Giovanni De La Torre

As Program Manager at Menta Academy Oak Park, I oversee the daily operations of the campus, ensuring that educational programs for students with diverse learning needs and disabilities are delivered efficiently and effectively. In partnership with the school principal and regional director, I focus on optimizing operations and supporting the academic and emotional growth of students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth coordination between academic, administrative, and support teams.
• Lead and develop a team of 20+ staff, promoting a collaborative and productive environment.
• Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency and student outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local school districts and residential programs, ensuring effective communication.

As Business Manager, I was responsible for overseeing the administrative, financial, and human resource functions of the school, ensuring smooth operations and compliance across all business-related areas.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintained accurate office records and staff files, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Managed payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and contributed to financial efficiency.
• Oversaw employee onboarding, HR services, and compliance for a team of 20+ staff.
• Developed personnel budgets and conducted financial analysis to optimize resources.
• Prepared financial reports and assessments, providing insights for planning.
• Addressed customer concerns, ensuring satisfaction and retention.
• Communicated with district partners, ensuring alignment on initiatives and smooth operations.

As Training Coordinator, I was responsible for managing the administrative functions related to the training and professional development of the Adult Services staff. This included overseeing training documentation, record retention, and identifying individual and team training needs to ensure staff competency and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administered training documentation, ensuring accurate record-keeping and compliance with policies.
• Identified and coordinated training needs for Adult Program staff, ensuring timely development.
• Collaborated with HR to ensure completion of required staff training.
• Ensured training programs met organizational philosophy and regulatory standards, driving staff improvement.

As a Residential Direct Support Professional, I provided direct care and supervision to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, fostering a safe, supportive environment while promoting personal growth and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervised and monitored daily activities of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring needs were met and goals achieved.
• Administered medication in compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines under nurse supervision.
• Ensured participant safety by proactively addressing potential risks and hazards.
• Facilitated community integration and socialization, encouraging participation in local events.
• Applied positive behavior support strategies to manage maladaptive behaviors and maintain a safe environment.