Hi, I’m
Andrea Whalen
Contracted Registered Behavioral Therapist Iredell Statesville Schools Behavioral Priority/Crisis District Team
Conover,NC
Summary
Versatile and dedicated Behavior Specialist/RBT with the Iredell Schools Priority Crisis District Team with focus on individual needs of special education students. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons. Exceptional skills working with teachers, parents and specialists to meet educational needs of students.
Overview
27
years of professional experience
5
years of post-secondary education
5
Certifications
Work History
Aequor Healthcare Services Contracted Statesville, NC
Behavior Specialist/RBT Iredell Statesville Crisis
2023.08 - Current (2 education.years_Label & 11 education.months_Label)
Job overview
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
Compleat KidzHickory, NC
Lead Registered Behavior Technician
03.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Observed, monitored and recorded problem behaviors through accurate behavior-consequence data collection, graphs, and anecdotal notes.
- Worked as part of collaborative team to address changing needs of children and families.
- Promoted positive interactions with children with ADHD, Autism and oppositional defiance behavior by using visual supports, simplifying communication, and utilizing stress scales to turn emotions into concrete concepts.
- Conducted functional behavior assessments, functional analysis, preference assessments, and assessments of basic learning and language skills to identify target behaviors and purpose of behaviors.
- Collaborated with other professionals to develop and modify individualized treatment plans.
- Trained clients to apply appropriate social skills and behavior modification techniques.
South Mountain Children And Family ServicesMorganton, NC
Director of Child Advocacy Center
10.2016 - 03.2022
Job overview
- Evaluated staff and offered guidance to enhance knowledge, skills, and professional development to optimize learning environment.
- Managed program paperwork and child records to comply with state requirements.
- Attended approved training and continuing education courses to maintain certifications.
- Operated under licensing guidelines to protect health, safety and well-being of children.
- Developed relationships with community organizations to provide additional resources and services to families.
- Communicated with local and state government agencies to maintain compliance with all regulations.
- Resolved conflicts and administered corrective action to foster positive experience for children and staff.
- Engaged with parents and families to build positive relationships for children to thrive.
- Furnished facility with supplies, equipment, food and materials to foster social and cognitive development.
- Attended professional meetings and conferences to maintain and improve professional competence.
- Conducted child forensic interviews using the researched based RADAR and RADAR Jr.
Burke County Department Of Social ServicesMorganton, NC
Forensic Social Worker
02.2013 - 10.2017
Job overview
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Formulated treatment plan strategies with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive and continuous care plan.
- Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients' homes.
- Signposted resources for improved client and family access to mental health services.
- Helped clients with recognizing and managing mental health concerns through evidence-based interventions.
- Assisted clients with navigating and accessing social services such as housing and medical care.
- De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
- Monitored clients' progress and adapted treatment plans to meet changing needs.
- Compiled and maintained records of evidence and results of laboratory tests.
- Trained new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
- Conducted home visits to assess living environment and facilitate access to necessary resources.
- Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
- Advocated for clients to assure respected rights and wishes.
- Coordinated external healthcare professionals to uphold high-quality, person-centered care.
Caldwell County Sheriff's OfficeLenoir, NC
Police Lieutenant/Police Detective
05.2005 - 11.2012
Job overview
- Supervised crowds at busy events to prevent injuries and property destruction.
- Led shift briefings to inform officers of properties to check and individuals of note in local areas.
- Engaged with local individuals and community leaders to discuss crime reduction strategies.
- Established and enforced employee performance policies.
- Educated staff members on proper field procedures to boost public trust in officers and efficiency.
- Conducted witness interviews and gathered details regarding incidents to determine best course of action.
- Led law enforcement and diplomatic security training on weapons, deadly force and classified materials handling.
- Maintained accountability and streamlined oversight of more than $1.5 million in equipment and supplies.
- Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
- Frequently patrolled routes and talked with business owners and residents.
- Delivered staff training on combat readiness strategies while working to enhance morale and support overall welfare.
- Audited inventory of safety equipment and weapons for mission security compliance.
- Investigated and reported crimes, accidents, offenses, and damage to property.
- Patrolled assigned areas to check homes, businesses, and public roads for signs of disturbance.
- Monitored development of new technologies and tactics to improve police department activities.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with community members.
- Motivated and trained squad members to become proficient with equipment and daily tasks.
- Delivered expert courtroom testimony to support over 1,000 criminal cases.
- Developed and implemented methods of reducing crime in community, analyzing crime trends and developing corresponding strategies.
Caldwell County Department Of Social ServicesLenoir, NC
Child Protection Social Worker
05.2004 - 05.2005
Job overview
- Investigated alleged abuse, neglect and abandonment of children to determine abusive or unsafe conditions.
- Wrote descriptive and accurate impending and present danger assessments and family functioning assessments.
- Collaborated with schools, law enforcement and other community resources to gather information.
- Attended hearings and depositions in family court.
- Collected information through observation and interviews with children, parents, relatives and neighbors.
- Investigated home conditions to protect children from harmful environmental areas.
- Reviewed existing case records for available information to formulate plans of treatment and develop short- and long-term goals.
- Facilitated supportive services and counseling for family members to address special concerns.
- Responded to claims of abuse, neglect or safety concerns.
- Visited homes, inspected surroundings and interviewed family members.
- Developed plans to strengthen family units.
- Maintained case records and legal documentation.
- Completed comprehensive assessments of families to identify needs and develop treatment plans.
Burke County Sheriff's OfficeMorganton, NC
Criminal Investigations Detective
05.1999 - 05.2004
Job overview
- Marked off crime scenes and controlled access to protect evidence from tampering or loss.
- Identified witnesses and collected statements to gather information and pursue remedies for violations of legal standards.
- Delivered calm, professional testimony to support case evidence, establish timelines, and offer law enforcement expertise.
- Gathered facts from interviews of suspects, witnesses, and complainants.
- Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
- Organized and executed undercover surveillance operations.
- Specialized in the field of child abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect
- Specialized in sexual assaults and rape
- Conducted child forensic interviews
Morganton Department Of Public SafetyMorganton, NC
Public Safety Officer Police/Firefighter
05.1996 - 05.1999
Job overview
- Secured crime scenes, gathered evidence, and questioned witnesses.
- Talked regularly with citizens to establish rapport and become familiar presence in area.
- Supervised crowds at busy events to prevent injuries and property destruction.
- Notified emergency personnel of incidents requiring medical assistance and aid.
- Applied principles of law enforcement and fire protection.
- Responded to emergency calls to provide assistance to citizens in need.
- Monitored traffic violations, issuing citations as necessary.
- Checked vehicle equipment for proper functioning prior to use.
- Built excellent rapport and working relationship with community to build trust and improve upon communication.
- Assisted in special investigations and crime prevention programs.
- Identified, pursued and arrested suspects and perpetrators of criminal acts.
- Trained other officers in firearms and self-defense tactics.
Education
Arizona State UniversityTempe, AZ
Master's Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Behavior Analysis
10.2023 - Current
Liberty UniversityLynchburg, VA
Master of Arts from Human Service Counseling, Response Crisis Trauma
08.2015 - 05.2017
Lees-McRae CollegeBanner Elk, NC
Bachelor of Science from Criminal Justice
08.1997 - 06.1999
Western Piedmont Community CollegeMorganton, NC
Associate of Applied Science from Criminal Justice And Protective Services
08.1994 - 06.1996
Skills
Behavior treatment plans
Intervention management
Social skill development
Documentation skills
Positive behavior modeling
Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP)
Familiar with behavioral disorders
Behavioral intervention specialist
Certification
RBT - Registered Behavior Technician
Timeline
Arizona State University
Master's Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis from Behavior Analysis
10.2023 - Current
Behavior Specialist/RBT Iredell Statesville Crisis
Aequor Healthcare Services Contracted
2023.08 - Current (2 education.years_Label & 11 education.months_Label)
Lead Registered Behavior Technician
Compleat Kidz
03.2022 - Current
Director of Child Advocacy Center
South Mountain Children And Family Services
10.2016 - 03.2022
Liberty University
Master of Arts from Human Service Counseling, Response Crisis Trauma
08.2015 - 05.2017
Forensic Social Worker
Burke County Department Of Social Services
02.2013 - 10.2017
Police Lieutenant/Police Detective
Caldwell County Sheriff's Office
05.2005 - 11.2012
Child Protection Social Worker
Caldwell County Department Of Social Services
05.2004 - 05.2005
Criminal Investigations Detective
Burke County Sheriff's Office
05.1999 - 05.2004
Lees-McRae College
Bachelor of Science from Criminal Justice
08.1997 - 06.1999
Public Safety Officer Police/Firefighter
Morganton Department Of Public Safety
05.1996 - 05.1999
Western Piedmont Community College
Associate of Applied Science from Criminal Justice And Protective Services
08.1994 - 06.1996