Katie Akers Email and Phone Number

Having grown up on a family farm I began working with my dad at a very young age. My work on the farm continued through my childhood and teen years, and currently is still part of my adult life. I have learned a great deal about agriculture from being involved in raising cattle, hay, and crops. Additional experience was gained in raising poultry, horses, sheep, and hogs. I currently assist my dad in managing the small cattle herd he owns and making hay each summer. I am interested in getting my CDL license to be able to drive the grain truck in the fall during harvest. Through my experience on the farm I have learned about general aspects of agriculture, record keeping, money management, risk management, animal husbandry, and time management.

During my student teaching experience I performed professional tasks characteristic of a full time high school teacher. Responsibilities included curriculum development, teaching students, classroom management, community outreach, collaboration with other professionals, and completing paperwork and grading in a timely manner. Skills that were developed included public speaking, management skills, self-teaching, working with others, time management.

As an employee of the Family Resource Center I provide services to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. I assist members in developing and accomplishing personal goals, participating in community activities, and the development of social skills. I communicate with the members, their families, and Family Resource Center staff through verbal and written documentation. I am responsible for overseeing money and medication management, member safety, and the fulfillment of agency and member outlined directives. During my time as an FRC employee I have participated in ongoing continued education units of instruction in a variety of professional development topics.

As an equestrian trail ride facilitator I have developed many skills related to working with animals, coworkers, and children of all ages. Through this work experience I have developed the ability to work with horses and provide safe opportunities for kids. Other skills which have been developed are working with and managing coworkers as well as delegating duties to others. Finally, through this experience I have developed skills in communicating with children of all ages. This work experience has required the ability to be a self starter, safety conscious, and easily relatable to others with friendly disposition; all skills which I have developed.

As a teaching assistant for the Iowa State AG 450 Teaching Farm, I contributed by entering grades into an online database, participating in class sessions, grading completed student assignments, and developing student assessments. I also helped work in the hog barns when students were not available and gained experience loading out finished market pigs.