Andrea E Watkins
Fergus Falls
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate human services professional with more than 25 years of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness, behavioral health needs, and geriatric populations. Extensive experience developing individualized support plans, implementing positive behavior supports, coordinating services, documenting progress, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to improve quality of life. Currently employed with the State of Minnesota as a Behavior Modification Assistant, providing person-centered services to individuals with complex behavioral and developmental needs. Skilled in case management support, crisis intervention, therapeutic communication, staff collaboration, and regulatory compliance. Committed to promoting dignity, independence, and community inclusion while ensuring quality services and positive outcomes.
Overview
1
1
Certification
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavior Modification Assistant
State of Minnesota
03.2024 - Current
- Applied positive behavior supports and therapeutic de-escalation techniques to effectively manage challenging behaviors.
- Develop and implement individualized residential and habilitation support plans.
- Supported individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and complex behavioral needs to enhance their quality of life.
- Facilitated development of life skills, independence, and community integration for individuals, promoting personal growth and social inclusion.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure quality, person-centered services.
- Document progress, behavioral data, and interventions according to state guidelines.
- Ensured health and safety standards to protect individuals' well-being.
Human Service Technician
State of Minnesota
04.2020 - 03.2024
- Provided medication support and conducted health monitoring, contributing to improved client health outcomes.
- Facilitated activities of daily living and skill development for individuals receiving state services, enhancing their overall quality of life.
- Supported implementation of individualized treatment and service plans.
- Ensured accurate documentation and communicated critical changes to treatment teams, supporting effective care coordination.
- Encouraged independence through coaching and daily living instruction.
Substitute Support Staff
Fergus Falls Public Schools
09.2019 - 05.2021
- Created a safe and inclusive learning environment through clear behavioral expectations, promoting student engagement.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to support instruction and manage classroom dynamics effectively.
- Guided students in addressing educational and behavioral challenges, enhancing their learning experience.
Assistant Resident Manager
Synstelien Community Services
10.2018 - 07.2019
- Coordinated daily operations and resident care, enhancing overall service delivery.
- Supported staff training and scheduling to improve team readiness and resident support.
- Contributed to care planning meetings to enhance service delivery for residents.
- Ensured compliance with agency policies and licensing standards.
- Supervised residential services for adults with developmental disabilities, ensuring quality care.
Direct Support Professional
Synstelien Community Services
06.2018 - 10.2018
- Supported individuals in daily living activities to enhance quality of life.
- Promoted independence through community engagement initiatives.
- Facilitated skill development and self-advocacy to promote personal growth.
- Tracked services and client progress to ensure effective care and support.
Human Services Technician
State of Minnesota
05.1999 - 09.2017
- Provided compassionate care to veterans, enhancing their quality of life in skilled nursing environmentsss.
- Served veterans at Minnesota Veterans Home
- Supported residents with activities of daily living, promoting independence and dignity.
- Monitored physical and emotional well-being.
- Collaborated with nurses and interdisciplinary teams.
- Maintained accurate documentation and resident records.
- Acknowledged for professionalism and compassion, contributing to exceptional resident care.
Program Counselor
Development Homes Inc.
01.1995 - 01.1997
- Promoted self-sufficiency by developing and implementing skill-building activities tailored to individual needs.
- Assisted with daily living activities, meal preparation, transportation, and medical appointments to enhance client independence.
- Supported adults with developmental disabilities in a residential setting.
- Established positive relationships with families and healthcare providers to support client care and ensure effective communication.
- Participated in care planning meetings.
Education
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Human Resources Management
Minnesota State Community And Technical College
12-2026
Associate of Science (AS) - Medical Administrative Assistant
Minnesota State Community And Technical College
05-2022
Skills
- Behavioral Intervention & Positive Supports
- Crisis Prevention & De-escalation
- Skills Development & Habilitation
- Individual Support Planning
- Person-Centered Planning
- Developmental Disabilities Services
- Mental Health Support
- Case Management Support
- Care Coordination
- Documentation & Recordkeeping
- Regulatory Compliance
- Medication Management
- Program Development
- Team Leadership & Coaching
- Team Building
- Client Advocacy
- CPR & First Aid
Certification
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- CPR Certified
- First Aid Certified
- EASE Level 3–4
- Core 4 Training
- Anti-Racism Training
- Trained Medication Administration
- HR Core Course through ELM (Currently Enrolled)
- Former Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Former Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Timeline
Behavior Modification Assistant
State of Minnesota
03.2024 - Current
Human Service Technician
State of Minnesota
04.2020 - 03.2024
Substitute Support Staff
Fergus Falls Public Schools
09.2019 - 05.2021
Assistant Resident Manager
Synstelien Community Services
10.2018 - 07.2019
Direct Support Professional
Synstelien Community Services
06.2018 - 10.2018
Human Services Technician
State of Minnesota
05.1999 - 09.2017
Program Counselor
Development Homes Inc.
01.1995 - 01.1997
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Human Resources Management
Minnesota State Community And Technical College
Associate of Science (AS) - Medical Administrative Assistant
Minnesota State Community And Technical College