renda resume august 2016

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Renda Flowers 813-458-1453 5139 Englewood Lane, Zephyrhills FL 33541 www.fl-gal.com [email protected]

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Page 1: Renda Resume August 2016

Renda Flowers813-458-14535139 Englewood Lane, Zephyrhills FL [email protected]

Page 2: Renda Resume August 2016

ProfessionalProfile

I am a paralegal with 23 years of experience working in the legal field. 20 years of that time has been specifically in family law and child dependency. I am currently a State of Florida certified Guardian ad Litem. I currently am a volunteer for Hillsborough County Guardian ad Litem Program in addition to being self-employed as a private Guardian ad Litem. I have worked with hundreds of children and their foster and biological families to

help create a strong, stable environment. In this capacity I have observed visits to report on familial bonds, relationships and structure within the child’s past and present home.

Using my expertise and training I investigate and evaluate families by collecting information from the child(ren), parents, family members, legal counsel, school records and personnel, medical records and providers, therapists and any criminal or civil records. I assess needs for services and identify resources within the community to facilitate a collaborative relationship with all parties to ensure the child’s needs are met.

In working with attorneys I maintained the legal case files and prepared necessary court reports and documentation for court hearings including discovery documents, case notes, visitation forms, correspondence and trial preparation.

As a private Guardian ad Litem I maintain professionalism and confidentiality while remaining objective in order to ensure that each child has the best possible representation.

I have experience in doing the legal research and investigation of facts necessary for preparation of court hearings. I have testified in depositions and in hundreds of hearings involving children’s placements, custody and permanency.

I have training as an education surrogate and have experience working with teachers to map out a child’s education plan, taking into consideration any physical or learning disabilities.

As a Guardian ad Litem I work closely with community based care partners, attend family support meetings and provide recommendations as to services that could possibly improve a child’s life and relationship with their parent.

Work History October 2015-PresentPrivate Guardian ad Litem and Volunteer Guardian ad Litem-Job duties detailed above.

October 2007-June 2014Case Coordinator and Volunteer Supervisor at Guardian Ad Litem, State of Florida, Tampa FL-Job duties included supervising volunteer Guardians ad Litem by guiding them in their advocacy for abused and neglected children, coordinated volunteer training, and assisted them in preparing court reports and preparing to testify in court. I maintained case files to include proper documentation, legal documents, hearing notices, contact information, case notes and correspondence.

February 2005-July 2007Professional Foster Parent, State of Missouri, Kansas City, MO-I worked as part of a

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Page 3: Renda Resume August 2016

professional team to provide a safe and secure home for children. Maintained their medical, social and health record and attended meetings and court as necessary. Transported children to and from visits and supervised visits if necessary.

February 2002-February 2005Paralegal, Laurie V Snell, LLC, Kansas City, MO -Emphasis of work was representation of parents in child abuse/neglect and family law. I worked closely with the attorney in investigating cases and preapring them for trial, including witness contacts, pleading preparation and attending family support meetings. I was on the county’s process server list and served subpoenas and summons. I was also a Missouri Notary Public.

August 2001-February 2002Paralegal, Schmid & Roswold, P.C., Kansas City, MO-Gathered medical records, conversed with insurance companies and medical providers to collaborate client care. Prepared written settlement demands for insurance companies.

1997-2001Paralegal (Self-Employed) Executive Paralegal Services, Blue Springs, MO-Provided contract legal services to attorneys. Emphasis of work was in family law, child abuse and neglect, and juvenile delinquency matters.

1993-1997Investigator, Jackson County Family Court, 16th Judicial Circuit, Kansas City, MO-I Investigated factual matters of child abuse and juvenile delinquency cases. Preparing the file for trial involved conducting records searches and gathering police reports, medical reports, crime scene photos, school records, abuse reports and any other documentation necessary. I Read and reviewed all documents, located and interviewed witness and victims and assisted in preparing witnesses for court hearings.

Education Associate Applied Science in Paralegal StudiesGraduated May, 1995

Bachelor of Science in PsychologyCurrently Enrolled with expected graduation May 2018

References Judith Burke, Attorney at Law 813-272-5110

Kristin Jones, 813-465-8448

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