Alessandra A.

Experience

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  Par-T-Perfect Vancouver

  Sept 2012 - Jan 2014

  Children's Event Planner and Leader

  • Assisted in planning and implementing events for families and corporate companies of over 400 guests in order to create an enjoyable, safe, and inclusive social environment.• Responsible for setting up equipment, processing payment, arranging schedules, and sending invitations to ensure successful organization of the event.• Recruited participants for activities with enthusiasm in order to promote an interactiveenvironment and led over 100 children in party activities (scavenger hunts, races, etc) toguarantee event entertainment and memorability. Show less

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  Developmental Disabilities Association

  Feb 2016 - Apr 2017

  Child And Youth Worker

  • Cared for a group of 25 children and youth, including five children with developmental disabilities, at a licensed summer camp and after-school program at General Brock Elementary School.• Planned and facilitated group activities such as community outings, cooking lessons, therapeutic arts and crafts projects, and active play.• Responsible for conducting inspections of the 15-passenger van (class 4 license holder) and safely driving children to destinations all over the Lower Mainland. Show less

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  Self-employed

  Aug 2017 - Apr 2021

  Autism Support Worker

  • Planned and accompanied youth on community-based outings aimed at practicing self-regulation skills and friendship building, and guided clients through daily living activities such as toileting, bathing, dressing, cooking, and eating.

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  West Vancouver Schools

  Sept 2017 - Dec 2018

  Special Education Assistant

  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction through one-on-one support to youth ages 12 to 18 with developmental disabilities, emotional and behavioural disorders.•Coached students in lifespan development activities such as cooking, cleaning, money management, busing and navigation, and work experience aimed at increasing independence.•Co-facilitated an adolescent counselling group alongside a Registered Clinical Counsellor that was focused on psychosocial training in self-regulation, problem solving, and friendship building skills. Show less

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  North Vancouver School District #44

  Dec 2018 - Jun 2022

  Special Education Assistant

  • Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction through one-on-one support to students ages 5 to 13 with developmental disabilities, emotional and behavioural disorders.• Collaborated with caregivers and interprofessional team to create Individual Educational Plans and Positive Behaviour Plans that define student learning objectives and educational strategies.• Supported children in lifespan development activities such as speech development, self-regulation, and friendship building, and guided students through daily living activities such as toileting, dressing, and eating. Show less

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  North Shore Disability Resource Centre

  Jan 2021 - Jun 2021

  Employment Specialist

  • Supported youth and adults with disabilities in securing rewarding employment opportunities in their community.• Encouraged program participants every step of the way by exploring employment interests, co-creating resumes, attending job interviews, and providing on-site job coaching until participants felt fully independent.• Advocated for diverse and inclusive employment opportunities, and partnered with local employers to create individualized job opportunities that fit the unique interests and skills of each individual on my caseload.• Developed lessons and facilitated a 12-week online group that coached 20 individuals with disabilities in improving employability skills. Show less

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  Hollyburn Family Services

  Mar 2021 - now

  Registered Clinical Counsellor

  • Support children, youth, young adults, and parents with mental health challenges.• Strategically use evidence-based interventions that draw from Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Attachment Theory, and mindfulness.• Support children in developing self-regulation skills, and coach parents in positive parenting strategies.• Assess clients' emotional and behavioural presentation, plan and implement evidence-based treatment, document and review progress, and adjust interventions to clients' ongoing needs. Show less

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  Family Services of Greater Vancouver

  Mar 2022 - Apr 2023

  Family Counsellor

  • Provided counselling to individuals, couples, families, and children referred by MCFD.• Offered service in the family home, office, virtually, or in the community as appropriate to each family's needs.• Counselling support focused on addressing child protection concerns, mood disorders, substance use, trauma, relationship issues, and domestic and family violence.• Educated, modelled, and coached parents in evidence-based positive parenting strategies.• Advocated for the child and family, and linked families to appropriate resources such as clothing, housing, furniture, income assistance, transportation, healthcare, schooling, community support, and other needs.• Conducted assessments of the needs and functioning of families, developed and implemented an intervention plan in collaboration with the family and MCFD social workers, and documented and reviewed progress. Show less

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  Cameray Child and Family Services

  Sept 2023 - now

  Child and Family Counsellor