Billie Thorpe
West Yellowstone,Montana
Summary
A Special Education Paraprofessional supports students with disabilities by assisting teachers in implementing individualized education programs (IEPs), providing academic and behavioral support, and helping create a safe, inclusive learning environment.
Overview
1
1
Certification
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
Durango 9R School District
Durango, CO
01.2019 - 06.2025
- Following detailed procedures, policies, and confidentiality requirements.
- Maintaining situational awareness and paying close attention to details.
- Communicating clearly with students, parents, teachers, and staff while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
- Documenting incidents accurately and completing reports.
- Working as part of a team while remaining dependable and punctual.
- Used strong observation skills to monitor student behavior and identify potential safety concerns.
- Applied de-escalation techniques to manage challenging situations in a calm and respectful manner.
- Ensured the safety and well-being of students by following established protocols and responding appropriately to emergencies.
- Working calmly with people from diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities.
Resource Paraeducator
Bafield School District
Bayfield, CO
08.2013 - 06.2018
- Supported individualized education plans, adapting instructional strategies to meet diverse student needs.
- Implemented behavior management techniques, fostering positive classroom environments and enhancing student engagement.
- Assisted teachers in lesson preparation, ensuring materials aligned with curriculum standards and learning objectives.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop plans for students with special needs, promoting inclusive education practices.
- Monitored student progress, providing feedback to educators on performance and areas needing improvement.
- Led small group sessions, reinforcing core subjects to improve academic outcomes for struggling students.
- Assisted students in achieving academic goals by providing one-on-one tutoring and small group instruction in various subjects.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Assisted teachers in managing classrooms effectively by maintaining clear expectations, enforcing rules consistently, and reinforcing positive behavior choices.
Detention Officer
Gunnison County Sheriffs Department
Gunnison, CO
06.2003 - 05.2004
- Implemented conflict resolution strategies to de-escalate potentially volatile situations among inmates.
- Conducted regular inspections of inmate areas, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to coordinate inmate transport and legal proceedings.
- Responded swiftly to emergency situations with appropriate use of force when necessary to protect both inmates'' well-being and facility security.
- Processed inmates by taking photographs and fingerprints.
- Improved facility safety by performing thorough inspections of cells, common areas, and property for contraband or damage.
- Took custody of prisoners from arresting officers to begin processing of new detainees by conducting intake procedures such as fingerprinting, photographing, and inventorying personal belongings.
- Conducted physical searches of prisoners and premises in search of weapons and contraband.
- Transported prisoners throughout facility and off-site to medical appointments and court appearances.
- Maintained a safe environment for inmates and staff through effective communication and adherence to established protocols.
- Wrote daily reports and maintained logs of inmate activities and behaviors.
- Created and maintained positive relationships with inmates to build rapport and trust.
- Enhanced inmate security by conducting regular cell checks and monitoring daily activities.
- Promoted a culture of respect within the detention center by modeling professionalism at all times and treating inmates with dignity.
- Ensured accurate record-keeping of all detainee information through meticulous documentation of incidents, infractions, or medical needs.
Munitions System Specialst
United Statesd Air Force
San Antonio, TX
06.1993 - 08.2002
- Supervised a crew of four.
- Managed system configurations to ensure operational readiness and compliance with military standards.
- Implemented software updates, enhancing system performance and security protocols across multiple platforms.
- Provided technical support for end-users, resolving issues efficiently to minimize downtime and maintain productivity.
- Managed secure storage, inventory, and accountability of sensitive munitions and hazardous materials.
- Performed inspections to ensure compliance with Air Force and Department of Defense safety and security regulations.
- Maintained accurate documentation and inventory records with exceptional attention to detail.
- Followed strict procedures for handling, transporting, and safeguarding controlled assets.
- Worked effectively in high-security environments requiring trustworthiness and confidentiality.
- Collaborated with team members to support mission readiness while maintaining safety standards.
- Responded quickly and effectively to changing operational requirements while maintaining compliance with established procedures.
- Providing professional customer service and communication.
- Protecting sensitive or controlled items.
Education
No Degree - Criminal Justice
Clovis Community College
Clovis, NMHigh School Diploma -
Gunnison High School
Gunnison, CO1993
Skills
- Assist the special education teacher with classroom instruction and daily activities
- Provide one-on-one or small-group academic support to students
- Help implement students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) under teacher supervision
- Support students with behavior management using positive reinforcement and intervention strategies
- Assist students with personal care needs, such as toileting, feeding, dressing, or mobility, when required
- Supervise students during lunch, recess, field trips, and transitions between classes
- Prepare instructional materials and classroom resources
- Collect and document student performance and behavior data
- Encourage students' independence, social skills, and self-confidence
- Maintain confidentiality regarding student records and information
- Communicate effectively with teachers, therapists, administrators, and families as directed
- Follow all district policies, safety procedures, and special education regulations
Certification
- CPI (Nonviolent Crisis Intervention) training teaches educators, how to safely de-escalate disruptive behaviors, minimize workplace violence, and ensure the safety of both staff and individuals. (2019-2025)
- CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is an emergency life-saving procedure performed when a person's heartbeat or breathing has stopped.
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
Durango 9R School District
01.2019 - 06.2025
Resource Paraeducator
Bafield School District
08.2013 - 06.2018
Detention Officer
Gunnison County Sheriffs Department
06.2003 - 05.2004
Munitions System Specialst
United Statesd Air Force
06.1993 - 08.2002
High School Diploma -
Gunnison High School
No Degree - Criminal Justice
Clovis Community College