Samantha J. Harrell has extensive experience advocating for and assisting those with disabilities. She co-founded several programs to help integrate those with special needs, including a summer program and organizing prom for students with disabilities. She currently works as a Direct Support Professional, assisting adolescents with developmental disabilities. She is expected to graduate in 2013 with a BSW from Indiana University, where she maintains a 3.72 GPA.

1. Samantha J. Harrell
610 S. Henderson St.
Bloomington, Indiana 47401
(812) 207-3987
sjharrel@indiana.edu
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------
Special Education President & Co-Founder, Floyd County Special Students Summer Program (FCSSSP),
Experience “Integrate” July 2009-Current. Responsible for overseeing the board of directors, monitoring
all financial planning, and establishing organizational priorities. Coordinate with local adult
services for persons with disabilities and secondary/postsecondary schools to develop and
maintain an efficient and effective program. Maintain communication with parents of students
with disabilities. Organize the writing and completion of all grants. Responsible for hiring
health-aides and program directors.
Lead Organizer & Co-Founder, New Albany High School (NAHS) Prom Project March
2009-Current. Coordinate with NAHS school administration, NAHS Special Education
Department teachers, local businesses, and parents of NAHS students with disabilities. Write
and distribute student information forms, volunteer applications, and liability forms. Organize
fundraising efforts.
President & Co-Founder, NAHS Action Commitment Education (A.C.E.) August 2006-
May 2009. Scheduled and conducted meetings. Kept close communication with the NAHS
Special Education Department, school administration, teachers, and volunteers. Wrote and
obtained a community grant in order to fund programs for NAHS students with disabilities.
Organized and oversaw multiple parties for NAHS students with disabilities, as well as the
design and construction of two sensory rooms.
Employment in Direct Support Professional (DSP), LifeDesigns, Inc.
Disability Services December 2011-Current. Assist adolescents with developmental disabilities to lead self-directed
lives and participate in the community. Assist with daily living and encourage attitudes and
behaviors that enhance community inclusion. Provide support at home and in the community.
Serve as an advocate for individuals in communicating their needs, self-expression and goals.
Direct Support Professional (DSP), Stone Belt Inc. November 2010-December 2011. Assist
individuals with developmental disabilities to lead self-directed lives and participate in the
community. Assist with daily living and encourage attitudes and behaviors that enhance
community inclusion. Provide support at home and in the community. Serve as an advocate for
individuals in communicating their needs, self-expression and goals.
Education Indiana University Bloomington School of Social Work
BSW expected May 2013. GPA: 3.72. Dean’s List, Hutton Honors College
Relevant Courses Taken Human Behavior in the Social Environment I & II, Intro to
Exceptional Children, Understanding Diversity in a Pluralistic Society, Teaching Students with
Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, Transition Across the Life Span, Social Welfare Policy,
American Sign Language Levels 100-150, Intro to Computers and Computing.
Recognitions 2011 Indiana Dollars for Scholars “Hoosier Hero” award in “Service”
2011 Community Foundation of Southern Indiana’s 20th Anniversary “Top 20 Special Stories”
IU Excellence Scholarship
Bette Bennet Hammond Scholarship
Other Volunteer CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) (2011)
Activities Rethink Incarceration, member (2011)
Genesis Emergency Summer Shelter, monitor (2010-2011)
IU Best Buddies, college buddy (2010-2011)
Lotus Festival, volunteer (2010, 2011); Bonaroo Music Festival, volunteer (2011)
IU Students Taking Action Now: Darfur (STAND), member (2009-2011)
Interfaith Emergency Winter Shelter, monitor (2009-2011)
Walk for Autism, participant (2010)
Cello Lessons, volunteer (2010)
Martha’s House and Martha’s House Winter Stay, Resident Advocate (2009-2011)
Martha’s House Sunday Program, lead organizer and volunteer coordinator (2009-2010)
Southern Indiana STAND, co-founder (2007-2010)