Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
licenses
Generic
McKennzie  Black

McKennzie Black

Greensboro

Summary

Highly skilled Direct Support Professional with a proven track record in fostering participant independence and strategizing personal goal achievement at the Autism Society of North Carolina. A strong focus on team collaboration has consistently resulted in the successful attainment of individual participant goals, complemented by exceptional organizational and interpersonal communication abilities. Experience in merchandising strategies and customer service has enhanced store performance and client satisfaction, showcasing versatility across different sectors. Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Adult Education, with graduate certificates in Community College Instruction and Student Affairs, further solidifying a commitment to advocating for students with disabilities and creating supportive educational environments.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Graduate Student Research Assistant

East Carolina University
05.2025 - 08.2025

-Data coding for early childhood literacy research.

-Transcript preparation for early childhood literacy research.

- Collaborated with research team members on media support and development for early childhood literacy programs.

- Facilitated communication between community outreach programs and the university faculty.

-Director and producer of social media content for community outreach program "Roots to Reading".

Direct Support Professional

Autism Society of North Carolina
04.2024 - 07.2025


  • Assisted participants in achieving personal goals through tailored care plans and daily skill-building activities.
  • Facilitated social outings and community integration activities, promoting inclusion and positive experiences for participants.
  • Conducted daily documentation of clients' progress and incidents, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records.
  • Developed strong rapport with participants, their families, and staff members facilitating trust-based relationships to implement effective supports.
  • Adapted activities and support strategies to meet changing needs of clients, demonstrating flexibility and creativity.

Merchandise Coordinator

Marshall's
03.2022 - 04.2024
  • Provided training sessions for staff members on proper handling of merchandise items.
  • Assisted in developing merchandising strategies that improved overall store performance.
  • Collaborated with store managers to optimize product placement and enhance customer experience..
  • Monitored and analyzed sales records and consumer purchasing trends.

Server and Hostess

Cracker Barrel
10.2019 - 08.2022


  • Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
  • Provided attentive service during high-volume periods without sacrificing attention to detail or guest rapport.
  • Addressed customer complaints or concerns professionally, ensuring swift resolution and maintaining positive relationships.

Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Special Education Adapted Curriculum Candidate

East Carolina University
05.2025

Masters in Education - Adult Education

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
12-2026

Graduate Certificate - Student Affairs in Higher Education

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
12-2026

Graduate Certificate - Community College Instruction

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC
12-2026

Skills

  • Academic writing
  • File management
  • Data entry
  • Critical thinking
  • Lesson planning
  • Student engagement
  • Interpersonal communication

Certification


  • Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification

Timeline

Graduate Student Research Assistant

East Carolina University
05.2025 - 08.2025

Direct Support Professional

Autism Society of North Carolina
04.2024 - 07.2025

Merchandise Coordinator

Marshall's
03.2022 - 04.2024

Server and Hostess

Cracker Barrel
10.2019 - 08.2022

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Special Education Adapted Curriculum Candidate

East Carolina University

Masters in Education - Adult Education

East Carolina University

Graduate Certificate - Student Affairs in Higher Education

East Carolina University

Graduate Certificate - Community College Instruction

East Carolina University

licenses

  • Elementary Education K-6 - North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
  • EC Adapted Curriculum K-12- North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
  • EC General Curriculum K-12 - North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
McKennzie Black