SARA KOCHAN
St. Michael Catholic School
Raleigh
9
years of professional experience
Dedicated music education professional with a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy and a minor in Psychology. Developed and led music programming, directed children's choirs, and created engaging activities for diverse developmental needs. Actively pursuing North Carolina teacher licensure through Campbell University, maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
Work History
Music Teacher
3 Years 10 Months- Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate music instruction for Pre-K through 3rd grade.
- Develop engaging musical activities that foster creativity, participation, and confidence while enhancing students' musical growth.
- Direct children's choir and coordinate rehearsals, performances, and school-wide music events.
- Lead children's choir, coordinating rehearsals, performances, and school-wide music events to enrich student experiences.
- Inform families and colleagues about performances, schedules, and student participation to ensure smooth communication and involvement.
Director of Children's Choir
3 Years- Directed children's choir rehearsals and prepared students to participate in liturgical music.
- Fostered confidence, cooperation, and participation through group singing and collaborative musical experiences.
- Coordinated rehearsals and curated music selections tailored to group's abilities and performance goals.
Assistant Teacher
1 Year- Facilitated children learning and development through supervision and structured daily routines.
- Delivered individualized support in nurturing classroom to enhance each child's growth and engagement.
- Supported lead teacher with classroom instruction, daily routines, and age-appropriate learning activities.
- Supervised children during play, transitions, meals, and outdoor time to maintain a safe classroom environment.
- Reinforced behavioral expectations through positive guidance, redirection, and consistent routine support.
- Coordinated religion curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation.
Housemother
1 Year- Delivered daily care, supervision, and individualized support in a structured residential family environment to promote resident well-being.
- Ensured a safe, nurturing, and organized environment while addressing residents' daily needs to foster a supportive community.
- Assisted in donor correspondence mail
Music Therapy Internship
1 Year- Completed clinical internship providing music-based activities for students with special needs and older adults in assisted living, enhancing their engagement and well-being.
- Planned and facilitated tailored activities addressing social, emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs, fostering participant growth and connection.
- Tailored music sessions to meet individual participant needs to participants' individual abilities; gained exposure to special education, autism spectrum disorder, emotional and behavioral needs, pediatrics, and geriatrics.
Music Therapy Internship
1 Year- Completed clinical internship providing music-based activities for students with special needs and older adults in assisted living, enhancing their engagement and well-being.
- Planned and facilitated activities addressing social, emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs, fostering positive interactions and growth.
- Adapted musical experiences to align with participants' individual abilities, gaining practical exposure to special education, autism spectrum disorder, emotional and behavioral needs, pediatrics, and geriatrics.
Assistant Teacher, Infants
- Delivered hands-on infant care, ensuring comfort and well-being through feeding, diapering, hygiene, naps, and daily routines.
- Facilitated individual developmental needs with age-appropriate play and activities to promote growth and learning.
- Supported classroom routines, reinforcing lesson plans and daily transitions for preschool learners.
- Supervised children during play, meals, and outdoor activities, maintaining a safe, organized environment.
- Assisted lead teacher with instructional materials, center preparation, and activity setup.
Assistant Teacher, Infants
- Facilitated infant care and daily routines, promoting developmental activities and ensuring classroom safety.
- Delivered individualized care, addressing unique needs of children with additional support requirements.
- Supported lead teacher with daily lesson preparation and age-appropriate classroom activities.
- Supervised children during indoor, outdoor, and transition periods to maintain safe, a safe, orderly environment.
- Reinforced early literacy, motor, and social skills through guided play and small-group instruction.
Music Program Counselor
- Created and led music programming that enhanced emotional well-being for children with serious chronic illnesses.
- Facilitated music and movement activities to foster participation, creativity, self-expression, and group engagement among children.
- Adapted activities to optimize participation and accommodate diverse abilities of children in a camp setting.
Education
North Carolina Teacher Licensure-Only Program - Music Education
- Shep Hammond and Inez Pearce Hammond Endowed Scholarship Recipient
- 4.0 GPA
Bachelor of Music - Music Therapy; Minor in Psychology
- St. Ann Catholic Church Youth Ministry Scholarship Recipient
- ECU AMTAS Chapter Treasurer, Spring 2018
Skills
Group instruction
Activity planning & implementation
Activity planning
Creative lesson planning
Multi-instrument proficiency
Music curriculum development
Songwriting & music production
Improvisation techniques
Classroom music integration
Music production
Music Therapy Practicum Experience
Spring 2018
Maynard Children's Hospital - Greenville, NC
General Pediatrics, NICU, PICU, KISU
Fall 2017
ECU Health Medical Center - Greenville, NC
Respiration Rehabilitation Unit
Spring 2017
Easter Seals United Cerebral Palsy - Greenville, NC
Preschoolers with various special needs
Fall 2016
Red Oak Manor Assisted Living - Greenville, NC
Assisted living facility
Timeline
Music Teacher
St. Michael Catholic School
01.2023 - CurrentRead More
Director of Children's Choir
St. Thomas More Catholic Church
01.2022 - 01.2025Read More
Assistant Teacher
St. Thomas More Preschool
01.2022 - 01.2023Read More
Housemother
St. Gianna's Maternity Home
01.2021 - 01.2022Read More
Music Therapy Internship
Cunningham Creek Elementary School
01.2019 - 01.2020Read More
Music Therapy Internship
River Garden Assisted Living
01.2019 - 01.2020Read More
Assistant Teacher, Infants
Summer Moore Children's Center
01.2019 - 01.2019Read More
Assistant Teacher, Infants
Rainbow Child Care Center
01.2018 - 01.2018Read More
Music Program Counselor
Victory Junction Camp
01.2018 - 01.2018Read More
Campbell University
North Carolina Teacher Licensure-Only Program from Music Education
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East Carolina University
Bachelor of Music from Music Therapy; Minor in Psychology
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