Reina Ramirez
Crystal
Summary
Early childhood education professional with expertise in community advocacy and bilingual education. Skilled in developing and implementing programs that foster children's growth and empower families. Committed to creating nurturing learning environments that support diverse needs.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Personal Care Assistant
Accracare
Minneapolis
04.2026 - Current
- Assisted clients with daily living activities and personal hygiene tasks.
- Provided companionship to elderly and disabled clients in their homes or other residential facilities.
- Prepared meals according to dietary requirements and assisted in feeding when needed.
- Utilized adaptive equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers or canes as needed.
- Laundered clothing and bedding to prevent infection.
- Supported bathing, dressing and personal care needs.
- Followed safe lifting and transferring techniques to transport residents.
Personal Care Assistant
Diamond Community Health Services
Minneapolis
02.2021 - 04.2025
- Assisted clients with daily living activities and personal hygiene tasks.
- Provided companionship and emotional support to enhance client well-being.
- Coordinated transportation for medical appointments and social outings.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in client living environments.
- Communicated effectively with healthcare professionals regarding client care plans.
Dual Language Specialist
PICA Head Start
Minneapolis
10.2012 - 05.2017
- Cultivated partnerships with local organizations to expand service offerings and support networks.
- Directed staff training sessions to enhance skills and promote professional development.
- Recruited, trained, coached, and mentored dual language classroom teachers.
- Collaborated with teachers to enhance bilingual education strategies.
- Trained staff on best practices for supporting multilingual learners.
Director of Advocate Services
PICA
Minneapolis
12.2005 - 01.2011
- Provide training and technical assistance to Parent/Child Advocates
- Monitor compliance in the Social Service component /Head Start Performance Standards
- Trained and provided technical assistance to staff hired as Parent/Child Advocates
- Planned and Implemented Professional Development sessions for Social Service component staff
- Partner with community organizations to maximize resources for our children and families
- Developed comprehensive programs to enhance community engagement and outreach efforts.
- Cultivated partnerships with local organizations to expand service offerings and support networks.
- Directed staff training sessions to enhance skills and promote professional development.
- Established relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable terms for materials or services.
- Interviewed prospective employees and provided input to HR on hiring decisions.
Cross Cultural Team/Special Assignment
PICA
Minneapolis
06.2001 - 12.2005
- Responsible for verbal and written translations from English to Spanish
- Planned and coordinated Parent Involvement Agency Wide Events
- Planned and implemented multicultural classroom activities
- Taught basic Spanish and Cultural awareness to staff and parents
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
Head Teacher
PICA
Minneapolis
08.2000 - 06.2001
- Planned and individualized for preschool age children
- Completed required documentation on child database and files
- Planned and conducted mediator team meetings and home visits
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse preschool age groups.
- Implemented daily activities promoting social skills and teamwork among students.
- Monitored student progress through regular assessments and observations.
- Developed professional relationships with parents, teachers, directors and therapists.
Assistant Teacher
PICA
Minneapolis
08.1999 - 06.2000
- Assisted teacher in planning and writing lesson plans
- Supported families with verbal and written translations
- Participated in the agency’s self-assessment/annual review
Teacher’s Aide
PICA
Minneapolis
05.1998 - 06.1999
- Collaborated with Head Teacher to develop lesson plans and implement activities, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes
- Facilitated communication in parent meetings and classroom activities by translating between English and Spanish, fostering inclusive participation
- Assisted Head teacher with required classroom / children files documentation
Education
B.A.S - Early Childhood Studies
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN10-2009
A.A.S - Child Development
Minneapolis Community Technical College
Minneapolis, MN01-2002
High School -
Farragut Career Academy
Chicago, ILL01-1993
Skills
- Community outreach and advocacy
- Cultural competency
- Staff training and development
- Program compliance
- Bilingual communication
- Fluency in English and Spanish
Training
- Observing and Assessing children
- Group Dynamics and Facilitation
- Ethics in Diversity
- General Psychology
- Early Childhood within Cultural Context
- Cross Cultural Competency
- Parenting Curriculum Group Facilitation
- Program Management and Monitoring
Hobbies and Interests
- Diversity/Cultural dynamics
- Technology
- Grassroots activities
- Literature
Languages
- Fluent in English
- Fluent in Spanish
Languages
Spanish
Professional
English
Professional
Certification
- MN Dept of Health and Human Services PCA and CFSS suport worker Training
Timeline
Personal Care Assistant
Accracare
04.2026 - Current
Personal Care Assistant
Diamond Community Health Services
02.2021 - 04.2025
Dual Language Specialist
PICA Head Start
10.2012 - 05.2017
Director of Advocate Services
PICA
12.2005 - 01.2011
Cross Cultural Team/Special Assignment
PICA
06.2001 - 12.2005
Head Teacher
PICA
08.2000 - 06.2001
Assistant Teacher
PICA
08.1999 - 06.2000
Teacher’s Aide
PICA
05.1998 - 06.1999
B.A.S - Early Childhood Studies
Metropolitan State University
A.A.S - Child Development
Minneapolis Community Technical College
High School -
Farragut Career Academy