Cayla Wheaton

Mental Health Behavior Specialist with extensive experience in educational settings, adept at leading group therapy sessions and developing impactful mental health initiatives. Demonstrated success in implementing crisis intervention strategies and enhancing community engagement to improve student well-being. Proficient in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), dedicated to fostering supportive therapeutic environments.

• Licensed Special Education Teacher
• Licensed Principal
• License Master Social Worker
• Licensed Elementary Teacher
• Restorative Trainer of Trainers
• Social Emotional Learning Coach
• Pending License Clinical Social Worker - LCSW

• Worked with over 100 special education students in the foster care system, grade first through twelfth
• Provided mental health interventions across nine middle schools
• University of Houston Dean's List
• Collaborated with Texas Southern University to enhance mental health for incoming college students.
• Career Advisor for Lonestar College
• Collaborated with Universities to implement Mental health into syllabus for all students.
• Licensed Master Social Worker
• National Honor Society – Podcast Originator – Student Mentor – Social Work Field Placement Supervisor
• Lead Group Therapist for Charlie Health in the areas of preventing suicide and DBT.

Reducing Attrition and Increasing Retention of Special Education Teachers, The special education teachers’ retention is a crucial concern as shortages are noted in states across the nation. This mixed-method study determines the causes of the increasing attrition rates in special education by special education teachers and possible intervention practices, deriving perspectives from special education teachers and campus administrators., This study examined the association between retention and attrition in the special education sector today. The research examined the high special education teachers’ attrition and sought to establish the extent specific factors can enhance their retention rates. The research examined special education teachers' working conditions to maintain their current positions and the practical measures to improve the Working conditions of special education teachers and increase the level of support from campus administrators, ultimately leading to reduced attrition in the special education sector., Data was collected from campus administrators in Spring district and special education teachers teaching in schools within. The research utilized surveys in collecting data. A convenience sample of special education teachers and campus administrators at the target school district was surveyed to determine the next steps in moving forward to support teachers, reduce future attrition rates, and improve retention levels. The survey respondents answered on a Likert scale. Descriptive statistics by item were used to demonstrate outcomes for both teachers and administrators. Comparisons were made by teachers' roles. The survey was completed by 50 participants., This study compared and contrasted the causes of and intervention practices to reduce attrition and increase retention rates as noted by special education teachers and campus administrators. From the results gathered from the two sub-groups. It was established that special education teachers and campus administrators share perspectives of the causes of high attrition rates among special education teachers and intervention practices to reduce attrition., It was concluded that high caseload, paperwork, poor level of support, and stress were primary to increasing attrition rates by special education teachers. Thematic analysis from the in-depth survey revealed the following themes for improvement: Training, Preparation Plans, Incentives, Mentorship, and administrative support. In addition, addressing the special education teachers’ needs motivated them to continue teaching. It was noted that stress management (mental health) programs, increased incentives, increased support, and redesigning of teacher preparation programs would increase retention. Recommendations to reduce attrition rates are provided alongside implications for future research., Special education teachers, campus administrators, attrition, retention

• 08/2020, Current, Mental Health Behavior Specialist, Spring ISD, Spring, TX, Work with schools to identify potentially disruptive/harmful students through the SISD referral process, Provide the following services on campuses: Individual mental and behavioral interventions, Small group/circle behavior, Work collaboratively with the Director of Mental Health in the orchestration and delivery of youth mental health trainings for the district: community, parents, staff, Coordinate and collaborate with the Director of Mental Health to provide wrap-around services for youth in crisis and for programming from agencies in schools, Develops and implements instructional plans to assist students in learning and mainstreaming coping skills, Provided clients with recommendations to community resources., Created and administered restorative groups and psycho-education programs to provide life skills, family support and community integration services to patients., Supporting campus counselor in assessing student with mental health challenges., Working with Spring ISD police department to ensure students receive higher level care., Understanding of Mental health and Laws that govern the role
• 10/2022, Current, Group Therapist, Charlie Health
• 09/2020, 03/2023, Community Living Specialist, Youth Advocate Program, Houston, TX, Provide direct clinical care through group sessions, Ensure your clinical services are delivered in accordance with Charlie Health curriculum and recognized best practices, Participate in collaborative group supervision and treatment team meetings with direct supervisor and peers, Work collaboratively across the care team including with Primary Therapists, Care Experience Specialists and Care Coaches, Support the Charlie Health clinical team by taking on creative arts group coverage when needed if available, Communicate clearly and professionally with clients, staff, families, agencies, and referents, Monitor your treatment documentation to ensure all of your notes are included and meets agency and professional standards per DHCS and The Joint Commission standards, Educate on life skills, coping skills, stress management, and identifying triggers., Maintain and model professional ethics, including appropriate boundaries and confidentiality, Educate clients on mental health, symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other DSM - 5 diagnoses, Improved clients' coping with routine life activities and transitioning, such as food budgeting and rental payments., Taught life skills and coping skills., Worked with clients and parents (families) to improve life choices and maximize benefits of programs., Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement., Exceeded goals through effective task prioritization and great work ethic., Prepared variety of different written communications, reports and documents.
• 02/2016, 08/2020, Special Education Teacher / 21st Century Teacher, Westfield High School, Spring ISD, Spring, TX, Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiversity students., Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies., Develops and implements instructional plans to assist students in learning (Individual Education Plans (IEP)), Implements individual behavior management plans, Maintains up-to-date record keeping on student progress, Contacts parents on student progress and coached parents on supporting their child’s education, Maintains classroom areas and equipment to facilitate and/or enhance learning, Assists with the implementation of programs developed by related services personnel, Provides support to students in regular or resource classrooms, Develops schedule for community based instructional aide, Maintain flexible working relationship and provide support to the community based instructional aide, Takes part in an initial series of Life Skills training sessions and subsequent training as directed by special education supervisor, Performs other appropriate duties as assigned by the building administrator., Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students base on differentiated learning needs, Worked with an average of 15 students per class., Promoted language development skills through reading and storytelling
• 10/2014, 02/2016, Patient Service Coordinator, MD Anderson Medical Center, Houston, TX, Demonstrated accuracy and competency in the interpretation and coordination of physician orders to schedule diagnostic tests, procedures, inputted lab request, treatments, and physician appointments., Clearly and accurately communicated appointment information to the patients in a timely manner in person, by telephone, by computer, or in writing., Expresses ideas clearly and concisely in groups and one-to-one conversations. Creates an environment with open channels of communication., Used effective customer service skills to meet the needs of the patient, family and staff. Listened to feedback and input, acknowledging differing perspectives., Financial Activities: Entered technical charges as needed. May collect and reconcile cash payments., Cross training in all pertinent clinic areas as listed but not limited to: Front desk coverage, new patient routing, and fast track review. Consistently complies with logging into phone system per clinic standards.
• 02/2012, 04/2014, Registrar, Conroe Regional Medical Center, TX, Organize, maintain and manage class systems in proper working condition., Interview patients obtaining all administrative data up to 8 patients/hour, Ensure and process patients' charts, Calculate and collect payments,, Understanding of medical terminology, medical office operations, and insurance, billing, co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurance including HMO, PPO, Medicare, Medicaid, and Chips Medicaid, Assisting doctors with patient privacy rights
• 01/2010, 01/2012, Case Manager, Good Hearts Youth Family Service, Houston, TX, Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs., Planned, promoted and managed parent workshops on assisting children in attaining academic success., Interviewed individuals and families to assess needs and provide informational resources for adoption., Collaborated with external agencies to meet educational and transitional needs of youth., Managed support services and fostered communication among social workers, therapists, hospital staff and patients.