Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Timeline
Languages
Languages
Receptionist
Brenda Lee Quinones

Brenda Lee Quinones

Orlando,FL

Summary

Dedicated and experienced ESE Director committed to excellence in meeting the diverse needs of students with exceptionalities. Skilled in program development, implementation, and compliance with local and Federal laws. Strong communicator with a focus on collaboration with stakeholders to ensure student success. Adept at maintaining high professional and ethical standards while fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

ESE Director

Highlands Christian Academy
Pompano Beach, FL
08.2023 - Current
  • Develop Comprehensive ESE Program Proposal. Create a detailed proposal for the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program, outlining customized services and transparent pricing.
  • Manage Caseload of Students with Exceptionalities. Oversee the implementation of Intervention Plans, PSSPs, EIPs, or 504 plans for students with exceptionalities in inclusive, self-contained, and pull-out settings.
  • Effective Communication with Stakeholders. Communicate crucial information to parents, teachers, and administrators to ensure the educational needs of each ESE student are met.
  • Annual Review of Learning Service Plans. Develop and review Learning Service Plans annually, meeting with each student's parents/guardians quarterly to discuss progress and adjustments.
  • Collaborate with Teachers for Student Success. Consistently collaborate with students' teachers throughout the school year to inform them of students' needs and ensure appropriate delivery of ESE instruction and services.
  • Support Student Learning. Make recommendations for tutoring and specialists, and connect with external providers, pediatricians, and therapists when necessary to support students' needs.
  • Inform Parents and Guardians. Educate parents and guardians about the ESE process, including referrals, evaluations, and annual PSSPs/LSPs, to ensure their active involvement in their child's education.
  • Coordinate with Private School Services. Ensure timely completion of all necessary documents before cross-team meetings, coordinating closely with Private School Services.
  • Ensure Compliance and Stay Informed. Adhere to all local and Federal laws and regulations related to ESE, and stay updated on developing ESE issues, including changes in policy.

Middle School Teacher, 6th - 8th Grades

American Heritage Schools
Delray Beach, FL
06.2022 - 06.2023
  • Teacher for American Academy, a division dedicated to student with mild learning disabilities.
  • Modifying and developing curriculum, and teaching for the classes of Academic Skills, Spanish Wheel , and Math Foundation.
  • Adapted teaching methods and instructional strategies to promote learning in students of differing skill levels.
  • Planned in-class assignments and projects to reinforce lessons and enhance with the use of smart board technology and iPads.
  • Encouraged student critical thinking and discussion using variety of teaching techniques.
  • Graded and corrected assignments and tests to assess student performance.
  • Utilized behavior management skills to foster environment conducive to student learning.
  • Scheduled and held parent-teacher conferences to keep parents up-to-date on children's academic performance.
  • Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.

First Grade Spanish Immersion Teacher

Calvary Christian Academy
Fort Lauderdale, FL
08.2021 - 05.2022
  • Developed language acquisition curriculum based in speaking, reading, writing and auditory understanding of Spanish.
  • Planned and implemented lessons using various teaching strategies such as videos, test, projects, field trips, etc., to meet student needs
  • Identified early signs of emotional, developmental, and learning disabilities in students and followed up with faculty and parents in order to develop an Academic Service Plan.
  • Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals.
  • Lead students through safety procedures for active shooter and fire drills.
  • Tutored students requiring extra help and gave additional practice work to help improve concept understanding.
  • Continue professional development by observing fellow educators and attending professional development workshops.

VE Unique Aid

Calvary Christian Academy
Fort Lauderdale, FL
01.2020 - 07.2021
  • Modeled and taught basic and advanced social skills, conflict management techniques and study approaches to students.
  • Promoted student learning by providing individualized and small group support to reinforce classroom topics.
  • Observed student behaviors and utilized success intervention techniques to correct problems.
  • Helped students with limited mobility move around school areas and handle personal care tasks.

Spanish Immersion Teacher Assistant

Calvary Christian Academy
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
07.2019 - 12.2019
  • Supported lead Spanish immersion teacher by providing clerical support, grading assignment, test, and project.
  • Monitored and supervised students in class, hallways and cafeteria.
  • Kept students safe inside and outside classrooms by proactively monitoring behaviors and tracking student movements, safety hazards and visitors.

Registered Behavior Technician

Alcanzando, Inc
Coconut Creek, FL
04.2020 - 05.2021
  • Developed, planned, and implemented individualized plans for life and social skills according to the patients needs.
  • Collected data to identify and treat behaviors of concern for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.
  • Utilized theoretical approaches to treatment such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
  • Effective and open communication with the multidisciplinary team and parents.

Paraprofessional Educator

Dr. Toni Bilbao Preparatory Academy / Miami Dade County Public Schools
Doral, FL
02.2018 - 06.2019
  • Served as Paraprofessional II at a self-contain Autism Spectrum Disorder Classroom for VPK, Kinder, and First grade.
  • Taught students with learning disabilities and special needs, including ADHD, ADD and autism.
  • Assisted with children’s therapy focusing on cognitive, sensory, components of performance, as well as play, social participation, self-care and academics, and development screenings to measure students' motor, language, and emotional skills.
  • Collaborated with teacher to devise and implement developmentally appropriate lessons aligning with school's philosophy and mission.
  • Prepared lesson materials and visual aids to reinforce lesson concepts.

Education

Master of Science - Exceptional Students Education

Carlos Albizu University
Miami, FL
10.2020

BBA - Marketing

Sacred Heart University
San Juan, PR
07.2006

Skills

  • Leadership
  • Program Development
  • Compliance
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Organization
  • Empathy
  • Data Analysis
  • Professional Development

Additional Information

Volleyball Coach

Boomers Volleyball Academy, Pompano Beach, FL - December 2021 - Current

  • Head Coach for the 17 Black North Team.

American Heritage Schools, Delray Beach, FL - August 2022 - Current

  • Boys Varsity Assistant Coach (Spring Season)
  • Girls Varsity Head Coach (Fall Season)

Calvary Christian Academy, Ft. Lauderdale, FL - August 2019 - August 2021

Junior Varsity Head Coach

  • Season 2019-2020 Record 11-2
  • Season 2020-2021 Record 9-0

Varsity Assistant Coach

  • Season 2019-2020 Regional Semi-finals
  • Season 2020-2021 State Finals Runner-Up

Beach Volleyball Head Coach

Professional Volleyball Player 1992 - 2007

Puerto Rico National Team 1993 - 1997

Timeline

ESE Director

Highlands Christian Academy
08.2023 - Current

Middle School Teacher, 6th - 8th Grades

American Heritage Schools
06.2022 - 06.2023

First Grade Spanish Immersion Teacher

Calvary Christian Academy
08.2021 - 05.2022

Registered Behavior Technician

Alcanzando, Inc
04.2020 - 05.2021

VE Unique Aid

Calvary Christian Academy
01.2020 - 07.2021

Spanish Immersion Teacher Assistant

Calvary Christian Academy
07.2019 - 12.2019

Paraprofessional Educator

Dr. Toni Bilbao Preparatory Academy / Miami Dade County Public Schools
02.2018 - 06.2019

Master of Science - Exceptional Students Education

Carlos Albizu University

BBA - Marketing

Sacred Heart University

Languages

  • Spanish
  • English

Languages

  • Spanish
  • English
Brenda Lee Quinones