Shanika Gillard
Indianapolis,IN
Summary
Dedicated Entrepreneur with a passion for providing exceptional care to individuals in need. With a strong background in business development and a proven track record of creating successful ventures, I bring a unique combination of entrepreneurial spirit and empathetic caregiving skills to make a positive impact on the lives of those I serve. I thrive in fast-paced environments, excel at problem-solving, and possess a strong commitment to delivering high-quality care tailored to each individual's needs.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Daycare Provider/Owner-Operator
Prestige Learning Academy
04.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented structured daily routines and age-appropriate activities for children in a home-based daycare setting
- Established and maintained positive relationships with parents through regular communication and updates on child development and milestones
- Ensured a safe and nurturing environment by adhering to health and safety guidelines, conducting regular safety checks, and implementing emergency procedures
- Managed administrative tasks such as organizing schedules, tracking attendance, and maintaining accurate records for each child in care
- Demonstrated leadership and organizational skills in overseeing a team of childcare providers, creating a positive work environment, and promoting professional growth and development
Direct Support Professional
Caregiver Inc
10.2022 - 04.2024
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized patient environment.
- Completed regular check-ins and progress report for each client.
- Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.
- Provided compassionate and patient-focused care to cultivate well-being.
- Liaised with key accounts to deliver targeted administrative household support.
- Recorded status and duties completed in logbooks for management.
- Built and maintained rapport with clients and family members to facilitate trusting caregiver relationship.
- Maintained entire family's schedule and organized events.
- Supported daily hygiene needs of patients by assisting with bathing, dressing, dental care and personal grooming.
Direct Support Professional
First Achieve The Challenges Of Excellence LLC
04.2020 - 12.2021
- Maintained clean, safe, and well-organized client environment.
- Monitored progress and documented client health status changes to keep support team updated.
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans to meet individual needs of each client.
- Encouraged and supported clients to participate in recreational and leisure activities to promote social interactions and reduce loneliness.
- Maintained strong connections within caregiver community to gain continuous knowledge.
- Assisted with daily living activities, running errands, and household chores.
- Transported clients to and from medical appointments with safety and efficiency.
- Assisted disabled clients to support independence and well-being.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Assisted with crisis intervention to de-escalate challenging behavior and maintain peaceful encounters.
- Monitored clients to assess and report physical and behavioral changes to supervisors.
Visitation Specialist
Changing Your World LLC
02.2020 - 11.2021
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Collaborated with case manager, parents and mental health providers to maintain comprehensive and integrated approach to client services.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Facilitated groups to address specific needs such as grief and loss, anger management and social skills.
- Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
- Lead individualized and group counseling sessions with children and families.
Education
Certificate-CDA - Child Development Associate
Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children
Indianapolis, IN02.2025
Masters in Business Administration - Business Administration
Indiana Wesleyan University
Indianapolis, IN12.2023
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Indiana Wesleyan University
Indianapolis, IN08.2020
Associates of Science - Business Management
Indiana Wesleyan University
Indianapolis, IN03.2018
Skills
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Decision-making
- Delegation
- Teamwork
- Customer Service
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Coachable
- Self-management
- Initiative
- Early education
- Social and academic development
- Activities leadership
- Recreational supervision
- Structured activity planning
- Social development
Timeline
Daycare Provider/Owner-Operator
Prestige Learning Academy
04.2023 - Current
Direct Support Professional
Caregiver Inc
10.2022 - 04.2024
Direct Support Professional
First Achieve The Challenges Of Excellence LLC
04.2020 - 12.2021
Visitation Specialist
Changing Your World LLC
02.2020 - 11.2021
Masters in Business Administration - Business Administration
Indiana Wesleyan University
Bachelor of Science - Business Management
Indiana Wesleyan University
Associates of Science - Business Management
Indiana Wesleyan University
Certificate-CDA - Child Development Associate
Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children