Accomplished, ambitious, and resolute educator with demonstrated success in providing instructional and consulting expertise. Highly qualified personnel with exceptional verbal/written communication, leadership and organizational skills to effectively collaborate with various professionals and stakeholders while promoting a positive work environment. Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
Newark Public Schools
01.2006 - Current
Evaluate identified students using standardized assessments and student observations to determine appropriate program placement and academic support
Actively participates in Child Study Team meetings to determine the need for eligibility, programs, and the development of an Individualized Educational Program (IEP)
Knowledgeable about and adheres to State and Federal regulations
Function as a consultant to school staff, students, and family to assist in the dissemination of information and program planning
Function as a liaison between the Office of Special Education, school administrators and outside agencies
Monitor the progress of students for whom case management is needed
Demonstrate a professional demeanor and foster positive relations with other Child Study Team staff, teachers, students, parents, and administrators
Maintain and report at required intervals, accurate statistical data related to productivity and case management responsibilities
Perform additional or alternative duties which are within the scope of certification as assigned by Office Special Education Administration
Proficient with computer technology
Demonstrate efficient time-management skills and maintain case records and files according to department procedures
Conduct regular classroom visits to observe children and conduct informal screenings to determine academic functioning, learning characteristics and appropriate strategies for students with disabilities
Confer with, and supports principals, classroom teachers, teacher assistants and resource teachers in planning strategies, while adapting teaching practices and making modifications that will assist students in meeting their Individual Education Program goals
Observe, provide feedback, make recommendations, and model strategies, classroom modifications, and the selection of adaptive materials and equipment for use in the classroom and other learning environments
Plan and implement professional development workshops/training for staff, including principals, teachers, teacher aides and resource teachers.
Mentored fellow teachers on best practices for working with students with learning disabilities, promoting inclusive classrooms.
Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to create a supportive educational environment for all learners.
Developed and implemented effective behavior management plans for students with learning disabilities, promoting positive behavioral change.
Empowered parents through ongoing communication about their child''s progress, offering guidance on supporting their child''s unique strengths outside of the classroom setting.
Improved student progress monitoring by developing data-driven academic interventions tailored to individual needs.
Consulted with parents, educators, and other professionals to develop strategies for supporting students with learning disabilities at home and in the classroom.
Coordinated services between general education teachers and special education providers to ensure consistency in curriculum delivery across settings.
ABA Therapist/Coordinator
Innovative Ideas LLC
01.2017 - 01.2022
Taught clients anger management techniques, relaxation skills, impulse control, social skills, emotional coping skills, and functional living skills
Developed comprehensive treatment plans focused on accurate diagnosis and behavioral treatment
Utilized appropriate policies for identification of medically related social and emotional client needs
Documented patient information, including service plans, treatment reports, and progress notes
Provided outreach advocacy and rehabilitative services for regular cases and crisis intervention
Collaborated effectively with clinical staff and external resources such as school or community personnel
Conducted comprehensive initial in-home psychosocial assessments prior to first wraparound meetings
Efficiently gathered information from families and social services agencies to inform development of treatment plans
Responded to crisis situations when severe mental health and behavioral issues arose
Developed and implemented comprehensive treatment plans for patients
Coordinate, supervise and evaluate the performance of therapy staff
Trained and guided the therapy staff in implementing behavioral intervention plans
Conducted behavioral assessments and present assessment findings to parents and staff
Monitored and adjusted treatment plans in response to patient progress
Collaborate with family members, teachers, and other professionals involved in the patient’s care
Maintained accurate records of patient progress and services provided
Participated in ongoing training and professional development to stay up to date with the latest ABA research and methodologies
Provided comprehensive treatment by working in close collaboration with multidisciplinary team of professionals.
Extended School Year Coordinator
Newark Board of Education
02.2008 - 08.2020
Oversee and manage the operations of the Extended School Year Programs
Supervise and evaluate the job performance of Child Study Teams, Speech-Language Specialists, and Autism Specialists, providing direction and assistance for improvement
Responsible for maintaining detailed knowledge of NJ Special Education laws and procedures
Responsible for turn keying new initiatives from the Office of Special Education to Child Study Teams, Building Principals, and other key individuals and helping to operationalize these initiatives and resolve problems that arise as a result
Collaborate with Assistant Superintendent, Principals and Child Study Teams to increase quality of special education services in the Newark Public Schools Create and present trainings to Child Study Teams during monthly meetings Responsible for training special education and general education teachers how to write appropriate PLAAFP statements and goals and objectives in students’ IEPS
Represent the Newark Public Schools as an administrator in legal proceeding involving classified students
This includes mediations, settlement hearings and trials
Oversee the district’s adherence to mediation and settlement agreements
Oversee and manage the operations of the Extended School Year Programs
Skills: Public Speaking
Coaching
Teacher Training
Leadership
Working with ChildrenSkills: Public Speaking
Coaching
Teacher Training
Leadership
Working with Children
Child Study Team Social WorkerChild Study Team
Evaluated performance data on an ongoing basis to inform decision-making processes related to program improvements.
Fostered positive relationships with parents, consistently communicating about student progress and opportunities for growth within the program.
Developed strong partnerships with local agencies, businesses, and community organizations to enhance program offerings during the extended school year period.
Adjunct Professor
Monmouth University
01.2007 - 01.2011
Fostered enthusiasm for learning by encouraging graduate students’ participation and creativity regarding the current trends in the field of special education
Encouraged students to set goals, collaborate and take responsibility for their own learning experiences
Motivated students to work collaboratively in solving related issues in an organized manner
Recorded students' progress by conducting specially designed tests
Discussed and assisted exceptional learners in higher education about the issues facing regarding student learning.
Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
Special Education Teacher
Newark Public Schools
02.2000 - 01.2006
Fostered enthusiasm for learning by encouraging students’ participation and creativity
Utilized diagnostic assessments to identify students' strengths and weaknesses
Incorporated technologies to encourage students' enthusiasm and foster greater transparency in the learning process
Established, practiced, and maintained effective classroom management
Participated in non-instructional school related activities and attended staff meetings and professional workshops
Generated and incorporated special learning teaching strategies with emphasis on different learning modalities.
Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
Provided targeted instructional support to struggling learners, identifying specific areas for improvement and designing effective intervention plans.
Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Management/Finance
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY
05.1981
Master of Science - Special Education
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY
06.2004
Post Master's Certificate - Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJ
01.2006
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJ
01.2011
Post Master’s Certificate - Supervision
Monmouth University
West Long Branch, NJ
01.2011
Post Master's Certificate - Criminal Justice, Applied Behavior Analysis
Saint Joseph’s University
Philadelphia, PA
08.2017
Skills
Inclusion Strategies
Conflict Resolution Strategies
Parent-teacher collaboration
Collaborative Problem-Solving
References
References available upon request
Timeline
ABA Therapist/Coordinator
Innovative Ideas LLC
01.2017 - 01.2022
Extended School Year Coordinator
Newark Board of Education
02.2008 - 08.2020
Adjunct Professor
Monmouth University
01.2007 - 01.2011
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
Newark Public Schools
01.2006 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Newark Public Schools
02.2000 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Business Administration - Management/Finance
Adelphi University
Master of Science - Special Education
Adelphi University
Post Master's Certificate - Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant
Monmouth University
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Monmouth University
Post Master’s Certificate - Supervision
Monmouth University
Post Master's Certificate - Criminal Justice, Applied Behavior Analysis
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant at Manalapan Englishtown School DistrictLearning Disabilities Teacher Consultant at Manalapan Englishtown School District
Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant at Franklin Township Board Of Education - RetiredLearning Disabilities Teacher Consultant at Franklin Township Board Of Education - Retired