Kathleen Lundy
Oak Lawn
Summary
Strategic professional with extensive experience leading initiatives across the social service and education sectors. Adept at managing complex community operations and navigating diverse organizational challenges. Committed to applying advanced communication and project management skills to a dynamic, mission-critical role
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Worker
Menta Academy Chicago West
08.2022 - Current
- Provide individualized support to students with autism spectrum disorder, emotional disabilities, ADHD, and trauma histories in a structured school setting
- Implement behavior and communication supports for non-verbal students, including the use of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices
- Adapt instruction and social-emotional learning strategies to meet diverse cognitive, emotional, and developmental needs
- Fostered safe, supportive learning environment for students with complex mental health and behavioral needs, enhancing focus and engagement.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including teachers, psychologists, and behavior specialists to develop and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
- Liaised between school, families, and outside service providers to ensure continuity of care and support.
- Supported students during behavioral crises by using trained, district-approved safety interventions to ensure student and staff safety
- Documented behavioral incidents and collaborated in team-based problem solving to develop effective preventative behavior support plans.
- Demonstrate awareness of cultural and socioeconomic factors impacting student behavior and academic performance
- Adapt communication styles to meet the needs of multilingual and diverse student populations
- Maintain accurate documentation and comply with federal, state, and school policies related to confidentiality and reporting.
Managed Food Program
Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association
03.2020 - 07.2022
- Coordinated meal deliveries to children and families facing food insecurity during COVID-19, ensuring access to vital nutrition.
- Developed and implemented an efficient system for safe lunch pick-up, enhancing access for families.
- Partnered with local food pantries to ensure accurate inventory tracking and proper handling of food deliveries.
- Supervised and supported team of staff and volunteers in meal distribution, fostering collaboration and effectiveness.
Social Worker
Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Delivered individual therapy sessions tailored to students’ emotional and behavioral needs.
- Managed student behavioral crises with district-approved safety and de-escalation procedures, ensuring safety for students and staff.
- Analyzed recorded behavioral incidents with multidisciplinary teams to identify patterns, informing proactive behavior intervention plans.
- Delivered weekly integrated social-emotional learning (SEL) lessons focused on building students’ self-awareness and emotional regulation skills.
- Facilitated classroom-based social-emotional learning lessons to support positive behavior and academic success.
- Collaborated actively as a member of the behavioral health team to develop and execute student support plans.
- Coordinated monthly student engagement incentive programs, fostering participation and supporting goal achievement.
- Built supportive relationships with students and families while respecting cultural differences and lived experiences
Social Work Intern
Carver Elementary Chicago Public School
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Facilitated weekly anger management group for female students, enhancing coping strategies and emotional regulation skills.
- Collaborated with faculty to develop and implement effective student support plans.
- Assisted with case management services for students and families in temporary housing, connecting them to essential resources that foster stability.
- Completed and maintained student documentation and paperwork in accordance with program requirements.
- Supported the coordination and organization of field trips and in-school assemblies.
Paraprofessional
Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association
01.2019 - 08.2021
- Delivered dedicated one-on-one assistance to a student with specialized learning or behavioral needs.
- Provided individualized and small group instruction to reinforce academic concepts and promote skill development.
- Fostered student independence and engagement through tailored support, enhancing motivation and participation in learning activities.
- Utilized adaptive technology to improve accessibility and learning outcomes for students with disabilities, promoting inclusive educational experiences.
- Organized academic assignments and adapted instructional materials to address diverse learning needs, facilitating student comprehension.
- Assisted students in various settings including physical education, adapted PE, art class, and daily classroom routines.
- Served as a substitute teacher, maintaining instructional continuity and classroom management in the teacher’s absence.
Children’s Advocate Intern
WINGS Program
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Advocated for the needs of children and caregivers to ensure access to appropriate services and supports.
- Conducted supportive meetings with mothers and children to address trauma, abuse, and housing instability, fostering a sense of safety and trust.
- Reviewed and contributed to individualized service plans and goal development with clinical staff, enhancing tailored support for families.
- Facilitated weekly individual and family support sessions aimed at emotional stabilization and well-being, promoting resilience and recovery.
- Maintained a safe, structured, and supportive environment for clients participating in shelter-based services.
- Developed and implemented coping skills interventions to support emotional regulation and trauma recovery.
- Provided trauma-informed resources and supportive guidance to families navigating recovery and transition.
Specialist
Family and Children's Services
04.2017 - 01.2019
- Delivered direct care and emotional support to youth facing aggression, trauma, and abuse, enhancing their coping abilities.
- Developed and implemented positive behavior support strategies and taught coping skills to promote emotional regulation.
- Created a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed environment, fostering trust and emotional stability among youth.
- Led therapeutic group sessions focused on resilience, communication, and healing.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to plan and coordinate appropriate follow-up services and aftercare.
- Coordinated discharge process for adolescents, ensuring seamless support and communication with guardians.
Care Staff
Family and Children Services Link
12.2015 - 01.2017
- Instructed youth in essential life, social, and coping skills, promoting independence and building emotional resilience.
- Supported youth in overcoming internal and external challenges, empowering them to achieve individualized goals.
- Facilitated youth participation in community-based activities, enhancing social engagement and fostering personal growth.
- Designed and led interactive art and science projects to encourage creativity and hands-on learning.
- Provided safe and reliable transportation for youth between their residence and the LINK program.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Governors State University
University Park, IL05-2022
Bachelor of Family Studies -
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI06-2016
High School -
Marist High School
Chicago, IL05-2011
Skills
- Crisis intervention
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Case management
- Cultural competency
- Augmentative communication devices
- Trauma-informed care
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Client advocacy
- Solution-based interventions
- Data collection and management
- Referrals and networking
- CPR, first aid, AED
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Social Worker
Menta Academy Chicago West
08.2022 - Current
Social Worker
Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association
08.2021 - 06.2022
Social Work Intern
Carver Elementary Chicago Public School
08.2021 - 06.2022
Children’s Advocate Intern
WINGS Program
08.2020 - 05.2021
Managed Food Program
Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association
03.2020 - 07.2022
Paraprofessional
Southwest Cook County Cooperative Association
01.2019 - 08.2021
Specialist
Family and Children's Services
04.2017 - 01.2019
Care Staff
Family and Children Services Link
12.2015 - 01.2017
Master of Social Work -
Governors State University
Bachelor of Family Studies -
Western Michigan University
High School -
Marist High School