Special Ed Teachers Aide
Resume:
Mrs. Paula Shahid, M.A.
Creative and Fun -Special Ed Teachers Aide
Knoxville, TN 37922
*************@*****.***
I work directly from the heart. My first priority is excellent care of my clients. My second is to be
creative in solutions tailored to each individual.
Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Work Experience
Activities Enrichment Coordinator
OPEN ARMS CARE CORPORATION - Knoxville, TN
September 2022 to September 2023
I worked with adults and seniors diagnosed with Intellectual and/or developmentally delayes.
What I really enjoy about this job is that I plan and implement enriching and meaningful activities 5 days
a week. It’s wonderful when they successfully complete an activity - whether it be art, music, gardening,
seated yoga, basketball, badminton, singing, or dancing. And their broad smiles are the cherry on top!
Dementia Engagement Coordinator
The Arbor Company - Knoxville, TN
October 2021 to November 2022
Researched, planned and led groups. Taught a wide variety of subjects including: morning exercises,
chair yoga, cooking, gardening, meditation/ nature appreciation. Also, watercolors, acrylic painting, clay
sculpting, religious devotions.
Sensory and intellectual stimulation for those with severe dementia and/or alzheimers, paper crafts,
drawing, jewelry making, mask making, holiday card creating, ceramic art, and seasonal decorating, etc.
Completed monthly trainings on all aspects of working with dementia/brain injured residents.
Activity Assistant
Avenir Memory Care - Knoxville, TN
May 2019 to June 2021
Counseled and led group projects and group activities with Dementia and Traumatic Brain Injured
residents.
Led a wide variety of fine arts classes.
Art Teacher
Annoor Academy - Knoxville, TN
September 2008 to June 2011
Taught grades K-8, traditional art teacher focusing on drawing skills, some acrylic painting and clay
sculptures. Also some watercolor/pen and ink, and paper crafts.
Art Therapist
Palisades Learning Center - Paramus, NJ
August 1997 to June 1998
I taught Art to a wonderful group of Emotionally and/or Behaviorally Challenged teens. Led a Competitive
Art Show between alternative high schools. Saw a lot of positive changes and growth in self-esteem in
the teens involved.
Grades 5-12
Wood-burning, Chinese Sumi-e Ink Painting, Collage, Acrylic Painting, basic drawing skills, clay, and I led
an Art Show for inter-scholastic Alternative schools in the Newark area.
Vocational Counselor
South Shore Mental Health Center - Wakefield, RI
August 1995 to October 1996
I counseled and aided mentally-ill and severely mentally ill adults. I helped them obtain gainful
employment.
Many of our clients had co-occurring diagnosis of addiction and were moderately to seriously impaired.
Job shadowed and Job Coached many individual clients. Encouraged positive self-esteem and goal setting,
as well as basic life skills that positively correlated with maintaining employment.
Activity Assistant
Scallop Shell Nursing Home - Wakefield, RI
April 1993 to June 1994
I aided in all aspects of activity department. I worked with the disabled as well as severely limited/those
with cognitive issues and dementia in general.
Family Case Manager
Family Services, Inc. - Providence, RI
June 1992 to January 1993
I instrumented group and individual counseling with the youth that came to us. Specifically we worked
with foster care recipients, focused on teens and young adults.
Group Home Worker
South Shore Mental Health Center - Wakefield, RI
January 1991 to November 1992
I worked with schizophrenic and severely mentally ill population. Life skills and emotional well-being were
paramount goals. Learning to manage behaviors were also main goals I helped residents achieve.
Education
M.A. in Agency Counseling
Rhode Island College - Providence, RI
August 1993 to June 1995
B.S. in Art Education/Art Therapy & human development ( minor) University of Rhode Island
Contact this candidate