Amanda Lawson
Yorktown,VA
Summary
I bring familiarity with numerous diagnoses and treatment protocols with a specialty in working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. I pride myself on my ability to individualize programs across students and work collaboratively to ensure programs are followed with fidelity and skills are generalized across people and environments. I believe it is important to remain an unwavering, solid object not only for students, but for staff and families, as demonstrated by maintaining composure under pressure and within what can be tense situations. I am a passionate promoter of student support and resource advocacy. I am a team player and have worn many "hats" in my years in special education. I believe my experience not only as an educator, but as a mother, friend, and colleague to others has given me a diverse perspective and innovative approach to implementing impactful programming and producing meaningful change.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Board Certified Behavior Anaalyst (BCBA, LBA)
New Beginnings Behavioral Health
Smithfield, VA
11.2023 - Current
- Implemented the use of evidence-based practices in Head Start Programs within Gloucester, Mathews, and Charles City
- Conduct assessments of appropriate behavioral interventions for clients based on their individual goals.
- Supervised the implementation of Applied Behavior Analysis techniques in order to modify behaviors.
- Trained staff members on principles and strategies of Applied Behavior Analysis and monitored the fidelity of implementation of strategies.
BCBA, LBA Clinical Supervisor
Positive Supports for Children with Autism
Hampton, VA
06.2019 - 11.2023
- Conducted assessments with children ages 2-17. with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Developed, implemented, and trained staff members on use of Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans
- Developed Individualized Service Plans for clients based on client specific goals
- Provided supervision to Registered Behavior Technicians and Behavioral Assistants within the clinical and home settings
- Provided life skills training to clients within the clinic, home, and community
- Provided parent training based on collaborative goals aimed towards decreasing behavior
Behavior Specialist, BCBA, LBA
New Horizons Center for Autism
Newport News, VA
06.2015 - 08.2023
- Conducted assessments using evidence-based strategies and te prinviples of Applied Behavior Analysis for 6-7 classrooms during the school year, averaging a total of 42 students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and secondary/tertiary eligibility categories per year
- Collaborated with representatives from 6 different school divisions served within the regional program - Poquoson, York, Williamsburg, Newport News, Hampton, and Gloucester
- Collaborated with other related service providers such as the Occupational Therapist, Speech Language Pathologist, and School Psychologist
- Reviewed Individualized Education Plans (IEP's)
- Served as Administrative Designee for IEP meetings
- Trained and supervised staff members on writing and implementation of Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans
- Created and trained staff members on use of data collection techniques and implementation
- Conducted fidelity checks of interventions across staff members to ensure BIP's were followed properly
- Trained staff on use of the Handle with Care Crisis Management System
- Trained staff on the use of the STARR behavioral management system to teach students safety, respect, and responsibility
- Trained staff on the use of the PBIS incident report system
- Reviewed reports and provided copies of reports to parents within 7 days to remain in compliance with Virginia Laws regarding the use of restraint and seclusion
- Provided copies to school division representative for each of the school districts
Special Education Teacher
New Horizons Center for Autism
Newport News, VA
08.2005 - 08.2015
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and secondary/tertiary eligibility categories
- Served students across 6 school divisions with significant behavioral and communication needs
- Conducted assessments, collaborated with staff members, and parents in order to develop Individualized Education Plans, Functional Behavioral Assessments, Behavior Intervention Plans, and Elopement Plans
- Taught Standards of Learning and Aligned Standards of Learning to Elementary students
- Administered SOl tests
- Assessed, gather evidence, and submitted evidence for students participating in alternative assessment methods
- Input student grades into PowerSchool and provided to parents with quarterly lIEP updates
- Served as a mentor to other teachers and parapfoessionals
- Planned and organized Community Based Outings for students to generalize classroom skills into the community
- Created data sheets and trained staff on how to implement goals while collecting data
Education
Applied Behavior Analysis
Florida Institute of Technology-Melbourne
Melbourne, FL08.2015
Master of Science - Special Education
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA09.2008
Bachelor of Science - Human Development
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State Universit
Blacksburg, VA05.2004
High School Diploma -
Poquoson High School
Poquoson06.2000
Skills
- Conducting Functional Behavioral Assessments and crafting Behavior Intervention Plans
- Individualizing data collection towards student needs/goals and creating graphs to define trends in behavioral progress
- Collaborating with teachers, related service staff, and families to implement evidence based strategies and individualized goals with fidelity across environments
- Training staff on crisis intervention management with an emphasis on antecedent strategies to teach replacement behaviors to maladaptive behaviors
- Running IEP meetings
- Maintaining legal compliance regarding all documents pertaining to restraint and/or seclusion
Timeline
Board Certified Behavior Anaalyst (BCBA, LBA)
New Beginnings Behavioral Health
11.2023 - Current
BCBA, LBA Clinical Supervisor
Positive Supports for Children with Autism
06.2019 - 11.2023
Behavior Specialist, BCBA, LBA
New Horizons Center for Autism
06.2015 - 08.2023
Special Education Teacher
New Horizons Center for Autism
08.2005 - 08.2015
Applied Behavior Analysis
Florida Institute of Technology-Melbourne
Master of Science - Special Education
Old Dominion University
Bachelor of Science - Human Development
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State Universit
High School Diploma -
Poquoson High School
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