, movement, theater improvisation, and visual art. Additionally, I have worked with a professor with disability since 2006. He has spastic cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. I aid him with his doctoral research and wheelchair assistance. I am his assistant in this regard in New Jersey, and have traveled to Australia and South Africa with him, also as his wheelchair and doctoral assistant. Some of my other notable activities include working for over 10 years as an Assistant Teaching Artist with an award-winning repertory company that features participatory, integrated arts programs for populations of all ages WITH and WITHOUT Special Needs. In addition, I have worked with Special Needs populations for a non-profit in New Jersey. Similarly, I have worked as an Assistant Teaching Artist at a regional theatre for their "Theatre for Everyone" class, which is attended by young people with Special Needs, their typical siblings, adult family members, and sometimes additional nurses and Personal Assistants. The benefits extend way beyond the arts: all of this coalesces into fun and warm caregiving, especially for people with Special Needs. Of all my accomplishments, my sincere compassion and understanding are my most important attributes, whether, or not, a person or a group has Special Needs. In my caregiving/teaching/learning, nobody is marginalized. I also have an Associate's Degree in Liberal Studies.