Karen Lynch

· Empowering students by fostering a growth mindset approach to learning, encouraging and instilling confidence and promoting independent learning.

· Specialised 1:1 support in learning/completion of tasks for students with complex needs.

· Emotional support for students, encouraging resilience and exploration/implementation of social and emotional skills.

· Facilitation of/assistance in support groups outside of classroom:

o “What’s the Buzz” – evidence-based skills program teaching students social/emotional intelligence; strategies to improve interpersonal skills with peers; learning to solve social dilemmas; discussion and role-play to learn how to express feelings and become positive problem solvers .

o “Move Learn Grow” – evidence-based movement program working on developmental needs/foundation skills.

· Empowering students by fostering a growth mindset approach to learning, encouraging and instilling confidence and promoting independent learning.

· Assisting students with setting personal goals, and support in working towards achieving success.

· Support for students and teacher in escalated situations, working through “big feelings” and encouraging recovery and de-escalation.

· Supporting students and pre-empting of behaviours to avoid escalated situations.

· Use of positive reinforcement and encouragement for all students.

· Support with educational tasks both with teacher direction, or with no supervision.

· Support of students at excursions, mass/liturgies, or other activities outside of the classroom (1:1 or managing small groups of students).

· Support of students with mental break time/physical output/wellbeing.

· Using initiative to determine and triage support requirements throughout each day and provide general support within the classroom.

· Effective communication with students, staff, and parents.

· Use of Microsoft Office Suite, SeeSaw/SEQTA (school student information/recording based apps)

· Volunteer photographer of stillborn babies (18 weeks – full term); palliative care/withdrawal of care; unwell babies and children in NICU/PICU; and funerals – providing families with memories of their child or baby.

· Establishing trust and engaging in active and empathetic listening, showing appropriate care and concern, and expressing compassion for each family.

· Supporting bereaved families in a caring and compassionate manner, taking time to ensure family members feel prioritised, heard and cared for.

· Working with photographs of a highly sensitive nature, always maintaining discretion and confidentiality.

· Delivery of high-quality photographs with swift turnaround, meeting tight deadlines to deliver final products as soon as possible.

· On call flexibility – attending locations on weekends and after hours.

· Use of Microsoft Office Suite, Creative Cloud (Lightroom/Photoshop), Zenfolio, Podio

• Increased client referrals through exceptional attention to detail and commitment to exceeding expectations.
• Designed custom floor plans and seating charts, optimizing space utilization and guest experience.
• Crafted strategic marketing materials showcasing past events to attract new clientele.
• Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized wedding planning services and maintaining open communication throughout the process.
• Established lasting connections with industry professionals through networking events and partnerships.
• Resolved challenges swiftly with creative solutions, minimizing stress for clients and maintaining smooth event operations.
• Collaborated with diverse teams of professionals, fostering a cohesive environment for successful event production.
• Conducted post-event evaluations with clients and vendors to gather feedback for continuous improvement efforts.
• Developed comprehensive timelines, keeping all parties informed and on track leading up to the event.
• Implemented contingency plans proactively for potential issues such as inclement weather or last-minute changes in guest count or venue requirements.
• Delivered exceptional customer service throughout the planning process, resulting in high levels of client satisfaction and repeat business.
• Worked closely with clients to develop personalized wedding plan that fit within budget.

• Digital photography of babies, families, weddings and events.

· Delivering high-quality images under tight deadlines, demonstrating strong time management skills.

• Building an instant rapport with children and adults, working quickly and effectively to achieve a shared creative goal.

· Delivering exceptional customer service from the initial planning process to final delivery of products, resulting in high levels of client satisfaction and repeat business.

• Training photographers in Australia and the UK (group training of newborn, family and wedding photography).
• Guest speaking at photography industry events.
• Administration tasks such as emails; editing images; use of ordering systems.
• Use of Microsoft Office Suite, Creative Cloud (Lightroom/Photoshop), Social Media (Instagram/Facebook Business Suite), Canva, online gallery hosting.

• Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
• Helped clients manage and reach individual goals, supporting independent progression and social skills.
• Enhanced the quality of care for clients by providing personalized support and assistance with daily living activities.
• Transported clients to appointments, shopping venues and entertainment events according to determined schedule.
• Established trusting relationships with clients and their families through empathetic communication and active listening.
• Developed strong rapport with clients by consistently demonstrating respect, understanding, and genuine concern for their wellbeing.
• Kept clients engaged in social networks and communities for personal health and growth.
• Safeguarded client well-being by monitoring health conditions, administering medications, and reporting any changes to appropriate medical professionals.
• Coordinated appointments for clients with healthcare providers to promote consistent access to essential medical services.
• Promoted independence among clients through skill-building exercises and goal-setting initiatives.
• Adapted quickly to changing work environments while maintaining high levels of productivity and professionalism under pressure.
• Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, effectively de-escalating challenging situations while maintaining client safety.
• Mentored new support workers by providing guidance, sharing best practices, and modeling effective client-centered care techniques.

· Collaboration with Managing Director and Board of Directors to establish and develop the SUDC Foundation within Australia.

· Development of guidelines for schools to utilise in the event of the death of a child in their school community, and how to support the child’s family (in particular siblings at the school), along with other students and teaching staff.

· General administration tasks.