Ashley Thomas
Norman,OK
Summary
Passionate autism advocate and public speaker devoted to supporting autistic individuals and families, as well as increasing community awareness of neurodiversity. Skilled and knowledgeable public speaker dedicated to sharing lived experiences being on the spectrum and providing support and feedback to therapists, families, and community members regarding a deepened understanding of autistic people.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Independent Autism Advocate and Public Speaker
Self-employeed
09.2018 - Current
- Worked effectively with parents, teachers, and therapists to coordinate effective solutions to any question or concern.
- Delivered friendly service and offered expert support in every interaction.
- Maintained positive relationships with parents of autistic children.
- Provided educational lectures on the lived experience of autistic individuals to parents, caretakers, and therapists.
- Answered inquiries regarding the behaviors and needs of autistic individuals.
Subject Teacher
Rose Rock School
11.2016 - Current
- Collaborated with parents, administrators and counselors to develop improvement plans for struggling students.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Planned lessons, activities and trips to cover all required course material.
- Assessed student learning progress and comprehension.
- Fostered team collaboration between students through group projects.
- Sat in on classes of fellow teaching professionals to learn innovative methods for dispensing information to students.
- Boosted individual perseverance and resilience by setting challenging goals and providing realistic support.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to achieve student participation and hands-on learning.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
- Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from world cultures.
Zoological Outreach Educator
Little River Zoo
04.2006 - 09.2010
- Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff.
- Advocated for social and community service programs to increase awareness and funding.
- Conducted outreach activities to engage local stakeholders in programs.
- Monitored program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services.
- Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
- Provided age appropriate animal and environmental lectures to schools and colleges.
- Participated in community events in order to educate participants on environmental preservation and animal welfare.
- Planned educational summer camps for school aged children.
Education
No Degree -
Oklahoma City Community College
Oklahoma City, OKNo Degree -
OSU-OKC
Oklahoma City, OKSkills
- Educational Programs
- Building Trust and Relationships
- Reading Comprehension
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Community Outreach Programs
- Memorize Lines
- Youth Advocacy
- Coping Techniques
- Mentorship
- Behavior Support
- Behavioral Disorders
Certification
- Athena learning systems- level 1, Movement Method, Athena horse therapy - currently in training
Timeline
Independent Autism Advocate and Public Speaker
Self-employeed
09.2018 - Current
Subject Teacher
Rose Rock School
11.2016 - Current
Zoological Outreach Educator
Little River Zoo
04.2006 - 09.2010
No Degree -
Oklahoma City Community College
No Degree -
OSU-OKC