Andrea Benjamin
Lansing
Summary
Experienced Behavior Technician Specialist with 4+ years of experience within the ABA field. Special Education Assistant teacher and teacher-consultant with 10+ years in teaching/working in Lansing Schools Special Education and General Education.
A passion for helping children reach their full potential.
I am skilled in the implementation of positive reinforcement, behavior modification, and social skills training.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavior Technician Specialist
Centria Healthcare Autism Services
01.2023 - Current
- Provide support and assistance to behavior technicians and clients when needed. This includes but is not limited to support for crisis intervention when clients are elevated and engaged in aggressive or intense behaviors.
- Assist the Operations Director, Clinical Director, and Clinicians when needed.
- Certified American Red Cross CPR -First Aid Instructor. Teach and demonstrate the techniques required for the certification of American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and AED.
- Provide ABA Therapy to children with autism. Collect data on the progress of the children. Take data on behaviors that occur and run trials for program targets during direct therapy with clients.
- Track data on behaviors that occur and run trials for program targets during direct therapy with clients.
- Worked as part of collaborative team to address changing needs of children and families.
- Utilized alternative communication methods for non-verbal and low-verbal children, including PEC devices and basic sign language.
- Supported families in understanding and managing challenging behaviors, promoting consistency across environments.
Behavior Technician
Centria Autism Services
02.2020 - Current
- Enhanced client progress by implementing individualized behavior intervention plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment strategies for clients.
- Improved client communication skills through the use of evidence-based practices and techniques.
- Promoted positive behaviors by reinforcing desired actions and effectively addressing challenging issues.
- Assisted in data collection and analysis, contributing to the ongoing evaluation of client progress.
- Provided one-on-one support to clients with autism spectrum disorders, addressing unique behavioral needs.
- Supported families in understanding and managing challenging behaviors, promoting consistency across environments.
- Assisted in the creation of visual supports and schedules for clients, enhancing daily routines and transitions.
- Developed strong rapport with clients and their families, fostering trust and open communication throughout the therapeutic process.
- Adapted therapy materials as needed to meet the unique needs of each individual client, ensuring optimal engagement during sessions.
- Implemented crisis intervention strategies when necessary to maintain a safe environment for both staff and clients alike during high-stress situations.
- Provided direct support during community outings, facilitating appropriate social interactions among peers while practicing newly acquired skills within real-world contexts.
- Documented interventions, assessments and progress reports on database to enable tracking history and maintain consistent records.
Special Education Assistant Teacher
Lansing School District
08.2011 - 11.2023
- Enhanced student learning by adapting instructional strategies to individual needs.
- Collaborated with teachers and other support staff in developing inclusive classroom environments.
- Assisted students in achieving academic goals by providing one-on-one support and small group instruction.
- Improved student behavior by implementing positive reinforcement techniques and behavior management plans.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and IEP goal progress.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by creating visual supports, sensory accommodations, and structured routines.
- Facilitated smooth transitions for students between different school settings by coordinating services and collaborating with relevant professionals.
- Increased student independence by implementing functional life skills instruction and vocational training programs.
- Contributed to the development of a supportive school community by participating in team meetings, events, and committees focused on improving educational outcomes for all learners.
- Established rapport with students, using positive reinforcement and genuine empathy to build trust and encourage open communication.
Owner/Manager of Operations
Capital Cheer Ledgends
03.2007 - 08.2019
- Developed and maintained strong client relationships, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Managed financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Implemented marketing strategies to increase brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Mentored staff members on best practices in customer service and coaching techniques, leading to increased performance levels.
- Hired trained, and managed a high-performing team of employees dedicated to achieving goals.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
Education
Early Childhood Special Education
Lansing Community College
Lansing, MI05.2024
High School Diploma -
Everett High School
Lansing, MI05.1989
Skills
Certified CPR, First Aid and AED Instructor Safety-Care® Behavioral Safety Training QBS Certification Handle with Care
- Intervention Management
- Behavior Treatment Plans
- Documentation Skills
- Social Skill Development
- Data Collection
- Positive Reinforcement
Certification
October 2022 to October 2025
Adult Child and Infant Instructor
August 2023 to August 2025
Skills and competencies necessary to effectively prevent, minimize, and manage behavioral challenges with dignity, safety, and the possibility of change.
June 2023 to June 2024
Providers and staff working with children and adolescents (age two years and up) across the entire spectrum of human services, including schools, child welfare, hospitals, mental health, developmental disabilities, Safely managing behaviorally challenged children and adults, including those with disruptive, aggressive, and self-destructive behaviors. The program teaches staff to develop and use their management and relationship skills to reduce tension and create and maintain a calm and safe environment. This verbal de-escalation and physical intervention program includes a patented restraint technique designed to be effective and safe and require fewer staff to manage a crisis safely than other restraint training programs. Handle With Care Behavior Management System® complies with all Federal and State laws and is accredited by all major professional regulatory bodies.
September 2021 to September 2023Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
March 2021 to March 2023
Providers and staff working with children and adolescents (age three years and up) across the entire spectrum of human services, including schools, child welfare, hospitals, mental health, developmental disabilities, Safely managing behaviorally challenged children and adults, including those with disruptive, aggressive, and self-destructive behaviors. The program teaches staff to develop and use their management and relationship skills to reduce tension and create and maintain a calm and safe environment. This verbal de-escalation and physical intervention program includes a patented restraint technique designed to be effective, safe and require fewer staff to manage a crisis than other restraint training programs safely. Handle With Care Behavior Management System® complies with all Federal and State laws and is accredited by all major professional regulatory bodies.
Timeline
Behavior Technician Specialist
Centria Healthcare Autism Services
01.2023 - Current
Behavior Technician
Centria Autism Services
02.2020 - Current
Special Education Assistant Teacher
Lansing School District
08.2011 - 11.2023
Owner/Manager of Operations
Capital Cheer Ledgends
03.2007 - 08.2019
Early Childhood Special Education
Lansing Community College
High School Diploma -
Everett High School