Melissa
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Education 2002-2008

1.Graduate level (2008): Introduction to Rehabilitation Counseling Services, University of Southern Maine, GPA 4.0.

2. Undergraduate (2002-2006): Bachelors in Psychology; University of Southern Maine; GPA 3.3
Vice President of Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology, 2006.
Vice President Psychology Club, 2006.

Special Skills
Conditional Social Work License : License number LSX11500
Behavioral Health Professional (BHP)
Ed Tech 3 Certificate

Professional Experience

March 2010-Present
The Reach School, Child Development Services, South Portland, Maine
Special Education Teacher (Ed Tech 3)
Teach preschoolers with autism using Applied Behavioral Analysis
Collect, score and interpret data on treatment plan goals on a daily basis
Maintain and revise a students treatment plan and positive support plan
Meet with therapy team (including speech pathologist, occupational therapist and physical therapist on a weekly basis) to discuss progress and discuss and plan classroom activities and therapy schedules.

September 2008-June 2009
Mid Coast Hospital: ACCESS Health, Brunswick, Maine
Youth Advocacy Program Coordinator
Educate school aged children/teens about nutrition, physical activity, mental wellness, substance abuse, the media and tobacco.
Train and encourage students to advocate for change in their schools and communities.
Meet weekly with two Media Smart Groups (aged 11-13) and three youth advocacy groups (aged 15-18).
Coordinate with school administrators and communities to organize wellness events.


January 2007-September 2008
Woodfords Family Services, Portland, Maine
Field Supervisor
Oversee case load of 12-15 families whom have a child or children with Mental Retardation, Downs Syndrome or Autism.
Hire/supervise 15-20 Habilitation Specialists on monthly basis
Conduct monthly observations with staff and consumer
Conduct monthly meetings with families to ensure quality service
Implement mutually agreed upon goals and objectives which allow consumer independent growth in area of daily living skills
Maintain accurate documentation according to Maine Care, DHHS and programmatic guidelines
Work towards LSW by attending bi-monthly supervisions and conducting case presentations
Created and coordinated annual fundraising events co-benefiting Woodfords Family Services and The Autism Society of Maine

2006-2007
Woodfords Family Services, Portland, Maine
Habilitation Specialist

Teach and encourage independent living skills in children with Autism
Maintain in home consumer log and its contents according to DHHS guidelines
Collect and maintain data on treatment plan goals
Submit progress notes and data sheets in a timely manner
Meet with supervisor once a month in office and participate in monthly observations with supervisor and consumer

2006-2007
Sweetser Children’s Home, Belfast, Maine
Youth and Family Counselor

Work with children who have behavioral, mental, and emotional challenges in a residential setting
Relate to children with warmth and understanding, and possess the ability to identify the needs and problems of children
Maintain structure and consistent rules appropriate to program
Coordinate staff with children and develop shift plans
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Publication

Loignon, A., Gayton, W., & Brown, M. , et al. (2007) Home disadvantage in professional ice hockey . Perceptual Motor Skills. ;104:1262-4.
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Poster Presentation

Presented research on Exercise Dependence and Perfectionism at 'Thinking Matters', a student research, scholarship, and creativity symposium at the University of Southern Maine. Please see attached document for more information, 2006.


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Interests
Activities
Respite care for foster children whom have disabilities
Train for competitive boxing at The Portland Boxing Club
Member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority; Philanthropy chair and fund raising chair for two years; won chapter director's award two years for outstanding service.
Enjoy traveling and rock climbing, most recent trip 6 months in Spain, Portugal and Italy (July 2009-January 2010)