McKenna Suorsa

Experience

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  Summer Institute of math and science (SIMS)

  Aug 2019 - Aug 2019

  Intern/Lab Assistant

  - Worked in a research lab related to chemistry - Learned vital information relevant to science and math- Hands-on experience with lab protocol

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  Center for Publicly Engaged Students

  Jul 2020 - Jan 2021

  Prison Support Task Force

  In collaboration with Melissa Smith, Director of Health Equity Initiatives, the center is jointly working on disseminating public health knowledge, resources, and aid to support a priority task force created due to the Covid pandemic. Broadly, the health initiative is looking to aid underrepresented and heavily impacted communities.

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  Albertsons

  Sept 2020 - Nov 2020

  Courtesy Clerk

  - Escorted customers to desired merchandise location- Supervised return of exchange or unwanted item to correct shelf - Collected and organized shopping carts- Assisted customers and worked register- Sanitized departments hourly

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  Starbucks

  Nov 2020 - Jun 2021

  Barista

  - Memorized official and off-menu preparations to serve beverage desires - Cleaned and sanitized work area, utensils, and equipment - Managed rushes

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  Camp Tuolumne Trails

  Jun 2021 - Jul 2022

  Camp Counselor

  Summer camp for individuals with special needs and there is no age limit. Only camp in CA that’s 100% ADA certified. Provided personal care to campers which included; bathing, toileting, meals, sleep, and rest time. I organized a variety of fun activities.

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  UCSB Recreation Center

  Oct 2021 - Nov 2022

  Fitness Assistant

  - Overview safety - CPR and AED certified - Help patrons use equipment and machines- Assist patrons - Sanitize and maintain cleanliness to prevent spread of COVID-19

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  Right at Home

  Oct 2022 - Jun 2023

  Caregiver

  -Assists with daily living needs offering companionship care-Takes clients for walks, trips to activities or social events, errands etc.-Assists with prescribed range of motion exercises-Simple meal preparations-Light housekeeping-Help with Activities of Daily Living such as:personal hygiene, dressing, eating, maintaining continence, help with transferring/mobility.

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  Koegel Autism Center

  Jan 2023 - Jun 2023

  Research Assistant

  I was trained to help lead the 10-week Social Tools And Rules for Teens (START) program. The purpose was to create a social group of teens with ASD that focused on building social skills, motivation and insight that is fun and interactive. The aim was to improve social readiness for individuals with autism which consists of social motivation and social competence. Individuals with autism often face social vulnerabilities which can inhibit their long-term social success. The goal was to improve their quality of life by working on individuals’ target skill goals and group goals. I would help through priming, teaching self-management, and checking in with the teenagers and parents each week creating SMART target skill goals. I assisted with early childhood intervention with a toddler with autism every Tuesday and Thursday 9:30am-11am. Our goals were to improve developmental outcomes and prevent the onset of symptoms that may negatively affect the toddler's long-term quality of life. We concentrated on fostering social communication, addressing developmental delays and vulnerabilities, and boosting social interaction throughout the spring quarter. When working with the toddler, I used PRT (Pivotal Response Treatment) and P.R.I.D.E. skills, which stands for Praise-Reflect-Imitate-Describe-Enthusiasm and is a part of PCIT (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy). PRT and P.R.I.D.E. techniques can improve linguistic and social-communication abilities while lowering the use of inappropriate behaviors. Show less

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  Soar Case Management Services, Inc.

  Jul 2023 - May 2024

  Case Manager

  SOAR offers a full range of services, advice and referrals for adults with mental health or substance use concerns. For over twenty-five years, SOAR has helped consumers recover and develop their capabilities with Comprehensive Community Services, a Mental Health Outpatient Clinic, Case Management, Recovery Dane Information and Referral, Certified Peer Specialists, and the Solstice House Peer-Run Respite and Warm Line.

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  New Wave Home Care

  Jun 2024 - now

  Caregiver
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  The Academy for Advancement of Children with Autism

  Aug 2024 - now

  Paraprofessional

  As a paraprofessional working with children with autism and behavioral challenges, my role involves providing individualized support to help students achieve their IEP (Individualized Education Program) goals. I assist students in understanding academic material, developing essential life skills, and managing behaviors in both one-on-one and small group settings. By using tailored strategies and interventions, I work to foster a positive learning environment, encouraging students' growth, independence, and social-emotional development. Show less