Anja Vezmar
Developmental Therapist
Hanover Park,Illinois
Summary
Experienced Developmental Therapist with over 5 years of experience in Early Intervention. Excellent reputation with service coordinators, children, co-workers, team members and families. Diverse yet extensive repertoire of working with children and families in special education between the early childhood classroom, ABA therapy and early intervention. Hardworking, patient, able to multitask, manage a 35-client caseload and train future developmental therapists. Credentialed in evaluations and on-going assessments, PECS, sensory integration, floor time (DIR). Well versed in family-centered approaches in order to provide effective evidence-based intervention strategies. Efficient at problem-solving in the moment and modifying strategies. Extensive experience in working with diverse cultures.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
6
6
Certifications
4
4
Languages
Work History
Developmental Therapist
Bridging The Gap
Chicago, IL
06.2018 - Current
- Implemented trauma-informed and evidenced-based practices specific to children/families with social, emotional and behavioral needs.
- Provide developmentally age appropriate speech, occupational, physical therapy sessions to children
- Attended team and individualized family service plan (IFSP) meetings to plan for 6-month and annual progress
- Effectively maintained caseload of 35 sessions per week using evidence-based and family-centered approaches
- Work with diverse family cultures, children needs and strengths
- Develop Individualized family service plans (IFSP)
- Worked with interdisciplinary treatment team to develop treatment plans respective to child milestones
- Completed full Hawaii Early Learning Profile (HELP) assessments and evaluations to determine current levels of delay in seven developmental domains
- Led weekly group meetings of 10 therapists and interpreters
- Quickly learned new skill and research and applied them to daily sessions
- Managed team of five employees, overseeing hiring, training, and professional growth of employees and future therapists
- Use behavioral modeling, PECS, assistive technologies to help children reach IFSP outcomes
- Followed FloorTime (DIR) model principles
- Provided parent education on home-made toys and recommended strategies
Registered Behavior Technician
Milestone Therapy
Highland, Indiana
06.2017 - 10.2018
- Facilitated parent support groups, social groups, play groups
- Completed SOAP notes for every session and measured progress using qualitative data
- Submitted daily, weekly and monthly progress reports to Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Maintained caseload of 25 children
- Worked with Behavior Analyst to develop behavior plan
- Provided individualized therapy sessions to diverse children based on BCBA plan
- Worked with assistive technology and PECS
Autism Behavior Substitute
School District 54
Schaumburg , IL
08.2016 - 01.2017
- Collaborated with IEP teams members, school personnel and family to develop individual plans of care, teaching and learning for students
- Helped develop and implement diagnostic assessments developed by BCBA
- Completed observational and standardized assessments to determine student progress to be reported to BCBA and psychologist
- Provided and researched instruction modifications, differentiated instruction, evidence-based strategies and child-centered outcomes
- Attended team meetings
- Helped score tests and work to determine progress or needs for modifications
- Documented and completed reports based on student GOLD assessment performance
- Collaborated with educators, school administrators and external professionals in development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
Instructional Assistant
Palatine School District 15
Palatine, IL
06.2016 - 07.2016
- Assessed student assignments to check quality and completeness before submission for grading
- Facilitated with organization and preparation of classroom materials for daily instruction and group work
- Assisted with lesson planning and differentiation based on diverse learners' needs
- Recorded grades and progress for each student
- Worked 1:1 or managed small group of five students
- Maintained classroom cleanliness and safety
- Created lesson materials, visual aids and presentations for 1:1 or group work
- Supported student IEP objectives and goals
- Used behavioral modeling, differentiated instruction, evidence-based practices to deliver lesson objectives
Education
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Special Education
Elmhurst University
Elmhurst, IL 08.2016 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Pyschology
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL 08.2012 - 05.2016
Skills
One-on-one sessions
Intervention planning (IFSP), (IEP), (BPA)
Play group therapy facilitation
Progress assessments/evaluations
Documentation requirements (SOAP notes, 6-month and annual reports)
Excellent Communication
Planning and Coordination of weekly sessions
Teamwork and Collaboration
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving
PPE Compliance
Dependable and Responsible
Teambuilding/Team Leader
G-Suite, Zoom, Duo
Accomplishments
- Supervised 2 clinical students
- Use Microsoft Excel to develop new SOAP notes system
- Help develop trainings for developmental therapists
Affiliations
- Board member of Illinois Developmental Therapy Association (IDTA)
Certification
Early Intervention
Timeline
Early Intervention Evaluator (HELP)
11-2021
Picture exchange communication system (PECS)
01-2019
Autism Technician
01-2019
Developmental Therapist
Bridging The Gap
06.2018 - Current
Early Intervention
05-2018
Wilbarger Brushing System
05-2018
Sensory Integration
05-2018
Registered Behavior Technician
Milestone Therapy
06.2017 - 10.2018
Autism Behavior Substitute
School District 54
08.2016 - 01.2017
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Special Education
Elmhurst University
08.2016 - 05.2018
Instructional Assistant
Palatine School District 15
06.2016 - 07.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Pyschology
University of Illinois At Chicago
08.2012 - 05.2016