ALICIA SWANSON
Franklinton,US
Summary
Family and student support professional specializing in disability-affirming, relationship-centered, and inclusive practices. Skilled at identifying needs quickly, and finding attuned, effective strategies for connection and communication. Experienced in supporting children with diverse communication, mobility, and developmental needs, and designing creative, strengths-based interventions that empower both students and families. Through trusted relationships with caregivers, educators, and service providers, I bridge understanding across settings, align home, school, and therapeutic supports, and ensure children have the tools and access needed for joyful, autonomous, and equitable participation.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ECS I Instructional Assistant
Wake County Public School System
Rolesville, US
09.2022 - Current
- Provide highly individualized support as the assigned 1:1 paraeducator for a student with complex communication, mobility, and developmental needs while simultaneously supporting all ECS I students
- Build strong, trust-based relationships with students and families; collaborate to develop consistent communication, sensory, mobility, and autonomy-supporting routines
- Plan and deliver differentiated instruction aligned with IEP goals, evidence-based practices, and individual sensory support needs
- Implement co-regulation techniques and crisis prevention strategies; promote inclusive, trauma-informed approaches and coach classroom staff in their use
- Collaborate with related service providers to extend therapeutic goals into daily routines; coordinate closely with providers and families to ensure continuity of care
- Advocate for students' sensory, communication, and accessibility needs across school environments to ensure equitable participation in learning and school-wide activities
- Design individualized visuals, social stories, communication supports, sensory routines, and choice tools grounded in strengths-based and trauma informed practices
- During teacher vacancies, assume expanded responsibilities including lesson planning, instructional organization, development of individualized supports, and coordination with school and district professionals
- Identify and challenge inequitable practices, actively advocating for students' dignity, agency, and access to least restrictive and inclusive opportunities
Respite Care Provider
Heart and Home Connections
Wake County, US
08.2025 - Current
- Provide family-centered, individualized, and strengths-based care for children with disabilities, creating safe, predictable routines that support emotional regulation, autonomy, communication, and sensory needs
- Partner closely with parents and caregivers to understand family priorities, reinforce therapeutic strategies, and create supportive approaches that empower both the child and caregiver
- Collaborate with families to identify goals and challenges, designing routines, activities, and interventions that address communication, behavioral, and daily-living needs
- Research, design, and implement developmentally appropriate tools and strategies including visual supports, sensory routines and communication aids to promote skill-building and family well-being
- Maintain emotional attunement and a compassionate presence, offering practical support and shared problem-solving that reduces caregiver stress and validates family experience
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Disability Studies
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ, US05.2027
A.A.S - Human Services
Vance-Granville Community College
Henderson, NC12.2024
Skills
Family & Caregiver Support
- Family-centered communication
- Empowerment-focused family support
- Collaborative problem solving
- Strengths-based and trauma-informed approaches
- Inclusive and culturally responsive practices
Student Support & Intervention
- Multi-modal communication strategies
- De-escalation and crisis prevention techniques
- Co-regulation and sensory support strategies
- Differentiated instruction aligned with IEP goals
- Sensory routines and autonomy-building strategies
Tools & Resource Design
- Custom resource design (visuals, social stories, communication supports)
- Experience with orthotics, hearing devices, assistive tech, adaptive equipment, and g-tubes
Resource Navigation & Collaboration
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Community resource navigation
- Family and student advocacy
- Student advocacy
- Research and application of evidence-based practices
Certification
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
- CPR and First Aid
Timeline
Respite Care Provider
Heart and Home Connections
08.2025 - Current
ECS I Instructional Assistant
Wake County Public School System
09.2022 - Current
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Disability Studies
Arizona State University
A.A.S - Human Services
Vance-Granville Community College