Melissa Gersbach
Summary
Empathetic professional with extensive experience in educational and support roles, notably at Canowindra Public School. Excelled in creating positive learning environments and implementing effective behaviour management techniques. Skilled in collaboration and verbal communication, significantly enhancing student safety and engagement. Demonstrated proficiency in the management of autism spectrum disorders, underpinning a track record of fostering significant improvements in emotional regulation and life skills development.
Recognized for effective collaboration and adaptability, ensuring smooth classroom operations and positive student outcomes.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Learning Support Officer
Canowindra Public School and Cargo Public School
02.2022 - Current
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviours using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behaviour management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Documented student behaviours, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
OOHC Youth Worker
LiveBetter Community Services
03.2020 - 10.2023
- Established trusting relationships with young people through empathetic listening and genuine interest in their lives outside of program hours.
- Promoted a safe, inclusive environment by establishing clear expectations and reinforcing positive behaviours among participants.
- Completed necessary reports and documentation to maintain thorough, accurate case records.
- Provided individualized support for at-risk youth, resulting in increased self-esteem and positive behaviour changes.
- Provided guidance and advice to youth, supporting navigation of diverse personal and social issues.
- Supervised youth in residential and community-based programs to minimize risks and offer support.
Preschool Educator
Cudal Community Children's Centre
03.2021 - 09.2023
- Built relationships and communicated with parents to provide best learning environment for children.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop and revise curriculum, enhancing learning experience.
- Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication, fostering a supportive network for student success.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted instruction to meet individual needs.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to target areas of weakness and continuously improve student performance throughout the school year.
ISS/Child Care Educator
Goodstart Early Learning Centre
06.2020 - 02.2022
- Coordinated with other staff members effectively in order to provide a cohesive childcare program promoting teamwork and collaboration.
- Ensured the health and safety of children by consistently monitoring their activities both indoors and outdoors.
- Collaborated with parents to address individual child needs and discuss progress reports regularly.
- Implemented hands-on learning opportunities that encouraged exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills among children.
- Developed strong relationships with families, maintaining open communication channels for optimal support of each child''s growth and wellbeing.
- Enhanced sensory and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, and memory development, by employing both traditional and modern educational strategies and techniques.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, meal counts, emergency contact information, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
Learning Support Aide
Canowindra High School
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Promoted a positive learning environment by creating strong relationships with students, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
- Contributed to improved student performance on standardized tests by offering additional support during test preparation sessions.
- Improved overall classroom management by implementing behavioural strategies and maintaining consistent communication with parents.
- Facilitated small group instruction, enabling more focused attention on specific skills or concepts needing reinforcement.
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Cowra Mobile Preschool and Canowindra Preschool
01.2012 - 11.2014
- Supported early language development through storytelling, reading books, and engaging children in interactive conversations.
- Managed daily routines efficiently, ensuring smooth transitions between different activities throughout the day without any loss of instructional time.
- Created a nurturing and safe environment for children to grow emotionally, socially, and academically.
- Enhanced children''s learning experiences by incorporating engaging play activities and age-appropriate educational materials.
Dispensary Technician
Optimal Pharmacy Plus
01.2017 - 03.2022
- Solved customer problems in-person or over telephone by providing assistance with placing orders, navigating systems, and locating items.
- Answered incoming phone calls and addressed questions from customers and healthcare providers.
- Communicated with prescribers to verify medication dosages, refill authorizations, and patient information.
- Restocked pharmacy shelves with current merchandise to drive consistent peripheral sales.
Pharmacy Assistant
Canowindra Pharmacy
02.2002 - 03.2017
- Kept pharmacy counter and related areas clean, neat and organized.
- Answered telephones and provided information about order status, store hours and pharmacy procedures.
- Greeted customers and responded to questions with friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
- Demonstrated professionalism and empathy when handling sensitive patient situations, preserving confidentiality at all times.
Education
Certificate III - Trauma Informed Care
TAFE NSW
NSW11-2020
Certificate III - Early Learning And Child Care
TAFE NSW
NSW12-2013
Diploma - Fine Arts
TAFE NSW
NSW12-2011
Skills
- Teacher Assistance
- Classroom Organization
- Collaboration with teachers
- Progress Monitoring
- Verbal and written communication
- Student Supervision
- Life Skills Development
- Autism and spectrum disorders
- Reading instruction
- Emotional Regulation
Additional Qualifications
Working with Children Check (WWC0019086E)
Full Drivers License
First aid Certificate
Timeline
Learning Support Officer
Canowindra Public School and Cargo Public School
02.2022 - Current
Preschool Educator
Cudal Community Children's Centre
03.2021 - 09.2023
ISS/Child Care Educator
Goodstart Early Learning Centre
06.2020 - 02.2022
OOHC Youth Worker
LiveBetter Community Services
03.2020 - 10.2023
Dispensary Technician
Optimal Pharmacy Plus
01.2017 - 03.2022
Learning Support Aide
Canowindra High School
01.2015 - 12.2015
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Cowra Mobile Preschool and Canowindra Preschool
01.2012 - 11.2014
Pharmacy Assistant
Canowindra Pharmacy
02.2002 - 03.2017
Certificate III - Trauma Informed Care
TAFE NSW
Certificate III - Early Learning And Child Care
TAFE NSW
Diploma - Fine Arts
TAFE NSW
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