Taina Woods Tavallai

Compassion with purpose. Compassionate human services professional with 7+ years of experience supporting children, youth, adults, and families affected by trauma, developmental disabilities, behavioral health challenges, foster care involvement, homelessness, and neurodevelopmental differences. Known for a calm, genuine, and nonjudgmental presence, I build authentic rapport with people who may be hesitant to engage with services.

My work combines practical support, thoughtful documentation, and strengths-based collaboration to promote safety, resilience, and independence.

Direct Support Professional - Independent Environments Inc.

(2025-01)

• Implemented individualized support plans in home and community settings.
• Promoted daily living skills, self-determination, and community connection.
• Documented services in Therap and collaborated with families, providers, and service coordinators.

Certified Peer Support Specialist

Community-based peer support

• Supported people navigating mental health challenges, trauma, housing instability, and recovery.
• Encouraged self-advocacy, wellness planning, resilience, and connection to community resources.
• Used lived experience ethically while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Youth Support Specialist

Community-based youth support

• Built consistent, trusting relationships with youth experiencing trauma, instability, and behavioral health challenges.
• Supported emotional regulation, life skills, safety planning, and meaningful community participation.
• Coordinated respectfully with caregivers, educators, and multidisciplinary providers.

Autism Support Therapist / Behavioral Support Professional

Autism & Behavioral Support

• Adapted communication and positive behavior supports to meet sensory, cognitive, emotional, and developmental needs.
• Partnered with caregivers to foster independence, dignity, and consistency across environments.

Professional Childcare Provider & Family Support

Child & Family Care

• Provided individualized care from infancy through adolescence, including children with autism, ADHD, trauma histories, foster care involvement, and behavioral support needs.
• Created structured, engaging environments that supported emotional intelligence and healthy development.
• Earned consistent 5-star client feedback recognizing patience, reliability, professionalism, and thoughtful support for children with complex behavioral and developmental needs.

General Educational Development (GED)