[Elana]

As a recent college graduate, I am seeking employment in the field of adoption. My personal experience with adoption has given me the strong desire to help other children find families to call their own. Being the product of a positive adoption experience, I am in a unique position to offer support and first hand knowledge to perspective adoptive parents, birthparents and even the children themselves. Below you will find my cover letter and resume, please contact me via email at ejkirshenbaum@gmail.com if there are any questions I can answer for you. Thank you for your consideration.

ELANA J. KIRSHENBAUM

1130 N. Dearborn Apt. 2507 Chicago, IL. 60610 • (847) 530-7990 • ejkirshenbaum@gmail.com


October 30, 2006

Dear, Adoption Agencies

For as long as I can remember my parents have told me the story of how they adopted me. They loved me from the moment the adoption agency called to say I was theirs. Now that I am a graduate from The George Washington University, I finally have the chance to help other children find loving families, like mine, to call their own. My adoption is something I think about on a daily basis because I am so grateful to the adoption agency, social workers, lawyers and biological family for giving me such an amazing life with my adoptive family.

I believe that each child deserves to live with a family who loves and cares for them as they would their own flesh and blood. My adoption has shaped who I am as an individual. I know first hand how difficult growing up as an adopted child can be, but I also know how wonderful it is to be wanted and loved. Working in adoption is what I am meant to do. My ability to identify with families dealing with different issues surrounding adoption has the capacity to ease the minds of birth parents, adoptive families and the children themselves. With the help of my Bachelors degree in Psychology from a top university and my personal, life-long experience of my own adoption I know that I would be an asset to your agency.

I am confident that with my personal experiences and education I can make an immediate and valuable contribution to your agency. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future to schedule an interview at your convenience, during which I hope to learn more about your agency’s plans and goals and how I might contribute to the success of its service team.

Sincerely,
Elana J. Kirshenbaum

ELANA J. KIRSHENBAUM

1130 N. Dearborn Apt. 2507 Chicago, IL 60610 • (847) 530-7990 • ejkirshenbaum@gmail.com



OBJECTIVE
Seeking an entry-level position in the helping profession which utilizes my 1 ½ years experience as a counselor, 1 year as a teacher and my undergraduate degree in psychology.

EDUCATION
BA in Psychology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 5/06

HIGHLIGHTED QUALIFICATIONS
- Reduced stress, anxiety and fear of pediatric patients prior to medical procedures through utilization of play therapy, such as: using toy medical equipment and dolls as patients, art and craft activities and children’s games.
- Conducted 4 intakes a week for 6 months for patients entering a psychiatric program, suffering from a multitude of mental disorders varying from depression, dissociative personalities, schizophrenia, dementia to attempted suicide.
- Observed and participated in group therapy sessions for psychiatric patients in The George Washington University Hospital as an intern. Participated in therapy by asking patients questions concerning their emotions to illuminate the cause and triggers of their depression along with the other psychiatric staff.
- Interviewed and observed prospective families planning to adopt a pet to determine their suitability and compatibility with the animal at the Washington Animal Rescue League in Washington, DC.
- Worked as a summer day camp counselor with 5 and 6 year old boys and 12 and 13 years old girls, some of which had ADD, ADHD, LD and other disorders and suspected that 2 children were being mentally and physically abused at home.
- Visited patients during their hospital stay, including the terminally ill, in order to provide company, conversation and gifts to show them someone cared for them.
- Taught gymnastics to children 2-14 years old and taught dance to youth and adults.

COMPUTER SKILLS
MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint
LANGUAGE: conversational and written Hebrew

WORK HISTORY
Assistant Manager Wagtime Pet Spa and Boutique 6/05 – 4/06
Washington, DC
Dance Coordinator Personalities Inc. 8/01 – 5/06
Northbrook, IL
Camp Counselor Ramah Day Camp 6/03 – 8/03
Wheeling, IL
Gymnastics Instructor Park District of Highland Park 9/00 – 5/02
Highland Park, IL
Intern Cairo Animal Hospital 9/01 – 5/02
Highland Park, IL
Intern Evanston Northwestern Hospital 9/01 – 5/02
Evanston, IL
VOLUNTEER
Fundraiser Y-ME National Breast Cancer Org 1/06 – 4/06
Alexandria, VA
Intern Psychiatric Ward, GWU Hospital 1/05 – 5/06
Washington, DC
Volunteer Washington Animal Rescue League 10/04 – 8/05
Washington, DC