This resume is for Patricia Smeets-Ruml, who has over 20 years of experience working in educational, rehabilitation, and support roles for individuals with disabilities and special needs. She has extensive experience developing programs, training staff, advocating for clients, and assisting individuals in educational, home, workplace, and community settings. Her qualifications include various certificates in behavioral management, crisis prevention, and accessibility practices.

1. Patricia Smeets-Ruml BA (Hons), DHSW 7003 Ann Street
Niagara Falls, Ont.
Cell 905-351-4077
psmeets-ruml@cogeco.ca
OBJECTIVE
To provide a detailed resume outlining job responsibilities, professional and personal advocacy experience
required to promote community inclusion, participant personal development, and achieve disablement of
societal constructs towards individuals which perpetuate disability.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
A highly motivated and detail-oriented individual experienced in team building, advocacy, provision of
service and raising community awareness.
Excellent interpersonal and safety skills, professional attitude, and firm personality to manage projects
independently or as a team member
Extensive expertise in program planning and implementation of supports for a diverse population in
educational, home and workplace settings
Exceptional problem solving, multi-tasking and organizational skills
Highly effective writing, computer and presentation skills
Efficient and organized in time management and while multi-tasking
Strengths in active listening, evaluation and program planning based on individual needs
Experience developing personal leadership skills via ongoing training of new employees and the rebuilding
of family relationships within the community as part of a rehabilitative process
Extensive experience working with and being accountable to a multi-disciplinary team
Experience advocating for community supports and establishing rapports between the community, family
and individuals
Knowledge and practice of various government guidelines
Case management experience, coordination of services
Valid Behavioral Management Systems Certificate, ongoing Crisis Prevention Intervention training and
First Aid/CPR Certification
Initiated and developed specialized music program allowing for the integration of individuals with special
needs to develop an appreciation of music based on their abilities
WORK EXPERIENCE
Educational Assistant (Special Needs)
Niagara Catholic District School Board
2000 – Current
Provide individual supports to students with varying development delays, physical, psychological, and
behavioral concerns based on needs as identified in Individual
Assisted Behavior Management/Educational Resource Teachers and Administration in the development of
behavioral support plans based on individual student needs.
Implementation of Individual Education Plans, with an emphasis on differentiated instruction
Implement accommodations for programming in coordination with Ministry Guidelines based on
individual needs via a multi-disciplinary approach
Promote supported work placement program for special needs students at various businesses within the
community to assist with transitioning post-secondary
Provide tutoring and support to post-secondary students from all tiers of curriculum delivery under
guidelines of P3 after school program

2. Rehabilitation Therapist
Acquired Brain Injury Outreach Network Inc. Ridgeway, Ontario
2009 – Current
Independently support clients to community re-entry post injury in a variety of settings in conjunction with
directives from a multi-disciplinary team
Adaptable and flexible in providing support in all environments including; implementing harm reduction
strategies and models to address addictions and mental health issues
Focus on client centered care in establishment of treatment goals and to maximize rehabilitation
opportunities in transitional journeys
Resourceful and able to make decisions based on scenarios and presenting issues in ongoing assessments
of client
Training of new employees and integrating them to rapport build with our vulnerable clients
Rehabilitation Facilitator
Brain Injury Services, Hamilton, Ont
2002 – 2010
Supported and enhanced quality of life for individuals with chronic physical, psychiatric and psychological
concerns resulting from severe brain trauma in a behavioral lock down facility
Implemented individually developed behavioral modification/support plans, skill development and health
care support plans based on individual needs
Attended ongoing training to better promote all aspects of rehabilitation
Assisted in development of procedure manuals for various facets of facility (ie, pharmacology and
medication dispensing)
Trained newly hired staff in company procedures and operations.
Support Worker
Niagara Support Services, Niagara Falls, Ont
2006 – 2008
Provided therapeutic rapport, transitioning and crisis support for a student with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
from school to home and as well in a recreational format during weekends and evenings.
Support Coordinator
St. Catharines Association for Community Living, St. Catharines, Ont.
2003 – 2005
Provided ongoing supports to adults with an intellectual disability in a behavioral group home setting
Personal Support Worker
Comcare Canada, Niagara Region, Ontario
1998 – 2000
Provided personal supports and re-training of basic life skills to vulnerable individuals in their home with
emphasis placed on achievement of improved quality of life and community re-entry
Assistant Internal Auditor
Cargill Limited, Winnipeg, Manitoba
1980 – 1988
Initially hired to perform accounting duties in a rural based operation, then promoted to head office duties.
Duties included reconciling varying account ledgers, preparation of procedure manual outlining proper
documentation and inventory control of company fixed assets.
Conducted operational policies and procedures analysis and reviews to ensure compliancy of company
standards and suggest cost savings measures on a national level.

3. EDUCATION
Accessibility Practices: AODA and Beyond
Ryerson University, Toronto
2013 – Current
Spring 2016 - successful completion CMHR405 - Organizational Behavior and Interpersonal Skills.
Fall 2016 - CDST 506 - Advancing the AODA (Registered)
Winter 2017 - CVDS200 - Capstone Synthesis
Spring 2017 - Anticipated graduation with Certificate
Applied Behaviour Analysis Certificate Course for Educators
Geneva Centre for Autism, Toronto
2014 – 2015
The objective of the ABA Certificate Course for Educators is for participants to learn the theory, strategies,
and ethical considerations required to assist them in using ABA principles in their classrooms. This was a
12-module course to educate educators on the history and theory of ABA., with an emphasis on how to
apply evidence-based strategies to teaching situations, and program development for students with
ASD., to increase skill acquisition and independence, and decrease challenging behaviours.
BA (Hons) in Disability Studies
Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario
2010 – 2014
Liberal Studies emphasis based on marginalized societies and impact of societally constructed stigmas
resulting in non-achievement of equity and inclusion
Thesis study conducted in Mexico to identify impacts of corporate colonialism on indigenous communities
and the community attempts to advocate for positive social change. Actively supported and participated in
Human Rights, Educational settings, Residential settings, City Planning Department and Disability Culture
and the Arts activities
2014 - Named to Dean's list in recognition of academic achievement
2013 - Recipient of Emma Hardie Award in recognition of commitment to learn about how disability is
constructed in a global context and by active volunteering and engagement in socially and economically
disadvantaged communities to create initiatives advocating for social change.
2012 - Recipient of Harry E Foster Award in recognition of consistent high academic achievement and
personal and profession commitment in support of persons with a disability.
Clinical Behavioral Sciences Program
McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
2009 – 2010
Certification in Rehabilitation Therapist Training delivered via modules, lectures and workshop training.
Standards of Practice - Developed understanding of functional neuro-anatomy and brain behavior
relationships as well as physical issues commonly associated with ABI
Teaching Skills - Developed understanding of learning/rapport building deficits and most effective
approaches in delivery to compensate for impairments.
Cognitive Level 1 - Explored cognitive deficits and developed understanding of most approaches to
compensate for these deficits
Behavior Level 1 - Enhanced understanding of behavioral sequelae following ABI and adopting Ethical
Approach surrounding consent/capacity
Cognitive Level 2 - Advanced training to identify cognitive changes and develop of strategies to offset
change
Behavior level 2 - Deeper exploration of Behavioral Analysis and understanding of the concept of
behaviors and their function.

4. Developmentally Handicapped Services Worker
Niagara College, Welland, Ontario
2000 – 2004
.
SNOW –Special Needs Opportunity Windows
University of Toronto, Online
2001 – 2002
Certificates of Completion for provision of classroom support of individuals with:
Acquired Brain Injuries
Autism
Cerebral Palsy
Seizure Disorders
Special Needs (MID, LD etc)
Behavioral Disorders
Personal Support Worker
St. Ann's Centre, Niagara Falls
1997 – 1998
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS
2003 –2010 Niagara United Soccer Club - Active executive member – Club Secretary for 6 years.
Promoted youth physical development via liaisons with the City of Niagara Falls and the community,
coordination of Community Events, fundraising and solicitation of sponsorship.
2007 - 2010 Supported English as Second Language students from Taiwan and Mexico via coordination of
activities and providing home supports acclimatizing foreign exchange students to Canadian lifestyle
2012-1013 - Provided housing and transitional supports to International semi-pro soccer players from
Ireland, Turks and Caicos, Trinidad and Tobago and Bahamas
2005 - Acted as Ambassador/Liaison to Special Olympics Provincial Soccer team and provincial
committee as they advanced to National level Special Olympic Program
2001-2005 - Nova House Women’s Shelter, Niagara Falls, Ontario Book Riot fundraising volunteer to help
raise funds for the ongoing operation of the shelter
REFERENCES, TRANSCRIPTS AND
DOCUMENTS
Available upon request