Cora Gasperini
Morris,IL
Summary
Special Education Support Specialist with strong background in fostering inclusive learning environments. Skilled in behavior management, individualized instruction, and supporting diverse needs. Known for effective collaboration with educators and flexibility in dynamic situations. Highly reliable with focus on achieving positive outcomes for students.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
Grundy County Special Education Cooperative
06.2023 - Current
- Assisted educators in implementing individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Supported classroom activities and maintained a positive learning environment for all students.
- Adapted instructional materials to meet diverse learning styles and abilities of students.
- Collaborated with teachers to monitor student progress and provide feedback on performance.
- Observed student behavior, documenting incidents, and reporting concerns to teaching staff promptly.
- Participated in training sessions to learn best practices for supporting students with disabilities.
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Enhanced students'' learning experiences by implementing individualized educational plans and adapting teaching methods for special needs students.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Facilitated social skills development through targeted group activities, promoting positive peer relationships and increased self-confidence among special education students.
- Alerted instructor to student behavior or issues requiring intervention.
- Observed students' performance and recorded relevant data to assess progress.
- Understood and acclimated to teacher's routine to provide classroom coverage.
- Responded to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns or direct appropriate personnel for resolution.
- Collaborated with teachers and specialists to assess student progress.
- Helped feeding and daily living skills to support physical and emotional well-being.
- Maintained classroom equipment and work area to promote safe learning environment and meet mandated requirements.
- Worked with students to promote learning and pro-social development.
- Delivered efficient instruction by assisting with lesson planning and materials preparation.
- Adapted equipment and technology, boosting student engagement and motivation.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Saratoga Elementary School
08.2020 - 05.2023
- Facilitated small group sessions to reinforce lesson concepts and encourage peer interaction.
- Utilized various educational tools and technology to enhance student engagement and participation.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Responded proactively to emerging challenges by adapting instructional strategies as needed, ensuring continuous progress toward established goals for each student''s academic success and personal growth.
- Encouraged students to participate in school activities and programs to promote well-roundedness and increase confidence.
- Established professional relationships with parents and other teachers to increase rapport and support.
- Provided necessary accommodations for testing situations, ensuring fair opportunities for all students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
- Served as a liaison between general education teachers and special education professionals, fostering collaborative relationships that benefited all students involved.
- Contributed to successful transitions between grade levels by collaborating closely with incoming teachers about each student''s specific strengths, challenges, and support requirements.
- Created positive and inclusive classroom environment by helping students develop social skills and relationships.
- Communicated with teachers and other district personnel to assist in evaluating progress and implementing IEP objectives.
- Liaised one-on-one with learners to provide additional support tailored to specific learning needs.
- Provided individualized reading, writing and math instruction to support student development.
- Observed individuals or groups of students in variety of settings to maintain safe and positive learning environment.
- Promoted good study habits and student independence to improve quality of student outcomes.
- Instructed student activities to implement goals for remediation of deficiencies and drive student success.
- Assisted educators in implementing individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Supported classroom activities and maintained a positive learning environment for all students.
- Adapted instructional materials to meet diverse learning styles and abilities of students.
- Observed student behavior, documenting incidents, and reporting concerns to teaching staff promptly.
- Collaborated with teachers to monitor student progress and provide feedback on performance.
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Enhanced students'' learning experiences by implementing individualized educational plans and adapting teaching methods for special needs students.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Alerted instructor to student behavior or issues requiring intervention.
- Observed students' performance and recorded relevant data to assess progress.
- Facilitated social skills development through targeted group activities, promoting positive peer relationships and increased self-confidence among special education students.
- Understood and acclimated to teacher's routine to provide classroom coverage.
- Responded to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns or direct appropriate personnel for resolution.
- Collaborated with teachers and specialists to assess student progress.
- Maintained classroom equipment and work area to promote safe learning environment and meet mandated requirements.
- Worked with students to promote learning and pro-social development.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, enabling timely communication with parents and other stakeholders regarding individual achievements and areas needing improvement.
Lunch Monitor
Saratoga Elementary School
12.2018 - 05.2020
- Supervised lunch periods to ensure student safety and adherence to school policies.
- Assisted students with meal choices, promoting healthy eating habits and dietary awareness.
- Monitored dining areas for cleanliness, reporting maintenance issues for prompt resolution.
- Facilitated conflict resolution among students, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment.
- Implemented procedures for efficient lunch line management, reducing wait times for students.
- Increased student safety during lunch periods by diligently supervising all areas of the cafeteria and intervening in any conflicts or issues promptly.
- Collaborated with school staff to address any concerns or issues regarding student behavior during lunch periods.
- Monitored students during lunchtime and provided verbal cues to students to manage behavior.
- Monitored student behavior and implemented corrective actions.
- Supported the implementation of school-wide policies and procedures related to student conduct during lunch hours.
- Coordinated with fellow lunch monitors to provide comprehensive coverage of all areas within the designated eating space, maximizing supervision effectiveness.
- Assisted in maintaining an orderly lunch line, ensuring students received their meals quickly and efficiently.
- Walked around cafeteria looking for spills and assisting students with opening food containers.
- Facilitated timely clean-up after each lunch period, preparing the space for subsequent groups of students to enjoy their meals comfortably.
- Improved student behavior by implementing a structured lunchtime schedule and clearly communicating expectations.
- Handled emergency situations calmly and efficiently when necessary, providing first aid and following school protocols.
- Prevented potential accidents by swiftly addressing spills or other hazards within the cafeteria area.
- Enhanced cleanliness in the cafeteria by conducting regular table wipe-downs and monitoring proper trash disposal.
- Circulated among tables to assist young students and special needs children with opening milk containers and lunch items.
- Organized students entering cafeteria into various food lines to keep groups flowing smoothly.
- Trained new Lunch Monitors on best practices for maintaining a safe environment for all students involved.
- Cleaned tables, straightened chairs and swept floors between lunch periods.
- Regulated dismissal of students by section and guided disposal of tray and silverware in return area.
- Fostered positive relationships with students, providing guidance and support during their lunch breaks.
- Cleaned and sanitized surfaces, tools, and equipment.
- Collected trash, wiped up spills, and removed trays to maintain fresh and clean customer areas.
- Restocked condiments, beverages, and utensils per expected use levels.
To Go Specialist
Olive Garden Restaurant
05.2008 - 06.2010
- Coordinated order assembly to ensure timely and accurate customer pickups.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service during high-volume periods.
- Trained new staff on operational procedures and company standards, improving team efficiency.
- Managed inventory levels to streamline preparation processes and reduce wait times.
- Developed best practices for order management, contributing to improved workflow efficiency.
- Monitored food safety standards and maintained cleanliness in preparation areas to uphold quality assurance.
- Handled high-stress situations gracefully, resolving customer concerns promptly and professionally.
- Answered to-go order phone calls, conveying menu options over telephone and accurately estimating time of delivery.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely completion of all to-go orders.
- Operated cash register to accept cash, debit and credit card payments from customers.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, maintaining accountability for daily sales receipts.
- Trained new team members on proper procedures for managing to-go orders, promoting consistency in service quality.
- Adapted quickly to new technology platforms for online ordering and delivery services integration.
- Ensured order accuracy, meticulously reviewing each item before handing off to the customer.
- Arranged items in containers and bags, taking care to segregate items by temperature and optimize loading order to maximize stability of to-go containers and protect food during transportation.
- Maintained a clean and inviting pickup area, contributing to a positive customer experience.
- Reduced wait times for customers, prioritizing timely food preparation and packaging.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and accurate order processing.
- Increased drink, appetizers, entree, and dessert orders by suggestively selling daily specials or popular items.
- Maintained clean, sanitary work station by removing trash, sweeping floors and wiping down countertops.
- Utilized strong organizational skills in arranging completed orders neatly while minimizing space consumption within the pick-up area.
- Increased repeat business by consistently providing friendly and attentive service.
- Fostered positive relationship with regular customers, recognizing their preferences and ensuring personalized service experience.
- Maintained clean and organized work area, contributing to pleasant dining environment for to-go customers.
- Streamlined to-go operations, training new staff on best practices for efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely preparation of orders, minimizing wait times for customers.
- Adapted quickly to menu changes and special promotions, accurately conveying information to customers.
- Developed method for handling peak hours more effectively, ensuring smoother workflow and happier customers.
- Provided training to new hires on POS system and customer service protocols, raising team's overall performance standards.
- Enhanced customer experience by accurately taking and processing orders in fast-paced environment.
- Resolved challenging customer service situations with diplomacy, retaining customer loyalty in difficult circumstances.
- Assisted in inventory management, helping to minimize waste and ensure availability of popular menu items.
- Utilized POS system to receive and process food and beverage orders.
- Greeted customers and answered inquiries regarding menu items and specials.
- Processed customer payments and balanced cash drawers.
- Followed safety and sanitation policies while handling food and beverages to uphold proper health standards.
- Kept register accurate through correct billing, payment processing, and cash management practices.
- Adjusted food preparation methods in accordance with customer requests.
- Monitored food quality and freshness throughout day.
- Demonstrated knowledge of menu items and corresponding ingredients.
Server
Ruby Tuesday
09.2007 - 09.2008
- Delivered exceptional customer service in fast-paced dining environment.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate food delivery.
- Trained and mentored new servers on menu details and service standards.
- Managed multiple tables efficiently while maintaining a positive guest experience.
- Resolved customer complaints quickly to enhance satisfaction and loyalty.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of dining area to uphold health standards.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Performed opening and closing duties, ensuring the dining area was prepared for seamless service transitions.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by promptly attending to their needs and providing personalized service.
- Maintained a clean and orderly dining area for an enjoyable guest experience.
- Bussed and reset tables to keep dining room and work areas clean.
- Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
- Assisted in training new hires, providing guidance on restaurant standards and best practices.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally to maintain positive reputation.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, contributing to balanced daily financial reports.
- Set positive tone for entire dining experience as first point of contact for incoming guests.
- Supported colleagues during peak hours, fostering a collaborative work environment that enhanced overall productivity levels.
- Increased sales with upselling techniques and thorough knowledge of menu items, specials, and promotions.
- Explained menu items and suggested appropriate options for food allergy concerns.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of orders, resulting in satisfied customers.
- Used slow periods to restock supplies, ice, trays, and delivery bags.
- Adhered to proper food handling procedures and safety guidelines for the well-being of guests and team members alike.
- Utilized communication practices with kitchen staff to deliver customer meals in timely manner.
- Maximized table turnover rate by managing reservations and seating arrangements.
- Learned and followed local alcohol laws to keep restaurant compliant with regulations.
- Contributed to inventory management by monitoring stock levels.
- Kept up with fast-paced environments, ensuring timely delivery of orders during peak hours.
- Built rapport with guests to enhance their dining experience and encourage return visits.
- Utilized knowledge of menu to make recommendations, enhancing customer dining experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in dining area, contributing to welcoming atmosphere.
- Improved dining experience by providing prompt, attentive service to guests.
Server
Cracker Barrel
09.2005 - 03.2007
- Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.
- Maintained clean and organized dining areas to uphold restaurant hygiene standards.
- Developed strong rapport with regular customers through genuine hospitality efforts leading to repeat business.
- Implemented effective communication strategies between front-of-house and back-of-house staff for streamlined operations.
- Consistently met or exceeded performance goals related to sales targets, customer satisfaction ratings, and order accuracy.
- Maintained high standards of personal appearance and hygiene, reflecting positively on establishment.
- Ensured accurate cash handling and processed transactions swiftly, contributing to restaurant's financial accuracy.
- Managed inventory of dining supplies to prevent shortages during service.
- Resolved customer complaints with calm, solution-focused approach, ensuring guest satisfaction.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure order accuracy and timely preparation of dishes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ07-2025
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Joliet Junior College
Joliet, IL05-2020
Skills
- Teacher assistance
- Learning disabilities support
- Classroom organization
- Progress monitoring
- Verbal and written communication
- Collaboration with teachers
- Nonverbal communication
- Behavioral plan management
- Autism and spectrum disorders
- Special needs
- Crisis intervention
- Classroom management strategies
Certification
CPI Certified
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
Grundy County Special Education Cooperative
06.2023 - Current
Special Education Paraprofessional
Saratoga Elementary School
08.2020 - 05.2023
Lunch Monitor
Saratoga Elementary School
12.2018 - 05.2020
To Go Specialist
Olive Garden Restaurant
05.2008 - 06.2010
Server
Ruby Tuesday
09.2007 - 09.2008
Server
Cracker Barrel
09.2005 - 03.2007
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Grand Canyon University
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Joliet Junior College
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