Leanna A.
Thomas
5 Ridgeview Terrace
(203) 885-6018
Brookfield, CT 06804
[email protected]
www.artwithmissthomas.weebly.com
Summary
Well versed in a broad range of programming techniques and modalities for utilizing art as
healing - experience with non-verbal children with special needs in an academic and athome environment.
Experiences
Skills Trainer
May
2014 - Present
Multicultural Community Services of Pioneer Valley, Westfield, MA
Responsible for enhancing clients level of independence in daily life, within his/her
community, through the integration of art therapy, play therapy, and sensory stimulation;
works with individuals with a variety of physical and developmental disabilities; current
client base with nonverbal children ages 13-19.
Personal Care Assistant
May 2014 - Present
Multicultural Community Services of the Pioneer Valley, Westfield, MA
Provides safety and assistance to clients with a variety of physical and developmental
disabilities in activities of daily living; current client base with nonverbal children ages 1319.
Student Teacher
October 2015 December 2015
Belchertown High School, Belchertown, MA
Performed responsibilities of a full-time certified art teacher including developing and
implementing lesson plans in line with state curriculum requirements for grades 9-12 (7
classes/day, 30 students/class). Courses taught: Studio 3 & 4 (i.e. advanced drawing,
painting and 3D), digital photography/Photoshop and ceramics.
Student Teacher
August 2015 October 2015
Rebecca Johnson Elementary School, Springfield, MA
Performed responsibilities of a full-time certified teacher developing and implementing art
lesson plans in line with state curriculum requirements for grades K-5 including English
Language Learners (ELLs), Life Skills classes, and Social, Emotional and Behavioral Support
classes.
Art Unit Lead
June
2015 August 2015
Catholic Charities, CYO Camp, Occidental, CA
Successfully developed art curriculum in line with Caritas Environmental Education
Enrichment Program utilizing natural resources within a limited budget; trained, supervised,
and mentored a staff of ten counselors to effectively implement the program with campers
(500 campers/season).
Day Camp Coordinator
2015 August 2015
June
Leanna A. Thomas / Resume
Catholic Charities, CYO Camp, Occidental, CA
Designed, developed and directed the day-to-day activities of the day camp for children
ages 6-12 on a weekly basis. Responsibilities included: logistical planning and scheduling
of program (50 new campers/week); training new camp counselors on a weekly basis, and
weekly overnight activities; facilitated an atmosphere of equality and acceptance among
campers, specifically focusing on peer discourse, diverse group discussions and oneness
with nature, all of which was in line with the Caritas Environmental Education Enrichment
Programs mission.
Leanna A. Thomas / Resume
Head Resident Assistant (HRA)
August 2014 May 2015
Springfield College, Springfield, MA
Oversaw 300 college students and 8 Resident Assistants
Provided administrative and personnel leadership in residence hall (i.e. assisting with
Housing & Resident Life Departmental tasks - RA Selection, weekly duty schedule, room
assigning, check-in/out coordination, etc.
Liaison between RA staff, Area Coordinator, and Resident Director.
Assisted with fall and winter RA training including the facilitation of specific specialty
workshops.
Functioned as a Resident Assistant on an assigned floor; responsible for the safety and
personal development of 25 residents, including 12 international students, within a
substance-free living community; created an all-inclusive community environment
designed to welcome students who live a healthy lifestyle
Child Care Provider
August
2014 May 2015
Springfield College Child Development Center, Springfield, MA
Provides developmental care and supervision to toddlers through Pre-K; implemented age
appropriate curriculum for children; established and maintained supportive relationships
with children and parents. Supported and assisted classroom teachers in activities, child
care and discipline.
Student Teacher
August 2014
December 2014
Forest Park Middle School, Springfield, MA
Helped facilitate art class through co-teaching alongside an art educator; planned and
implemented lessons for grades 6-8, including a special needs integrated group; integrated
Massachusetts standards into lesson plans.
Arts and Crafts Specialist
May
2014 August 2014
YMCA Springfield, Camp Fun City USA, Springfield, MA
Developed, supervised and organized the arts and crafts program at the day camp; lead
daily art workshops for 40+ campers ages 6-8; integrated core curriculum requirements into
art activities; supervised junior and senior camp counselors; planned and integrated field
trips encompassing art exploration.
Student Teacher
February 2014
April 2014
Elias Brookings Elementary School, Springfield, MA
Worked alongside a art educator; planned and supported classroom art activities for grades
k-5, including a special needs integrated group.
Resident Assistant (RA)
August 2013 August 2014
Springfield College, Springfield, MA
Oversaw the safety and personal development of 40 college students in a residence hall
(fall, spring, summer sessions); created an all-inclusive welcoming community environment;
enforced Springfield College policies and procedures; planned, coordinated and facilitated
house meetings; solved conflicts between students and administration; participated in
weekly duty rotations as an on-call incident responder; facilitated holistic programming for
students of the residence hall, specializing in creative encouragement programs
Leanna A. Thomas / Resume
Art Assistant
October
2012 May 2012
Ability Beyond Disability, Danbury, CT
Planned and implemented art projects for adults with a variety of developmental and
physical disabilities; purposefully designed activities to encourage artistic expression.
Education
BS, Art Therapy & BS Art Education, Springfield College, Springfield, MA, GPA 3.835
May 2016
Licenses
Initial, Visual Arts, PreK-8 and Initial, Visual Arts, 5-12 - State of Massachusetts
January 2016
Sheltered English Immersion (SEI), Endorsed
