Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Annette Merida

Bohle Plains,QLD

Summary

I am a customer-focused professional with over 20 years experience in the Disability and Education sectors. I apply knowledge and effective communication in a busy learning environment and possess expert team leadership, planning and organizational skills built during my successful career. I smoothly equip peers to independently handle daily functions and meet the needs of participants and their care givers/ decision makers.

I am a positive team member and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills.

I am proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact participant capacity building success.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Casual Relief Teacher

Education Queensland
02.2021 - Current
  • Implemented effective behaviour management strategies, resulting in improved student focus and participation.
  • Implemented prepared lesson plans in established classrooms.
  • Utilized formative assessments to monitor student understanding during lessons, adjusting instruction as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
  • Utilized technology to enhance student education and grasp of materials.
  • Promoted cultural awareness within the classroom by incorporating diverse resources and perspectives into lesson plans and discussions.
  • Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
  • Facilitated group projects that encouraged teamwork, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking abilities among students.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
  • Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
  • Enhanced student comprehension by employing diverse teaching methods and adapting to individual learning styles.
  • Proctored quizzes, tests, and standardized examinations.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary lessons that enriched the overall educational experience for students.
  • Assessed student progress regularly, providing timely feedback for both academic growth and personal development.
  • Completed documentation of attendance, grades, and other required details.
  • Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
  • Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
  • Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
  • Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
  • Adapted lesson plans and student activities to meet needs of students with special learning needs.
  • Developed a positive classroom environment, fostering collaboration and respect among students.
  • Contributed to curriculum development initiatives, ensuring alignment with national and state standards and with relevance to modern contexts.
  • Participated in professional development workshops to stay current on educational trends and improve instructional methodologies.

Early Childhood Lead Practitioner

Uniting Care Community
06.2020 - 01.2021

· Information gathering from prospective child participants (aged 0-7 years) and other relevant parties to enable an informed decision in alliance with the NDIS Act 2013 regarding access to the NDIA for funded plan approval

. Linked and referred participated and their relevant care givers to mainstream and community services to aid in the child's ongoing development.

· Working collaboratively with the child and their care givers, planning partners and other representatives to ensure all funds meet Section 34 Reasonable and Necessary that are allocated into the plan.

· Ability to research and apply critical and analytical implementation to a child’s funded plan.

· Facilitation of complex planning meetings with multiple external stakeholders.

· Effective and adaptable communicational skills, including managing customer enquiries, complaints and escalations.

· Continuous participation in learning and development, to ensure knowledge and understanding of policies and procedures.

· Administrative, analytical and technical ability, knowledge of where to find relevant information, and comprehensively convey correct information into plans.

· Identify personal development or improvement required and be able to implement own working practices to assist with the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery outcomes.

· Leadership experience with supporting, and mentoring others.

Senior Planner APS 6

National Disability Insurance Agency
02.2016 - 05.2020
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders for collaborative decision-making regarding crucial aspects of projects.
  • Demonstrated expertise in forecasting methodologies, allowing for accurate predictions of future demand and capacity needs for ongoing projects.
  • Coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of project deliverables from inception to completion.
  • Spearheaded comprehensive planning initiatives for optimal resource allocation across multiple projects.
  • Optimized resource utilization by identifying areas of improvement in existing processes and recommending actionable steps toward increased efficiency.
  • Mentored junior planners in the use of advanced planning tools and techniques, fostering a culture of continuous learning within the agency.
  • Building relationships with participants and their families
  • Conducting planning conversations and risk assessments and making Reasonable and Necessary decisions in accordance with the NDIS Act 2013
  • Providing participants and representatives with information and support to identify their goals and aspirations
  • Working with participants and their carers to identify options to achieve their plan outcomes drawing on informal, mainstream and community supports as well as Reasonable and Necessary supports to be funded by NDIS
  • Liaising and working cooperatively with stakeholders including providers to ensure successful implementation of the plan
  • Representing the Agency and contributing to building inclusive communities through partnership and collaboration with individuals and families/carers, local organisations and the broader community
  • To the extent required by a participant, build capacity to maintain effective networks with individuals, families/carers and their communities to improve natural and community supports
  • Ensuring high quality record keeping, including competency with IT systems
  • Positive collegial relationships
  • Managing the expiring plans list for North Queensland
  • Liaising and training staff and Service Area Managers at Feroscare and Uniting Care Community regarding NDIA Reasonable and Necessary decision making

Special Education and Classroom Teacher

Education Queensland
01.1996 - 06.2015

• Managing and establishing a Special Education Department

• Preparing reports on children and activities, as required by legislation and district policies.

• Working within funding guidelines to develop a classroom and school environment conducive to inclusive education

• Teaching socially acceptable behaviour, employing techniques such as behaviour modification and positive reinforcement

• Establishing and enforcing rules for behaviour and policies and procedures to maintain a positive teaching and learning environment

• Collaborating with parents, school administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and professionals to develop individual education plans designed to promote students' educational, physical, and social development

• Instructing through lessons, discussions, and demonstrations in one or more subjects including English, mathematics, SOSE, Manual arts, TAFE certified units and Daily living skills

• Developing and delivering modified curriculum in English, Mathematics and Science

• Pro-actively engaging with school management teams to secure funding and resources for my participants

Education

Bachelor of Education - Education

Royal Melbourne Institute of Tech
Melbourne, VIC
06.1998

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) - Education

Royal Melbourne Institute of Tech
Melbourne, VIC
05.1995

Skills

  • Organizational Development
  • Excellent oral communication
  • Team Leadership
  • Time Management
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Staff Training and Development
  • Staff Management
  • Strategic Planning

Timeline

Casual Relief Teacher

Education Queensland
02.2021 - Current

Early Childhood Lead Practitioner

Uniting Care Community
06.2020 - 01.2021

Senior Planner APS 6

National Disability Insurance Agency
02.2016 - 05.2020

Special Education and Classroom Teacher

Education Queensland
01.1996 - 06.2015

Bachelor of Education - Education

Royal Melbourne Institute of Tech

Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) - Education

Royal Melbourne Institute of Tech
Annette Merida