Claire Ross
Perth,WA
Summary
Passionate about working with students to support development of their educational goals and inherent abilities, offering proven skills developed over 11 years of experience in disability related roles. Proficient in school standards and strategies to optimise learning for all students. Enthusiastic about utilising background in art and art therapy to adopt creative approaches to suit individual needs and empowering students to develop to their full potential. Supports faculty and classroom needs with proactive and calm approach.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mentor
Inclusion WA
Perth, WA
02.2019 - 02.2021
- Support individuals with disabilities to help develop communication, social and daily living skills.
- For example: access community, build social support network, complete work and education goals, provide study assistance.
- Developed trust-based relationships with mentees through active listening and empathetic communication.
- Support to individuals with: bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, severe anxiety, agoraphobia, learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia etc.
- Maintained strict confidentiality in all situations unless abuse, neglect, or threats identified.
- Aid in family communication and conflict resolution.
- Regularly assessed progress and provided feedback to support continued development.
- Worked across team of health care professionals, such as doctors, psychologists and occupational therapists, to provide best supports for clients.
Business Owner/Face Painter
Artistic Expressions Face Painting
Perth, WA
01.2010 - Current
- Hired and managed staff, bookings and bookkeeping etc.
- Set up entertainment for private, community and business events.
- Worked at events of up to 500+ people.
- Utilised exceptional customer service skills to satisfy all needs.
- Followed health and safety protocols for client and staff benefit.
- Combined artistic skill with customer suggestions to create unique designs for children of all ages.
Art Mentor
Cam Can
Perth, WA
03.2017 - 11.2018
- Providing guidance and assistance to people with Cerebral Palsy to create art.
- Assisted in day to day support work such as food preparation and travel to and from artist studio.
- Offered constructive feedback on mentee progress, enabling them to refine their skills and enhance their potential.
- Aided in setup of art exhibition.
Art Therapist
Westminster Education Support Centre
Perth, WA
04.2018 - 09.2018
- Completed Work Placement at WESC, working with children aged 9-11 with special needs to provide emotional support via art therapy. Modalities included painting, drawing, storytelling, film, music, dance, sculpture, 3D construction.
- Developed innovative approaches for engaging reluctant or non-verbal clients in therapeutic process using visual arts as means of communication.
- Observed, monitored and documented client behavior and responses to treatment.
- Maintained thorough and confidential records of therapeutic sessions and observations.
- Worked with students with autism, ADHD, down syndrome, etc.
Translator, Teacher, Art Therapist, Design Consult
Rajanagarindra Institute Of Child Development
Chiangmai, Thailand
11.2015 - 04.2016
- Volunteer and paid work with children with special needs, adults with head trauma, and staff at RICD.
Art Therapist
Art Relief International
Chiangmai, Thailand
10.2015 - 11.2015
- Volunteer work with marginalised groups in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. Clients included orphans, children and adults with disabilities, male sex workers, Burmese refugees, indigenous hill-tribe groups, single mothers, prisoners and more.
Live-In Carer
Self-Employed
Perth, WA
02.2009 - 12.2013
- Carer for late 20s male with Motor Neurone Disease, providing daily care and assistance with PEG tube feeding, personal grooming, wheelchair access, hospital visits and doctor appointments etc.
Children's Entertainer
Cater 4 Kids
Perth, WA
01.2007 - 07.2013
- Provided entertainment for children aged 1-13 with face painting, arts and crafts, storytelling, games etc.
- Collaborated with venue managers for entertainment setup.
Art Teacher
Warwick Leisure Centre (Warwick Stadium)
Warwick, WA
01.2012 - 12.2012
- Taught cartooning and drawing OSH to children aged 6-13.
- Enhanced student creativity by incorporating various art mediums and techniques into lessons.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies, maintaining discipline while fostering creativity and individuality in student work.
- Established positive and inclusive classroom environment that encouraged open communication and collaboration among students.
Art Therapist
West Coast Secondary Education Support Centre
02.2021 - 01.2022
- Managed a diverse range of learners, adapting lesson plans to accommodate different abilities and interests.
- Developed innovative approaches for engaging reluctant or non-verbal clients in the therapeutic process using visual arts as a means of communication.
- Managed art room supplies, equipment and resources to maintain consistent supply for projects.
- Observed, monitored and documented client behavior and responses to treatment.
- Maintained thorough and confidential records of therapeutic sessions and observations.
- Created lesson plans to address themes of self-esteem, emotional issues and peer-pressure.
- Mentored students to address issues of suicidal ideation, difficulties within the home environment and emotional disregulation.
Education Assistant, Special Needs
West Coast Secondary Education Support Centre
02.2021 - 01.2022
- Enhanced student learning by implementing personalised instructional strategies for students with special needs in both one to one and small group settings.
- Fostered positive relationships between special needs students and their general education peers through inclusive activities.
- Established clear expectations regarding behavior management and disciplinary measures for a consistent, structured learning environment.
- Participated in professional development workshops focused on special education techniques and best practices for continuous improvement as an educator.
- Developed creative lesson plans featuring multisensory approaches to accommodate diverse learning styles effectively.
- Worked closely with students with autism to provide tailored learning experiences outside the usual classroom settings, particularly when emotional or sensory dysregulation occurred.
Education
Certificate IV - Education Support
North Metropolitan TAFE
Leederville, WA12.2020
Advanced Diploma - Transpersonal Art Therapy
Ikon Institute Of Australia
Perth, WA02.2019
Bachelor of Creative Industries - Interior And Spatial Design
Edith Cowan University
Perth, WA12.2009
Advanced Diploma Art And Design - Fine Art
Central Metropolitan TAFE
Perth, WA12.2005
High School Diploma -
Sacred Heart College
Sorrento, WA12.1999
Skills
- Disability support
- Relationship development
- Emotional Support
- Mental Health First Aid
- Scheduling, Goal Setting & Teamwork
- Creative problem resolution
- Stress management
- Terminal Illness Support
- One-on-One Sessions
- Group Therapy Facilitation
Certification
Mental Health First Aid, 2019
HLTAID Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting, 2019
Working With Children Check, Exp 2023
Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, Acq Oct 2020
Infection Control Training - COVID 19, 2020
Medication Competency, 2017
Dysphagia Awareness, 2017
Infection Control Workshop, 2017
Manual Handling, 2017
Timeline
Art Therapist
West Coast Secondary Education Support Centre
02.2021 - 01.2022
Education Assistant, Special Needs
West Coast Secondary Education Support Centre
02.2021 - 01.2022
Mentor
Inclusion WA
02.2019 - 02.2021
Art Therapist
Westminster Education Support Centre
04.2018 - 09.2018
Art Mentor
Cam Can
03.2017 - 11.2018
Translator, Teacher, Art Therapist, Design Consult
Rajanagarindra Institute Of Child Development
11.2015 - 04.2016
Art Therapist
Art Relief International
10.2015 - 11.2015
Art Teacher
Warwick Leisure Centre (Warwick Stadium)
01.2012 - 12.2012
Business Owner/Face Painter
Artistic Expressions Face Painting
01.2010 - Current
Live-In Carer
Self-Employed
02.2009 - 12.2013
Children's Entertainer
Cater 4 Kids
01.2007 - 07.2013
Certificate IV - Education Support
North Metropolitan TAFE
Advanced Diploma - Transpersonal Art Therapy
Ikon Institute Of Australia
Bachelor of Creative Industries - Interior And Spatial Design
Edith Cowan University
Advanced Diploma Art And Design - Fine Art
Central Metropolitan TAFE
High School Diploma -
Sacred Heart College
Mental Health First Aid, 2019
HLTAID Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting, 2019
Working With Children Check, Exp 2023
Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, Acq Oct 2020
Infection Control Training - COVID 19, 2020
Medication Competency, 2017
Dysphagia Awareness, 2017
Infection Control Workshop, 2017
Manual Handling, 2017
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