Ella Neruda

Experience

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  Giant Eagle, Inc.

  Aug 2016 - Jan 2017

  Cashier

  Provided a positive customer experience with fast, friendly, and courteous service. Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join the rewards program to promote loyalty, satisfaction, and sales numbers. Strived to offer unparalleled service to each and every customer.

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  Developmental Associates, LLC

  Jan 2017 - Jan 2018

  Office Assistant / Psych Aide

  Office aide and personal assistant to the psychologist. Filing papers, answering phones, scheduling appointments, scoring psychological evaluations, medical record digitization, office organization, caring for the office animals, and interacting with our amazing clients - children and adults on the Autism spectrum.

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  I Am Boundless, Inc.

  Apr 2018 - now

  Direct Support Professional

  Providing physical and emotional care for a phenomenal young man who has high support needs. Assisting with activities of daily living as well as promoting and encouraging self-advocacy and self-determination skills. Prioritizing fun activities, building rapport, and forming a strong relationship with the individual served.

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  Nisonger Center - University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities

  Aug 2024 - now

  Through my field placement at the OSU Nisonger Center, I co-facilitate three neurodiversity-affirming programs that empower Autistic teens and young adults. 1. Youth ASAP: Autism Self Advocacy ProgramIn this 10-week program for youth aged 11-15, I help participants develop essential skills such as self-awareness, communication, and leadership. Through interactive sessions, we prepare youth for IEP/504 Plan meetings, fostering their ability to practice self-disclosure and advocate for their needs. 2. Ace!As part of the Ace! program, I assist four neurodivergent college students in navigating their academic and social environments. My role includes leading individual coaching sessions focused on academic planning, executive functioning, and independent living skills. Additionally, I facilitate connections with campus resources, helping students build self-advocacy skills and enhance their college experience.3. AspirationsIn this 12-week group-based program for adolescents and young adults, I support the development of social, vocational, and independent living skills. I co-facilitate discussions and activities that build self-confidence and a sense of belonging.Through these experiences, I am committed to fostering empowerment, self-advocacy, and connection through strengths-based and neurodiversity-affirming social work practice. Show less As a Self-Advocate Trainee in the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) program at The Ohio State University's Nisonger Center, I engage in an interdisciplinary training experience aimed at fostering leadership skills and enhancing the health of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).In this role, I participate in a comprehensive curriculum of over 300 hours, which includes attending classes, participating in clinics, and collaborating on leadership projects with graduate and post-doctoral trainees.By sharing my lived experiences as an Autistic and Disabled person, I provide valuable insights that enrich discussions on family-centered care, cultural sensitivity, and health equity.Through personalized mentorship from distinguished faculty, I am developing my advocacy skills while working on a leadership project that focuses on improving healthcare access for individuals with I/DD and their families, empowering me to be an effective voice for change within the community. Show less

  • Bachelor of Social Work Intern

    Aug 2024 - now

  • LEND Self-Advocate Trainee

    Aug 2024 - now