Catherine VanDraska

School Age Assistant

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Ely, Iowa, United States

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Timeline
About me
Program Development Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids and East Central Iowa
Education
- University of Iowa
  2018 - 2020
  Master's of Social Work Social Work
- Iowa State University
  2013 - 2016
  Bachelor of Arts - BA Psychology with a Minor in Child, Adult, and Family Services
- Iowa State University
  2013 - 2016
  Bachelor of Science - BS Sociology and Criminal Justice
- Prairie High School
  2010 - 2013
Experience
- All God's Children Preschool and Childcare
  Nov 2011 - Aug 2014
  School Age Assistant
- AMES COMMUNITY PRESCHOOL CENTER
  Aug 2013 - May 2015
  School Age Assistant
- Iowa State University
  Aug 2014 - May 2016
  Teaching Assistant for Intro to Sociology
- YSS
  May 2016 - Jun 2018
  Supervised 20-25 direct care staff, interns, and volunteers and oversee the day to day programing of our Male and Female Residential Substance Abuse Treatment Programs.Staff and client scheduling and staff training.A member of the leadership team in charge of maintaining and improving the program. Developed weekly lesson plans to enhance communication on shift.Staff and Client scheduling.Coached staff in better supporting and leading youth to over all wellness. Creating a therapeutic environment where youth can feel safe and grow in their recovery.Guiding youth through daily programing and facilitating groups that help build healthy relationships, coping skills, independent living skills, and emotional development and maturity.Managing youth behaviors and using de-escalation techniques to ensure the youth are demonstrating appropriate and healthy behaviors.
  - Residential Operations Coordinator
    Sept 2017 - Jun 2018
  - Lead Youth Recovery Specialist
    Apr 2017 - Sept 2017
  - Youth Addictions Specialist
    May 2016 - May 2017
- College Community Early Childhood Center
  Jul 2018 - Jan 2020
  School Age Coordinator
  Supervise 15-30 school age teachers and oversee the day to day programing of the before and after school and summer camp program.Student enrollment and family communication.Staff and student scheduling and staff training.Family support program development.
- Area Substance Abuse Council
  Jan 2020 - Jun 2021
  Director Of Youth Services
  Oversee inpatient and outpatient services.Supervise and train the Lead Counselor, Counselors, Patient Support Staff Supervisor, and interns.Assess program referrals, intakes, and discharges.Monitor compliance with project, licensure, accreditation and grant requirements.Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community partners.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids & East Central Iowa
  May 2021 - now
  Program Development Director
Licenses & Certifications
- Licensed Master Social Worker
  Iowa Department of Public Health
  Jan 2020
Volunteer Experience
- Practicum Supervisor
  Issued by University of Iowa School of Social Work
  Associated with Catherine VanDraska
- Mentor
  Issued by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids & East Central Iowa on Aug 2021
  Associated with Catherine VanDraska
- Board Member
  Issued by ImpactCR on Nov 2022
  Associated with Catherine VanDraska