Arikka Kalwara
Voluntown,CT
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate school psychologist with over 20 years of experience in providing comprehensive psychological support and interventions within educational settings. Skilled in conducting assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and implementing evidence-based interventions to support students' academic, social, and emotional well-being. Strong communication, counseling, and crisis intervention skills combined with training in nationally recognized crisis intervention programs. Adept at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, educators, and families to address diverse learning needs and promote a positive school climate conducive to student success. Utilize data driven tools to assess social and emotional needs of students in order to provide targeted and tiered interventions. Committed to fostering inclusive, supportive environments that empower all students to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Psychologist
Norwich Free Academy
02.2003 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive psychoeducational assessments to identify students’ academic, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral strengths and challenges.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with diverse learning needs.
- Provide counseling and crisis intervention services to students experiencing emotional or behavioral difficulties, utilizing evidence-based strategies.
- Design and deliver social-emotional learning (SEL) programs and interventions to enhance students’ interpersonal skills, emotional regulation, and resilience (e.g. RULER).
- Consult with teachers, administrators, and parents to address academic and behavioral concerns, and develop effective strategies for classroom management and behavior support.
- Collaborate with community agencies and mental health professionals to coordinate services and resources for students with complex needs.
- Participate in school-wide initiatives to promote positive behavior interventions and supports and create a culture of inclusivity, respect, and belonging (e.g. DESSA, MTSS).
- Manage monthly school support team meetings (school psychologists and social workers) to discuss, plan, and implement agenda items, ideas, and issues pertaining to the social and emotional well being of the general student body.
Research Assistant
Yale Center For The Study Of Learning & Attention
04.1996 - 08.2000
- Administered various assessments designed to evaluate Dyslexia and Attention Deficit-Hyperactive Disorder.
- Assisted in preparing subjects for functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging for brain activation analysis.
- Participated in collecting and organizing brain based cognitive and learning data for future publication.
- Worked collaboratively with colleagues to improve evaluative procedures for sound statistical analysis.
Education
Master of Science - School Psychology
Northeastern University
Boston, MA06.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology (Specialization in Mental Health)
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT05.1995
Skills
- Proficient in conducting psychoeducational assessments (eg, cognitive, academic, social-emotional) using standardized assessment tools
- Strong understanding of special education laws and regulations (eg, IDEA, Section 504) and their implications for assessment, eligibility, and service delivery
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with ability to work effectively with students, parents, educators, and community stakeholders
- Trained in evidence-based interventions and strategies for addressing academic, behavioral, and mental health concerns in school settings using DESSA to implement tiered interventions
- Trained in crisis intervention through a variety of nationally recognized, and standardized programs (eg CSTAG, PREPaRE, SUICIDE Assessment; Dr Poland)
- Extensive experience with counseling, and supporting students with diverse backgrounds and needs using various therapeutic techniques
Accomplishments
Norwich Free Academy, Teacher of the Year 2018-2019
Affiliations
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
Connecticut Association of School Psychologists (CASP)
Certification
Licensed Professional Counselor, January, 2020 - Present
Camera Counseling, Waterford CT
Additional Information
Voluntown Board of Education Member November 2020- Present
Timeline
School Psychologist
Norwich Free Academy
02.2003 - Current
Research Assistant
Yale Center For The Study Of Learning & Attention
04.1996 - 08.2000
Master of Science - School Psychology
Northeastern University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology (Specialization in Mental Health)
Southern Connecticut State University
Licensed Professional Counselor, January, 2020 - Present
Camera Counseling, Waterford CT
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