Flora Vales
Summary
Postgraduate certificate student in low intensity cognitive behavioural therapy at Reading University. Over eight years of experience in educational settings, including one year as a psychological wellbeing practitioner. Proven ability to support diverse learning styles in primary and secondary classrooms, fostering strong relationships with students. Committed to enhancing mental well-being and empowerment through effective support strategies.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Personnel
Southampton, Hampshire
03.2026 - Current
- Currently employed by Teaching Personnel Recruitment Agency.
- Supporting pupils in various schools as and when needed.
Volunteer Amber Chaplain
CityLife Church
Southampton, Hampshire
02.2026 - Current
- Providing outreach support for sex workers through practical assistance, friendship, and advocacy.
- Offered pastoral care and counselling during times of crisis, grief, and personal challenges, promoting emotional well-being.
- Working as part of a team to ensure dignity, respect, and compassion.
- Signposting those who need and/or ask for onward support with other agencies, such as addiction, mental health services, and other relevant organisations.
Wellbeing Volunteer
Solent Mind
Winchester, Hampshire
11.2025 - 04.2026
- Wellbeing volunteer for mental health charity, Solent Mind, Winchester.
- Support weekly Art group for clients struggling with mental health conditions.
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner Trainee
North Hampshire Urgent Care NHS Talking Therapies
Farnborough, Hampshire
02.2024 - 01.2025
- Supported clients with mild to moderate depression and various anxiety disorders through low intensity CBT interventions.
- Assisted healthcare teams in evaluating patient conditions for suitable interventions.
- Supported health programmes aimed at enhancing wellness and preventing diseases.
- Helped improve patient care delivery processes within healthcare settings.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Completed regular supervision as required by job role.
- Maintained continuous professional development through regular self reflection.
- Built positive rapport with clients and other healthcare professionals to support continuum of care.
Teaching Assistant
St. George Catholic VA College
Southampton, Hampshire
09.2021 - 02.2024
- Supporting students' academic, social and emotional development, both one-to-one and in a group setting.
- Built strong, positive and long-lasting relationships with students, especially those with added needs.
- Leading a well-being group for pupils dealing with exam stress (mainly 15-16 year olds).
- Empathetic, understanding and open to all students' needs, often offering emotional support.
- Continually served as a helpful and enthusiastic assistant with a proven track record of doing work in a timely and professional manner.
Social Care Worker
Choice Care Group
Southampton
01.2019 - 05.2021
- Collaborated with the health care team to establish and manage patient care.
- Supervised individuals with complex mental health conditions in both a mental health care home setting and in the community.
- Ensured that personal care + hygiene was maintained.
- Supervised managed outings for the patients.
Radiotherapy Assistant
Southampton General Hospital
Southampton
01.2015 - 07.2016
- Supported cancer patients (largely in emotional needs) in their radiotherapy treatment.
- Liaised with other health care professionals in the day to day running of the department.
- Maintained a hygienic environment, for example disinfection of equipment for treatment along with stocking of PPE.
- Often a first point of contact for patients.
Teaching Assistant
St. Patrick's Catholic Primary School
Southampton
04.2006 - 02.2011
- Supported young students in a primary school setting, mainly working with ages 4-11.
- Helped with literacy and numeracy activities.
- Assisted on numerous off-site school trips.
- One-to-one reading with all students.
Education
BSC Honours - Psychology
Southampton Solent University
Southampton06-2020
Foundation degree - working with children
University of Southampton
Southampton06-2008
NVQ Level 2 - Childcare + Education(CACHE)
City College Southampton
Southampton06-2005
Higher secondary education - Psychology, Sociology, English language, Economics, History
Carmel College of Arts and Science
Goa, India04-1991
Secondary education -
St Rita's High School
Goa, India03-1989
Skills
- Empathetic
- Strong interpersonal communication
- Flexible and adaptable
- Curiosity for learning
- Excellent work ethic
- Positivity and empowerment
- Computer-literate
- Creativity in Arts and Design
- Trained in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
Affiliations
- Swimming, gardening, flower arranging and painting abstract acrylic paintings on canvas
Accomplishments
Awarded at Reading University for Driving Diversity
Timeline
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Personnel
03.2026 - Current
Volunteer Amber Chaplain
CityLife Church
02.2026 - Current
Wellbeing Volunteer
Solent Mind
11.2025 - 04.2026
Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner Trainee
North Hampshire Urgent Care NHS Talking Therapies
02.2024 - 01.2025
Teaching Assistant
St. George Catholic VA College
09.2021 - 02.2024
Social Care Worker
Choice Care Group
01.2019 - 05.2021
Radiotherapy Assistant
Southampton General Hospital
01.2015 - 07.2016
Teaching Assistant
St. Patrick's Catholic Primary School
04.2006 - 02.2011
BSC Honours - Psychology
Southampton Solent University
Foundation degree - working with children
University of Southampton
NVQ Level 2 - Childcare + Education(CACHE)
City College Southampton
Higher secondary education - Psychology, Sociology, English language, Economics, History
Carmel College of Arts and Science
Secondary education -
St Rita's High School