Melissa S.
First Aid
CPR / AED
5+ yrs Caregiving
$30 /hr
About Melissa
Berkeley
Has vehicle
Hello Families! I am a Para-Educator for Oakland Unified School District, with a diverse and extensive background in pre-K and elementary school education, who specializes in supporting neurodiverse students. I've maintained, as the highest priority, the social, emotional, and physical welfare of cooperative classroom communities and passionately encouraged student participation in a strengths-based fashion. My creativity has allowed me to foster attuned relationships with my students, while my playfulness has made those relationships both supportive and fun! I love art, reading, wildlife conservation.
Experience & Skills
Diagnoses Experience:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD/ADD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Epilepsy/Seizure Disorder
Intellectual & Developmental Disability (IDD)
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)
Currently Undiagnosed But Receiving Evaluations
Behavioral / Social / Emotional Support Experience:
Emotional regulation / challenging behaviors
Anxiety or stress support
Depression or low mood support
Attention or focus support (e.g., ADHD)
Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
Trauma-informed support/past trauma support
Elopement (running or wandering off)
De-Escalation & Calming Strategies Experience:
Quiet / calm environment
Noise-cancelling headphones / earplugs
Deep pressure (e.g., weighted blankets, hugs)
Heavy work or movement activities (e.g., pushing, carrying, climbing)
Tactile or textured fabrics
Fidgeting tools or hand-held items
Chewing or oral stimulation (e.g., chewable items, straws)
Sensory soothing sounds (e.g., music, white noise)
Breathing or mindfulness techniques
Visual calming tools (e.g., lights, visual schedules, soothing images)
Scheduled sensory breaks or movement breaks
Communication Experience:
Verbal communication
Limited verbal communication
Nonverbal/Nonspeaking
Uses AAC device (e.g., iPad, speech-generating device)
Uses visual supports (e.g., visual schedules, social stories)
Relies on gestures or body language cues
Health, Medical & Mobility Support Experience:
Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming)
Feeding assistance or mealtime support
Seizure management (monitoring or response)
Medication management
Feeding tube (G-tube) care
Sensory Support Experience:
Light (bright or dim lighting)
Sound (sensitivity to noise, music, or quiet)
Touch / Texture (clothing, fabrics, materials)
Taste / Smell (food sensitivities or aversions)
Movement (enjoys or avoids movement-based activities)
Sensory-seeking behaviors (craving pressure, spinning, etc)
Experience Supporting Ages:
Youth
Toddler
Availability
Occasional
On Demand
Before/After School
Sunday
2:00pm - 12:00am
Monday
2:00pm - 12:00am
Tuesday
2:00pm - 12:00am
Wednesday
2:00pm - 12:00am
Thursday
2:00pm - 12:00am
Friday
2:00pm - 12:00am
Saturday
2:00pm - 12:00am
Additional Info
Languages Spoken:
English
Payment Options:
Private Pay
Certifications/Skills:
First Aid
CPR / AED
Comfort With Pets:
Dogs
Cats
Other pets
Transportation Experience & Availability:
Has vehicle
Licensed (use family vehicle)
Willing to Support With:
Companionship / Mentoring
Health / Therapy Support
Homework / Tutoring / Life Skills
Social / Recreational / Community Outings
Sibling Support
