Clara Spears
Cincinnati,OH
Summary
With a strong background in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, I am passionate about advancing the field of occupational therapy through creativity, compassion, and evidence-based practice. My goal is to empower each client to build skills, maximize independence, and engage fully in a life that is personally meaningful.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Special Education Teacher
UC IDD Education Center
11.2022 - Current
- Teach a group of transition-age students with significant support needs
- Develop, adapt, and teach a Self-Regulation and Life Skills curriculum
- Facilitate instruction using the Self-Determined Model of Learning & provide comprehensive support in developing independent living skills, while proficiently implementing IEPs, BIPs, and utilizing AAC for effective communication
- Provide training on best practices to a team of fifteen direct support workers
Graduate Research Assistant
UC OTD Program
08.2025 - Current
- Support research on occupational therapy interventions for individuals with cerebral palsy under the supervision of Dr. Valerie Miller.
- Assist with participant recruitment, data collection, and data management in alignment with study protocols.
- Conduct literature searches and evidence summaries to inform project design and analysis.
- Collaborate with research team members to prepare study materials, reports, and presentations.
Direct Support Professional
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
03.2025 - Current
- Provide 1:1 support to a young adult with developmental disabilities, fostering independence in daily living, social participation, and community engagement.
- Implement adaptive strategies, environmental modifications, and skill-building activities aligned with the Individual Support Plan (ISP).
- Support self-care routines and community engagement while promoting safety, dignity, and autonomy.
- Use proactive behavior support and sensory regulation techniques to enhance emotional well-being and functional participation.
- Collaborate with family members and interdisciplinary team to track progress, adjust goals, and ensure holistic support.
Undergraduate Student Researcher
UC Special Education Department
11.2023 - 05.2025
- Developed and implemented a pilot research study on the use of sensory-based interventions to promote self-regulation and on-task learning behavior in students with A.S.D.
- Presented original research study at the 2024 OCALI Conference.
Vocational Skills Course Director
UC's IDD Education Center
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Created and facilitated a 12-week summer Vocational Skills Program for adults with Autism, ages 25-55
- Implemented the use of adaptive equipment and environmental supports in the work setting
- Gained valuable experience assessing the needs of each student in the work setting and completing a full Activity Analysis for each job
- Collaborated with SLPs, teachers, direct support staff, and families to holistically support students
Educational Aide
Stepping Stones
08.2023 - 01.2024
- Delivered personalized special education instruction as a 1:1 aide in a classroom for students with A.S.D. and significant behavioral challenges, emphasizing self-regulation skills and academic growth
- Fostered autonomy in daily living skills by incorporating task analysis & adaptive techniques while providing assistance with ADLs
- Successfully de-escalated aggressive behaviors utilizing Crisis Prevention Institute strategies
- Planned and led weekly group music classes adapted to student’s individual abilities and goals
Education
Doctorate - Occupational Therapy
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, Ohio05-2028
Bachelor of Music - Clarinet Performance
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH05-2025
Minor in Developmental Disabilities -
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH05-2025
Minor in Special Education -
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH05-2025
Skills
- Interprofessional Collaboration
- Behavior De-Escalation
- Special Education Intervention & Assessment
- Positive Behavior Support
- Research design, methods, and ethics
- Analyzing and synthesizing data
Presentations & Publications
- Presenter at OCALICON 2024 Conference
"Sensory Success: Enhancing Regulation to Empower Autistic Students to Thrive" with Clara Spears, Dr. Todd Haydon, and Catherine Dart
Certification
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention - Crisis Prevention Institute
- Human Subject Research Ethics - CITI
- Pediatric and Adult First Aid/CPR/AED - Red Cross
- Direct Support Professional - Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
UC OTD Program
08.2025 - Current
Direct Support Professional
Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities
03.2025 - Current
Vocational Skills Course Director
UC's IDD Education Center
05.2024 - 08.2024
Undergraduate Student Researcher
UC Special Education Department
11.2023 - 05.2025
Educational Aide
Stepping Stones
08.2023 - 01.2024
Lead Special Education Teacher
UC IDD Education Center
11.2022 - Current
Doctorate - Occupational Therapy
University of Cincinnati
Bachelor of Music - Clarinet Performance
University of Cincinnati
Minor in Developmental Disabilities -
University of Cincinnati
Minor in Special Education -
University of Cincinnati
Similar Profiles
Kristen Stevens-MunozKristen Stevens-Munoz
Teacher 1 at UC Riverside Early Childhood Education CenterTeacher 1 at UC Riverside Early Childhood Education Center
Damina JohnsonDamina Johnson
Clinical Scheduler at The Harris Center For Mental Health And IDDClinical Scheduler at The Harris Center For Mental Health And IDD
Venetric JacksonVenetric Jackson
Master Level Care Coordinator at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDDMaster Level Care Coordinator at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
Jaylin WilliamsJaylin Williams
Automotive Sales Professional at Jeff Wyler Fairfield AutomallAutomotive Sales Professional at Jeff Wyler Fairfield Automall
Yanna HarrisYanna Harris
Store Team Lead at Goodwill IndustriesStore Team Lead at Goodwill Industries