MARY VALENTA

(630) 567-5463 | mary.valenta@comcast.net

CURRICULUM VITAE

In pursuit of my passion to work directly with students and teachers in the field of
special education, I am attending Dominican University to attain a Masters of Science of
Special Education, LBSI.

EDUCATION
Dominican University, Expected Graduation December, 2016
Candidate for Masters of Science Special Education, LBSI

Menta Physical Management Training, 2014

DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
Certificate in Integrated Marketing Communications, 2011

Illinois State and NCLB Approved Paraprofessional, 2011

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training , Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc. 1999

Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois
Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing

EXPERIENCE RELATED TO SPECIAL EDUCATION:
Create social stories and visuals to explain abstract ideas and complicated topics

Carry out positive behavioral plan and sensory dysfunction supports at home, in
the community and at social settings

Work as directed by teachers in special and general education classrooms, on
playground, on field trips, job coaching

Post high school participation in assisting with job coaching, social skills/life
skills improvement, special recreation and alternative living options in a group
home setting

Facilitate communication between educators, healthcare professionals and other
service providers to ensure knowledge transfer across disciplines to support
positive outcomes

Support educational, therapeutic and medical efforts and treatment plans
implemented across multiple educational, medical, and family networks


PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Chromosome 18 Registry and Research Society, Member 1988 - Present
Special Kids Day, Volunteer, 2012 Present
M. Valenta, Page 2
Seguin Services, Committee Member, 2005
Ray Graham Association, Board and Committee Member, 2004
Girl Scouts of America, Volunteer, 1993 2000

TECHNICAL PROFICIENCIES
Microsoft Outlook, Windows XP, 7, 8.1 and Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Numerous
Web 2.0 Tools

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Educational Assistant, Elmhurst CUSD 205, Elmhurst, Illinois 8/2013 - Current
Paraprofessional at York High School, Special Education Department
Provide support to multiple students in Transitional Life Skills classrooms who
are learning math, reading, spelling and vocabulary and cooking. Provide
support and direction in the areas of independence and age appropriate social
and communication skills.
Provide 1:1 assistance to student with autism in the use of PECS (Picture
Exchange Communication System) in learning life skills, work skills and on
community outings.
Provide assistance in Literacy Skills academic class with a focus on redirecting
student behavior; assist as needed in learning subject matter and organization of
materials.

Business and Marketing Experience 3/2007- 8/2013
Marketing Specialist for custom research and database management firm.
Account Management in manufacturing and security industries.

Caregiver and Advocate / for Individual with Disabilities 3/2005 - 9/2007

Business Experience 6/2000 - 3/2005
Account management and sales in IT professional services industry.