Amanda Walker-Pethick
Wylie,TX
Summary
Seasoned educator and skills trainer with 19 years of experience working with individuals with diverse needs. Knowledgeable in communication and rapport building, behavioral monitoring and intervention techniques, psychological testing, research methods, crisis intervention and prevention, and skills training such as anger management techniques, anxiety relief, and social skills. Proven track record of effective results and positive outcomes with clients such as increased socialization, decreased outbursts of violence, and increased coping skills. Compassionate, understanding, and friendly demeanor when working with challenging clients in any situation.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Student Support Specialist
Alcuin School
07.2022 - Current
- Worked to support students and adults develop fundamental emotional and social competencies.
- Provided both group and individual skills lessons derived from the five core competencies (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making) of the universally accepted model for SEL care and support (CASEL: Collaborative for Academic, Social, Emotional Learning).
- Developed appropriate and relevant SEL follow-up work to be completed at home or in the community to help bolster skills learned at school, enhance consistency and engagement in the utilization of newly learned strategies, and reinforce major social-emotional learning objectives over time and across key environments.
- Maintained a strong connection between school and home through frequent communication with parents and community providers
- Supported classroom teachers with developing/sustaining socially and emotionally responsible classroom/community environments through consultation, in-classroom interactions, and the provision of relevant information and available resources.
- Crisis prevention and intervention
- Provided referrals to individual families for outside counseling support or other related services (as needed and/or requested).
- Ensured compliance with school policies by maintaining accurate records of student interventions and subsequent results.
Educational Consultant
The Housson Center
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Provided executive functioning coaching, educational consultation and IEP/504 advocacy, educational therapy, and in-home behavior or executive functioning parenting sessions.
- Identified strengths and weaknesses to teach skills that helped clients organize, plan, prioritize, manage time, maintain focus, self-assess, and study/work efficiently.
- Met with educators and parents to review school records, evaluations, and educational plans to aid in developing the appropriate educational path for students with special needs.
- Provided detailed classroom observation reports as part of the psychoeducational evaluation process.
- Determined and provided educational therapy needs through the use of previously obtained psychoeducational evaluations and other testing, meetings with teachers, tutors, psychologists/counselors, other therapeutic providers, and parents.
- Provided in-home executive functioning and behavioral training for parents to improve the generalization of skills learned in the office.
Director, Student Support Services
Akiba Yavneh Academy
05.2019 - 10.2022
- Developed a student support department (EC-12) in a private Jewish Day School environment, including academic and behavioral Response to Intervention and Tier 3 and 4 special education services (including a self-contained structured learning unit, push-in academic and behavioral services, pull-out academic and behavioral services, resource, academic replacement courses, social skills remediation, executive functioning, gifted & talented, and speech therapy).
- Completed all academic assessments and functional behavioral analyses.
- Developed and implemented all procedures, systems, and frameworks for the Student Support Department.
- Developed and procured curricula to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Procured financial donations and grants totaling $650,000 per fiscal year.
- Developed a high-performing team by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth (15 team members).
- Developed and maintained the standard operating procedures for the department.
- In conjunction with staff, tracked and maintained all student Learning Plan goal setting and progress.
- Wrote, garnered, and maintained all financial contracts for students in the various programs of the department.
- Crisis prevention and intervention (trained in the Crisis Prevention Institute).
Lead Structured Learning Teacher
Denison Independent School District
08.2009 - 05.2019
- Responsible for educating students with levels 1, 2, and 3 autism, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral challenges.
- Developed and implemented vital programs such as Journey Engaging Together and Parent's Night Out increasing parental and student involvement in the community.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Participated in parent-teacher conferences to discuss developments of students and increase support.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans and behavior intervention plans for students, ensuring optimal progress.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
- Conducted the play/sensory integration portion of the autism evaluation administered by the district psychologist.
Adjunct Special Education Professor
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
07.2014 - 01.2015
- Instructed bachelor-level students in Early Childhood Special Education.
- Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
- Assessed students' progress and provided feedback to enhance learning.
- Reviewed program materials and coordinated updates to keep department materials relevant and accurate.
- Enhanced student understanding by designing interactive and engaging lectures.
- Created materials and exercises to illustrate application of course concepts.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
Youth Pastor
Preston Community Church
07.2004 - 06.2014
- Utilized various teaching techniques to effectively communicate biblical truths to young people in an engaging and relevant manner.
- Mentored young adults through one-on-one counseling sessions, fostering personal development and spiritual growth.
- Created an inclusive atmosphere that welcomed individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and belonging within the youth group.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Collaborated with church leadership to develop strategies for growing the congregation's youth ministry program.
- Authored sermons, speeches and other religious materials.
Valuation Analyst
Generational Wealth And Equity
06.2007 - 05.2010
- Generated comprehensive reports on portfolio performance and risk assessment.
- Built strong relationships with clients through clear communication, responsiveness to requests, and consistent delivery of high-quality work products.
- Created and maintained precise and accurate models, charts, and reports.
- Improved client satisfaction with thorough market research and detailed analysis of relevant data.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines while maintaining a focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
- Supported corporate decision-making with timely and accurate valuation analyses.
Child Abuse Investigator
Child Protective Services
12.2004 - 08.2006
- Enhanced child safety by conducting thorough investigations of abuse allegations.
- Assessed each child's unique needs and coordinated delivery of appropriate services and resources.
- Identified patterns of abuse through detailed analysis of physical, emotional, and behavioral evidence.
- Conducted in-depth assessments to determine if children were safe from harm and abuse at home.
- Collaborated with law enforcement and social service agencies to ensure the well-being of at-risk children.
- Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members.
Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Mental Health And Mental Retardation
05.2002 - 12.2004
- Prepared reports to summarize clients' mental health status and treatment progress.
- Provided education on various mental health topics, increasing client understanding of their conditions and available treatments.
- Educated clients and families about mental health issues, treatments, and resources.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Reduced crisis situations by conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing safety plans.
- Bi-weekly, weekend monitoring of the suicide prevention hotline where frequent crisis prevention skills were utilized to counsel clients over the phone and assess their state of risk.
Education
Ph.D. - Philosophy of Education
Northcentral University
San Diego, CA01.2023
Master of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies: Education And Community
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK05.2008
No Degree - Counseling Psychology
Southeastern State University
Durant, OKBachelor of Arts - Communications
Austin College
Sherman, TX08.2002
Certification
- QPR Suicide Prevention and Intervention
- Texas Teaching Certificate in Special Education
- TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped Children)
Presentations
Presentations
- Social Emotional Learning: Early Childhood to Adulthood
Alcuin School | 2024 - Executive Functioning in Children
Alcuin School | 2024 - Emotional Wellness in High-Performing Athletes
Alcuin School | 2023 - Autism and the Brain: New Brain Research for Better Outcomes
Texas State Autism Conference | 2023 - Autism and the Family: Supporting Members of the Family Unit
Texas State Autism Conference | 2022 - AD/HD, the Brain, and Executive Functioning: Part Two
The Housson Center | 2022 - AD/HD, the Brain, and Executive Functioning: Part One
The Housson Center | 2022 - Autism and Brain Research: Implications for Home and Community
The Housson Center | 2022 - The Brain, Behavior, and Learning: Part Two
The Housson Center | 2022 - The Brain, Behavior, and Learning: Part One
The Housson Center | 2022 - New Year, New You
The Housson Center | 2022 - Differentiated Instruction
Akiba Yavneh Academy | 2021 - Common Disabilities in the Classroom
Akiba Yavneh Academy | 2021 - Autism Structured Learning in the Classroom
Akiba Yavneh Academy | 2021 - Formal Education Plans for Students with Learning or Behavioral Challenges
Akiba Yavneh Academy | 2021 - Autism and the Family: Understanding the Brain and Family Connections to Better Inform Service Providers
Texas State Autism Conference | 2021 - Early Childhood and Special Education
Choctaw Nation | 2021 - Universal Design for Learning
Akiba Yavneh Academy | 2020 - Positive Behavior Management and Intervention
Akiba Yavneh Academy | 2020 - Crisis Prevention Techniques in the Classroom
Akiba Yavneh Academy | 2020 - Inclusivity in the General Education Environment
Akiba Yavneh Academy | 2020 - Accommodations and Modifications in the General Education Environment
Akiba Yavneh Academy | 2020 - Autism and the Brain: Looking Beyond the Label
Texas State Autism Conference | 2019 - Making Inclusion a Success
Choctaw Nation | 2019 - The Social Express: Social Learning Made Easy
Denison ISD | 2018, 2017 - Edmark Reading Program
Denison ISD | 2018, 2017, 2016, 2012 - Autism and the Brain: Endless Possibilities
Texas State Autism Conference | 2018 - Making Inclusion a Success
Choctaw Nation | 2018 - Inspiring Special Education Students to Greatness
Choctaw Nation | 2017 - Autism in the Classroom
Durant ISD | 2017 - Vizzle: Visual Interactive Learning Software
Denison ISD | 2017, 2014, 2012 - The Brain and Autism
Texas State Autism Conference | 2017 - Social-Emotional Learning: When Autism and Mental Health Collide
Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education | 2016 - Making the Behavior Connection
Texas State Autism Conference | 2016 - Connecting the Behavior Puzzle Through Functional Communication
Region 10 | 2016 - Special Education in Your Classroom
Choctaw Nation | 2016 - TEACCH: The Structured Classroom
Denison ISD | 2016 - Visual Supports Supports in the Classroom
Denison ISD | 2016 - Total Functional Communication in the Classroom
Choctaw Nation | 2015 - Connecting the Behavior Puzzle Through Functional Communication
Texas Council of Administrators of Special Educators | 2014 - Making the Social Skills Connections: The Journey Engaging Together Program
Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education | 2013 - Social Learning Through Technology
Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education | 2012
Professional Activities and Honors
Publications
- Walker-Pethick, A. (2023). A Phenomenological Study on the Lived Experiences of Family Members Raising a Child with Severe Autism: Informing Educators, Medical Providers, and First Responders. Northcentral University ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
Grants and Donations
- Written and received approximately $200,000 in grants to benefit students with special needs.
- Procured $650,00 in annual donations to fund the Student Support Services department at Akiba Yavneh Academy.
Programs
- Developed and directed the Journey Engaging Together (JET) program. JET provided an after-school program fostering friendships through inclusion between children with autism, developmental disorders, behavioral disorders, and those who were medically fragile and their typically developing peers.
- Developed and directed the Parent's Night Out program which provided one evening of respite a month for parents of students with significant special needs.
- Developed and assisted in maintaining sibling and parent support groups for family members of children with significant special needs.
Awards
- Denison ISD Difference Maker Award, 2018
- KXII Teacher of the Month, 2017
- Lamar Elementary Teacher of the Year 2011-2012
Timeline
Student Support Specialist
Alcuin School
07.2022 - Current
Educational Consultant
The Housson Center
01.2022 - 01.2023
Director, Student Support Services
Akiba Yavneh Academy
05.2019 - 10.2022
Adjunct Special Education Professor
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
07.2014 - 01.2015
Lead Structured Learning Teacher
Denison Independent School District
08.2009 - 05.2019
Valuation Analyst
Generational Wealth And Equity
06.2007 - 05.2010
Child Abuse Investigator
Child Protective Services
12.2004 - 08.2006
Youth Pastor
Preston Community Church
07.2004 - 06.2014
Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)
Mental Health And Mental Retardation
05.2002 - 12.2004
Ph.D. - Philosophy of Education
Northcentral University
Master of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies: Education And Community
University of Oklahoma
No Degree - Counseling Psychology
Southeastern State University
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Austin College
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