Sarah Fisher
Wilkes-Barre
Summary
Enhanced understanding of special needs education through personal experience as a parent of two children with disabilities. Cultivated educational support skills in elementary school settings. Leveraged customer service expertise from waitressing and training to promote positive interactions. Contributed as a para-professional in Springfield, Massachusetts public schools from October 2022 to February 2024 prior to relocating to Wilkes-Barre, PA in March 2024. Played a key role in the ESY program with ESS from July to August 2024, providing vital support to students. Partnered effectively as a para-educator in an autism support classroom within the Wilkes-Barre Area School District, collaborating with a classroom teacher and another para-educator alongside Step by Step Behavioral Services to deliver customized support. Interacted with students across grades K-1 and 3-6 in autism classrooms during tenure with LIU 18 for the ESY program from June to August 2025.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Paraeducator, Special Education
ESS / LIU
Wilkes-Barre, PA
07.2025 - 08.2025
- Supported diverse learners in individualized education programs, enhancing academic engagement and progress.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop tailored instructional strategies for students with special needs.
- Implemented behavioral strategies to promote positive social interactions among students.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to educators for continuous improvement of learning plans.
- 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.
- This employment was for the ESY (extended school year program)
Para Educator , Special Education
Liu 18
Kingston, PA
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Supported individualized education plans by assisting students with special needs in classroom settings.
- Implemented behavioral management strategies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with educators to develop instructional materials tailored for diverse learning styles.
- Facilitated small group activities that promoted social skills and peer interactions among students.
- Led initiatives to improve accessibility of learning materials for students with disabilities.
- Coordinated communication between parents, teachers, and support staff to ensure consistent educational support.
- 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.
- Served as a liaison between regular classroom teachers and special education support staff, streamlining communication regarding student accommodations.
- Supported students'' social-emotional development through one-on-one counseling sessions and group activities.
- Instructed student activities to implement goals for remediation of deficiencies and drive student success.
- Kept open and frequent communication with families to provide regular updates on child's academic progress and individualized needs.
- Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to parents.
- Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
- Provided a safe and inclusive learning environment that accommodated diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- This employment was for the ESY (Extended school year) program.
Paraeducator, Special Education
Wilkes Barre Area School District
Wilkes-Barre, PA
07.2024 - 08.2025
- Trained new paraeducators on best practices for supporting special education classrooms effectively.
- Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to address student needs and promote comprehensive support services.
- Developed and maintained communication with parents regarding student performance and behavior updates.
- Led workshops on adaptive technologies to empower staff in utilizing resources for diverse learning environments.
- 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.
- Coordinated with related service providers to ensure comprehensive support for special education students, including occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and school psychologists.
- Facilitated communication between parents, teachers, and school staff, fostering strong relationships to support student success.
- Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
- Encouraged peer collaboration through group assignments designed to foster teamwork and mutual understanding among classmates.
- Contributed to a positive school culture by participating in staff meetings, committees, and volunteering at extracurricular activities that supported students'' growth and development.
- Assisted in planning field trips and extracurricular activities that catered to the unique interests of special education students.
- Provided a safe and inclusive learning environment that accommodated diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Alerted instructor to student behavior or issues requiring intervention.
- Oversaw class of students in absence of instructor.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Encouraged students to participate in school activities and programs to promote well-roundedness and increase confidence.
- Established professional relationships with parents and other teachers to increase rapport and support.
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Developed tailor-fit lesson plans to cater to individual needs of each student.
- Provided individualized reading, writing and math instruction to support student development.
- Created positive and inclusive classroom environment by helping students develop social skills and relationships.
- Helped feeding and daily living skills to support physical and emotional well-being.
- Collaborated with teachers and specialists to assess student progress.
- Observed students' performance and recorded relevant data to assess progress.
- Understood and acclimated to teacher's routine to provide classroom coverage.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to educators for continuous improvement of learning plans.
- Assisted teachers in adapting lesson plans and materials, ensuring accessibility for all students.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
Paraprofessional
Springfield Public Schools, Massachusetts
Springfield , MA
10.2022 - 02.2024
- Assisted teachers with planning and preparing lessons for students.
- Provided guidance to students in the classroom setting.
- Created and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
- Provided one-on-one instruction to students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and ID in a classroom setting.
- Assisted in developing appropriate behavior plans, data collection systems and progress monitoring tools for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, parents and other professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Monitored student performance using evidence based practices to identify areas of need or improvement.
- Facilitated small group instruction tailored to meet individual needs of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Demonstrated knowledge of evidence based interventions and strategies used in working with individuals on the autism spectrum.
- Provided direct support to teachers in implementing evidence based instructional strategies for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Supported and monitored implementation of IEP goals and objectives to ensure successful outcomes for identified students.
- Created positive learning environments that promoted social interactions between peers and adults within the classroom setting.
- Observed student behaviors, documented progress notes, collected data, wrote reports and maintained records related to student's academic progress.
- Utilized Applied Behavior Analysis principles when working with individuals on the autism spectrum.
- Maintained professional relationships with families by providing guidance, resources, advocacy and support services as needed.
- Attended trainings related to working effectively with individuals on the autism spectrum.
- Assisted teachers in managing challenging behaviors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder while maintaining a safe learning environment.
- Mentored and tutored individual students struggling to understand lecture objectives.
- Taught students with learning disabilities, ADHD, ADD and autism.
- Liaised with team of professionals to implement comprehensive educational action plans for special needs and at-risk students.
- Applied positive reinforcement to redirect negative behaviors.
- Supported students throughout academic instruction and assignments.
- Supplied one-on-one attention to each student during group activities.
- Assisted children at stations during small-group learning periods.
- Offered students personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support.
- Observed students to help teachers identify potential learning blocks and opportunities for support.
- Communicated and collaborated well with educators from various grade levels.
- Assisted with implementation of student's individualized IEP at discretion and direction of teachers and administrators.
- Customized small group and individual classroom activities based on differentiated learning needs.
- Prepared instructional materials for specific classroom activities tailored to support student needs.
- Planned and led activities to develop students' physical, emotional and social growth.
- Communicated confidential details about student behavior and performance with parents and authorized parties.
- Handled clerical duties, managed classrooms and coordinated documents for teachers.
- Distributed textbooks, workbooks, papers and pencils to students.
- Improved behavior with modification and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Demonstrated appropriate behaviors using behavior modeling and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Evaluated student needs to provide helpful resources and support.
- Provided supplemental supervision in classrooms, schoolyards and cafeterias.
- Consulted with teachers regarding student progress, IEP adjustments and classroom needs.
- Motivated students using feedback and encouragement.
- Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks and build resilience for later educational efforts.
- Monitored student needs and supported mobility-restricted students.
- Provided disabled students with assistive devices and supportive technology.
- Assisted neurodiverse students with classwork and activity preparation.
- Prepared handouts, study materials and other teaching aids.
- Tutored students in course material to improve comprehension.
- Developed assignments for pupils to apply learning.
- Oversaw classroom and teaching materials and requisitioned low-stock items.
Self Employed Air Bnb’s Caretaker/house Keeper
Sherri Albreight
Quechee, VT
08.2018 - 04.2020
- Replaced sheets and pillowcases daily and used hospitality corners on beds to provide extreme comfort for guests.
- Laundered sheets and removed stains to restore linens to pristine condition.
- Moved beds, sofas and small furniture to wipe down baseboards and remove dust and dirt from hard-to-reach areas.
- Dusted ceiling air conditioning diffusers and ventilation systems to improve airflow.
- Followed manufacturer instructions for using chemicals and equipment to avoid burns, injuries and workplace accidents.
- Created checklists for daily stocking of housekeeping carts to improve inventory management and prevent unnecessary trips to stockroom.
- Replenished drinking glasses, writing supplies and other hotel amenities to provide elements of comfort and convenience for guests.
- Emptied wastebaskets and disposed of all soiled linen in guest rooms to reduce spread of germs and enhance freshness.
- Supplied extra towels and toiletries when requested to optimize guest comfort.
- Interacted pleasantly with clients and guests when performing daily duties.
- Assembled complimentary gift baskets and champagne to greet VIP guests upon arrival.
- Checked [Number] rooms per day to verify vacancies post-checkout.
- Removed finger marks and smudges from doors, frames and glass partitions to enhance shine.
- Mopped and vacuumed floors and dusted furniture to maintain organized, professional appearance at all times.
- Requested maintenance orders to fix non-working equipment and address room damage.
- Coordinated delivery of extra room furniture, bedding, linen and towels to meet guests needs.
- Employed deep-cleaning techniques for areas in need of additional sanitation.
- Rendered detailed and timely cleaning services while working in fast-paced environment with multiple interruptions.
- Returned vacant rooms to occupant-ready status by deep cleaning, changing linens, restocking inventory and removing trash.
Stay at Home Mom
Self
White River Junction, VT
10.2011 - 08.2018
- Supported children's development as a stay-at-home parent, managing busy schedules and activities. Provided care for younger sibling in foster care, addressing special needs related to intellectual disability and autism. Gained valuable insights and life lessons through caregiving experience.
- Assisted specialists in providing necessary resources for children with special needs. Gained knowledge in non-verbal autism and intellectual disabilities. Developed basic sign language skills and applied ABA therapy techniques. Collaborated with educators and therapists to enhance occupational therapy skills. Supported son in achieving verbal communication and reading proficiency.
- Managed daily activities and educational support for six children as a single mother. Maintained regular communication with teachers to monitor academic progress. Coordinated therapy sessions and appointments to support children's well-being.
Waitress
El Nopal Family Mexican Restaurant
College Park, GA
07.2009 - 07.2011
- Executed closing duties by emptying trash, securing alcohol inventory, and polishing silverware.
- Informed guests about daily specials, appetizers, entrees, desserts, and other menu offerings.
- Implemented safe food handling and effective cleaning strategies to ensure customer safety from foodborne illness.
- Facilitated communication with event coordinators to ensure suitable accommodations for larger parties.
- Enhanced beverage sales through strategic recommendations of food and drink pairings tailored to individual customer preferences.
- Informed repeat customers about menu changes and new food and beverage offerings to enhance service quality.
- Assisted in serving plated dinners and buffet-style meals for events. Supported the distribution of passed hors d'oeuvres during gatherings.
- Resolved customer concerns and complaints promptly to enhance service quality.
- Streamlined order processing to minimize customer wait times and enhance service efficiency.
- Orchestrated arrangement of place settings, incorporating fresh tablecloths, tableware, and floral accents.
- Ensured accuracy in payment processing, including change handling and receipt printing.
- Supported kitchen operations by assessing food inventory and determining item quantities for efficient service.
- Monitored guest satisfaction with meals and recommended additional items to enhance dining experience.
- Optimized supply stocking in server areas before, during, and after shifts to enhance serving staff efficiency.
- Assisted customers by answering phone inquiries to schedule and confirm reservations. Recorded takeout orders accurately. Responded to service questions to enhance customer satisfaction.
- Organized salad and appetizer preparation while establishing garnish stations to enhance kitchen efficiency.
- Engaged with kitchen staff regularly to monitor supply availability and assess potential customer wait times.
- Drove sales growth of high-margin menu items through strategic upselling techniques.
- Welcomed customers, addressed inquiries, and suggested wine and dessert specials to enhance sales.
- Verified customer ages to ensure compliance with alcohol service regulations.
Fast Food Worker
Dunkin Donuts
Brattleboro, VT
03.2003 - 09.2006
- Safely prepared, assembled and presented food to satisfy customers and fill orders.
- Followed all established restaurant practices and procedures by delivering food which met quality standards.
- Cleaned food preparation areas, cooking surfaces and utensils.
- Prepared and served beverages such as coffee, tea and fountain drinks, assuring freshness and availability.
- Took necessary steps to meet customer needs and effectively resolve food or service issues promptly.
- Kept customer and food preparation areas clean and well-organized for maximum efficiency.
- Correctly received orders, processed payments and responded appropriately to guest concerns.
- Suggested additional menu items, beverages and desserts to increase sales.
- Operated large-volume cooking equipment such as grills, deep-fat fryers and griddles with caution and according to manufacturer directions.
- Built brand loyalty and accomplished customer satisfaction by working well with other food service team members.
- Mastered point-of-service (POS) computer system for automated order taking.
- Portioned and packaged take-out foods for customers.
- Completed side work tasks, including restocking condiments and cleaning refrigerators.
- Entered requested menu items into POS terminal, modifying with substitutions and add-ons to customize orders.
- Verified orders and bagged items for easy transport.
- Packaged menu items into bags or trays and placed drink orders into carriers for easy transport.
- Answered customer questions regarding food preparation, responding to concerns regarding potential allergens.
- Accepted transaction payments, making change for cash payments and processing credit cards, debit cards and gift cards.
- Organized food items on serving trays and in carry-out packages.
- Followed all company safety standards, including food quality and sanitation procedures.
- Effectively worked with teammates and openly invited coaching from management team.
- Scheduled equipment use with managers, using information about daily menus to help coordinate cooking times.
- Prepared items according to written or verbal orders, working on several different orders simultaneously.
- Reviewed contents on food trays to check receiving complete order.
- Carefully maintained proper sanitation, health and safety standards in all work areas by applying industry best practices and company requirements.
- Maintained neat, well-groomed appearance including impeccable personal hygiene, hair restraint and minimal jewelry to met company standards.
- Recorded customer orders and communicated clearly to confirm each order.
- Accurately measured ingredients required for specific food items to reduce waste.
- Completed opening, closing and shift change tasks to promote store efficiency.
- Maximized customer satisfaction by quickly addressing and resolving complaints with food or service.
- Served orders to customers at windows, counters and tables, handling approximately [Number] orders per shift.
- Quickly and efficiently processed payments and made accurate change.
- Promptly reported complaints to [Job Title] for quick, efficient resolution.
- Took orders, prepared foods and processed payments in full-service [Type] establishment.
Front End and Cook Staff
Vermont inn Pizza
Brattleboro, VT
10.1999 - 09.2006
- Facilitated comprehensive training and provided dedicated mentoring support to front-end employees in operational and customer service strategies.
- Lol Assigned tasks to employees according to shift requirements and individual strengths.
- Drove sales growth through strategic implementation of merchandising and promotional enhancements.
- Championed store loyalty program initiatives to enhance customer engagement.
- Oversaw inventory accuracy through meticulous stock counting and discrepancy reconciliation.
- Oversaw cash flow management and departmental spending to ensure adherence to budgetary objectives.
- Oversaw documentation of sales purchases and requisitions to ensure detailed and accurate accounting records.
- Engaged with customers daily to assess needs, deliver assistance, and gather feedback for operational enhancement.
- Guided junior employees in achieving operational and sales goals through proactive strategy implementation.
- Analyzed sales reports to optimize sales performance and refine inventory management accuracy.
- Streamlined schedule organization and updates to enhance coverage for anticipated customer demands.
- Fostered a culture prioritizing customer satisfaction and exceptional support.
- Entered customer data utilizing [type] software and executed prompt updates to accommodate room changes.
- Assisted customers by answering phones and addressing inquiries. Facilitated communication by transferring calls to relevant staff members.
- Facilitated front desk operations by welcoming patrons and conducting check-in processes.
- Cultivated customer service excellence by implementing continuous training programs for front-line team members.
- Facilitated collaboration with housekeeping and maintenance teams to resolve facility issues.
- Oversaw customer complaint resolution and implemented corrective actions to ensure satisfaction.
Fast Food Crew Member
Wendy’s
Nashua, NH
05.2003 - 08.2005
- Maximized customer satisfaction by quickly addressing and resolving complaints with food or service.
- Maintained neat, well-groomed appearance including impeccable personal hygiene, hair restraint and minimal jewelry to met company standards.
- Portioned and packaged take-out foods for customers.
- Mastered point-of-service (POS) computer system for automated order taking.
- Correctly received orders, processed payments and responded appropriately to guest concerns.
- Built brand loyalty and accomplished customer satisfaction by working well with other food service team members.
- Took necessary steps to meet customer needs and effectively resolve food or service issues promptly.
- Completed side work tasks, including restocking condiments and cleaning refrigerators.
- Recorded customer orders and communicated clearly to confirm each order.
- Followed all company safety standards, including food quality and sanitation procedures.
- Accurately measured ingredients required for specific food items to reduce waste.
- Effectively worked with teammates and openly invited coaching from management team.
- Answered customer questions regarding food preparation, responding to concerns regarding potential allergens.
- Assisted management with monthly inventory control and weekly stock ordering.
- Packaged menu items into bags or trays and placed drink orders into carriers for easy transport.
- Cleaned food preparation areas, cooking surfaces and utensils.
- Carefully maintained proper sanitation, health and safety standards in all work areas by applying industry best practices and company requirements.
- Prepared and served beverages such as coffee, tea and fountain drinks, assuring freshness and availability.
- Promptly reported complaints to [Job Title] for quick, efficient resolution.
- Suggested additional menu items, beverages and desserts to increase sales.
- Verified orders and bagged items for easy transport.
- Completed opening, closing and shift change tasks to promote store efficiency.
- Quickly and efficiently processed payments and made accurate change.
- Reviewed contents on food trays to check receiving complete order.
- Served orders to customers at windows, counters and tables, handling approximately [Number] orders per shift.
- Prepared items according to written or verbal orders, working on several different orders simultaneously.
- Monitored and counted food stock and supplies to reorder on time.
- Followed all established restaurant practices and procedures by delivering food which met quality standards.
- Safely prepared, assembled and presented food to satisfy customers and fill orders.
- Scheduled equipment use with managers, using information about daily menus to help coordinate cooking times.
- Operated large-volume cooking equipment such as grills, deep-fat fryers and griddles with caution and according to manufacturer directions.
- Organized food items on serving trays and in carry-out packages.
- Kept customer and food preparation areas clean and well-organized for maximum efficiency.
- Accepted transaction payments, making change for cash payments and processing credit cards, debit cards and gift cards.
- Took orders, prepared foods and processed payments in full-service [Type] establishment.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Business
University Of Phoenix
Tempe, AZSkills
- Demonstrated strong work ethic through consistent dedication to tasks and responsibilities
- Demonstrated exceptional physical strength in various demanding tasks
- Executed strategic decision-making processes to enhance operational efficiency
- Facilitated effective communication across teams and departments
- Gained comprehensive experience managing care and support for son with autism and intellectual disability
- Oversaw daily activities and development of six children, fostering a nurturing environment
- Gained firsthand experience managing ADHD, DMDD, anxiety, and trauma-related challenges with my own son
- Assisted teachers in classroom management and lesson preparation Supported students with learning challenges through tailored resources Collaborated with staff to enhance educational programs
- Assisted teachers in managing classroom activities Supported students with learning materials and resources Helped maintain a positive learning environment
- Facilitated individualized educational support for students with special needs
- Assisted educators in integrating technology into lesson plans Supported students in utilizing digital tools for learning Maintained classroom technology to ensure functionality
- Provided emotional support to individuals facing personal challenges
- Facilitated personalized instruction to enhance individual learning outcomes
- Oversaw student activities and ensured adherence to institutional guidelines
- Implemented behavior management strategies to foster a positive learning environment
- Facilitated disability awareness initiatives to promote inclusivity and understanding
- Assisted in maintaining student health and safety protocols Supported wellness initiatives to promote a safe learning environment Collaborated with staff to address health-related concerns
- Oversaw classroom management strategies to ensure a conducive learning environment
- Demonstrated expertise in Individualized Education Program (IEP) processes and regulations
- Assisted students with special needs in daily activities Supported teachers in implementing individualized education plans Collaborated with parents to enhance student learning experiences
- Implemented behavior modification strategies to enhance individual performance
- Streamlined classroom organization to enhance learning environment
- Assisted students with academic challenges through personalized tutoring sessions Supported educators in developing engaging lesson plans Facilitated group study sessions to enhance collaborative learning
- Assisted teachers in developing collaborative lesson plans Supported classroom management strategies to enhance student engagement Facilitated communication among educators to share best practices
- Facilitated classroom activities and supported instructional delivery for enhanced student learning
- Facilitated communication between parents and educators to support student development Assisted in addressing parent inquiries and concerns to foster positive relationships Coordinated meetings and events to enhance parent engagement
- Developed and implemented engaging educational activities for elementary students
- Facilitated academic support for students with special needs
Timeline
Paraeducator, Special Education
ESS / LIU
07.2025 - 08.2025
Para Educator , Special Education
Liu 18
06.2025 - 08.2025
Paraeducator, Special Education
Wilkes Barre Area School District
07.2024 - 08.2025
Paraprofessional
Springfield Public Schools, Massachusetts
10.2022 - 02.2024
Self Employed Air Bnb’s Caretaker/house Keeper
Sherri Albreight
08.2018 - 04.2020
Stay at Home Mom
Self
10.2011 - 08.2018
Waitress
El Nopal Family Mexican Restaurant
07.2009 - 07.2011
Fast Food Crew Member
Wendy’s
05.2003 - 08.2005
Fast Food Worker
Dunkin Donuts
03.2003 - 09.2006
Front End and Cook Staff
Vermont inn Pizza
10.1999 - 09.2006
Some College (No Degree) - Business
University Of Phoenix