Work Experience

Respite Care and IADL Instruction 

Sept 2016 – Aug 2018, Austin TX

  • Provided one-on-one respite care and instruction for a young adult with intellectual disabilities and developmental delays
  • Planned and implemented activities to increase independence in IADLs, fine and gross motor skills, and leisure
  • Focused on increasing independence in showering, meal prep, and dressing  
  • Contact: Sarah Barnes 512-771-2890 mydifferentroad@gmail.com

Residential Instructor / Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Aug 2014 – June 2015, Austin TX

  • Instructed visually impaired elementary students in a residential setting
  • Facilitated activities to  teach independence in ADLs, IADLs, Socializing, Play, Social Skills, and Emotional Regulation 
  • Collaborated with an interdisciplinary care team, including OT, PT, Orientation and Mobility specialists, Nurses, and Teachers
  • Evaluated progress and set activity goals based on students’ Individualized Education Plans, academic expectations, personal goals and  social needs.  

Childcare Teacher / Children’s Discovery Center

May 2014 – July 2018, Austin TX

Developed curriculum and facilitated age and developmentally appropriate,play based activities and care for children ages 6 weeks – 4 years, primarily with infants

Curriculum and Gym Coordinator / Boys and Girls Club of Boone County

Feb 2013 – April 2014, Noblesville IN

  • Created programming and implemented activities for groups of 10-30 elementary and middle school aged children
  • Directed activities focusing on gross motor skills, teambuilding, cooperation, emotional regulation, parallel play and cooperative play
  • Designed curriculums for a variety of clubs and activities, including but not limited to dance, art, jewelry making, sports, trick photography, music history, stop-motion animation, and youth leadership

Instructional Specialist / 4-H CAPITAL Americorps

Sept 2007 – June 2009, Austin TX

  • Taught Science and Outdoor Education to “at risk” elementary students  
  • Planned curriculum and implemented activities in an afterschool program based on Health Literacy, Team Building, Gardening, Rocketry, and Animal Science
  • Assisted with homework in basic literacy and math