Janikka Olson
St Francis
Summary
Goal-oriented Sociology graduate seeking a human-centered position emphasizing advocacy and support. Passionate about empowering individuals to achieve their goals by leveraging strong interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of social dynamics. Committed to making a positive impact through dedicated advocacy efforts and fostering meaningful connections. Eager to contribute to an organization that values compassion and community engagement.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
Lakes International Language Acadamy
04.2024 - Current
- I work in a language immersion school that promotes cultural diversity and regular exposure to Spanish and Chinese.
- My work with children of various learning disabilities helps me to actively use and stay fluent in American Sign Language.
- I currently work with families from diverse backgrounds to help create safety and learning plans for children with Individualized Learning Plans.
- I work with children who are currently in foster care, as well as being a mandated reporter for the school.
- I work closely with Social Workers and Childhood Psychologists to develop Individualized Learning Plans for students.
- My main objective for each student is to keep them safe while also providing them with an optimal learning environment.
- Developed individualized education plans in collaboration with teachers and specialists.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Facilitated small group instruction tailored to diverse learning needs and styles.
- Assisted in the integration of assistive technology to support students' academic success.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to educators for instructional adjustments.
- Mentored new paraeducators on effective classroom management and instructional techniques.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to design inclusive classroom environments promoting accessibility.
- Assisted teachers in adapting lesson plans and materials, ensuring accessibility for all students.
- Promoted self-advocacy skills by teaching students how to express their needs effectively within the classroom setting.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and progress towards IEP goals.
- Participated in professional development opportunities focused on new strategies for supporting special education learners successfully in the classroom.
- Improved classroom management by implementing behavior modification strategies and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to parents.
- Enhanced student learning by providing individualized support and accommodations for special education students.
- Served as a liaison between regular classroom teachers and special education support staff, streamlining communication regarding student accommodations.
- Conducted assessments to monitor progress and adjust instructional strategies as needed.
- Implemented research-based interventions to address academic challenges faced by special education students.
- Coordinated with related service providers to ensure comprehensive support for special education students, including occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and school psychologists.
- Supported students'' social-emotional development through one-on-one counseling sessions and group activities.
- Developed accessible visual aids for complex concepts, improving comprehension for diverse learners in the classroom setting.
- Cotaught lessons with general education teachers, integrating modifications for special education students seamlessly into the curriculum.
- Provided a safe and inclusive learning environment that accommodated diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Contributed to a positive school culture by participating in staff meetings, committees, and volunteering at extracurricular activities that supported students'' growth and development.
Office Manager
Fritz Concrete Construction, Inc.
04.2020 - Current
- I am the only office employee of the company I started with my husband, which runs during the summer months.
- I manage all HR-related tasks, including payroll, payment of benefits, union relationships, onboarding, and termination.
- I handle all social media accounts, email, phone calls, setting appointments, and other customer relations.
- I take care of billing, accounting, QuickBooks, audits, building permits, and compliance with union contracts.
- This job is part-time and is something that my husband can start taking over in the event that I am hired for a more demanding career.
- Managed office operations, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to company policies.
- Developed and maintained filing systems, improving document retrieval time by 30%.
- Coordinated scheduling for project meetings, enhancing team collaboration and communication.
- Trained new staff on office procedures and software applications, promoting a cohesive work environment.
- Analyzed operational processes to identify areas for improvement and enhance overall efficiency.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Streamlined office operations by implementing efficient filing systems and organizational strategies.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for cost savings while maintaining high-quality services.
- Facilitated smooth communication between departments, addressing concerns promptly to maintain harmonious work relationships.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Bemidji State University
Bemidji, MN07-2025
Associate of Arts - Political Science
Anoka Ramsey Community College
Coon Rapids, MN01.2023
Skills
- Skilled in American Sign Language and Spanish
- Independent achiever
- Strong communication skills
- I currently work in a very culturally diverse environment and really enjoy it
- I am hardworking and devoted to my career
- Proficient in learning new software
- Task and detail oriented
- Thrive in fast paced environments
- Empathy and understanding is something I excel at
- Behavior management strategies
- Assistive technology integration
- Classroom management techniques
- Individualized education plans
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 20 staff members.
Certification
- Certified in Crisis Prevention Intervention
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
ASL
Limited Working
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
Lakes International Language Acadamy
04.2024 - Current
Office Manager
Fritz Concrete Construction, Inc.
04.2020 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Bemidji State University
Associate of Arts - Political Science
Anoka Ramsey Community College