Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
LANGUAGES
Timeline
Generic

Dawn Bernardo

Pitman,NJ

Summary

Dedicated Behavioral Health Technician and Social Skills Group Instructor with 18 years of experience supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and diverse behavioral health needs. Expertise in promoting social, emotional, and behavioral development through evidence-based interventions and individualized, client-centered care. Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, enhancing knowledge of human behavior and applied behavioral practices. Passionate advocate for individuals with ASD, committed to lifelong learning, collaboration, and making a meaningful impact in the behavioral and mental health field.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience

Work History

Social Skills Group Instructor

Burton Analytics
Oaklyn, NJ
10.2025 - Current
  • Facilitation of Social Skills: Teaching and guiding social interactions among peers
  • Team Collaboration: Working with other professionals (therapists, educators) to develop and implement group activities.
  • Behavior Management: Implementing group behavior management strategies to promote positive interactions.
  • Communication: Using clear, concise language and visual aids to enhance understanding.
  • Conflict Resolution: Mediating conflicts and guiding children towards positive solutions
  • Peer Modeling: Encouraging appropriate peer interactions and behaviors through modeling
  • Inclusive Activities: Designing activities that promote participation from all children, regardless of their abilities
  • Observation and Feedback: Monitoring group dynamics and providing constructive feedback to individuals and the group.

Substitute Paraprofessional

Gloucester County Special Services School District
Sewell, NJ
10.2025 - Current
  • Assisted teachers in implementing lesson plans and adapting materials for diverse learning needs.
  • Supported students with disabilities in daily activities, fostering independence and confidence.
  • Collaborated with classroom staff to maintain a positive and inclusive learning environment.
  • Monitored student progress and behavior, providing feedback to educators on individual needs.
  • Implemented individualized support strategies based on specific student requirements and goals.
  • Participated in training sessions to improve skills in special education practices and techniques.
  • Provided support during classes, group lessons, and classroom activities.
  • Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
  • Provided one-on-one assistance to students who needed additional support, enabling them to achieve academic goals.
  • Promoted a safe learning environment by closely monitoring student behavior and intervening when necessary to maintain orderliness in the classroom.
  • Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
  • Established rapport with students through consistent support and guidance, fostering positive relationships that promoted academic growth.
  • Encouraged positive peer interactions among students by facilitating group activities that fostered teamwork and collaboration.

Behavioral Technician

South Jersey Behavioral
Oaklyn, NJ
11.2024 - Current
  • Individualized Support: Tailoring interventions based on each child's unique needs and preferences.
  • Building Rapport: Establishing a trusting relationship to encourage engagement and openness.
  • Behavior Intervention Plans: Implementing specific strategies outlined in individualized plans.
  • Data Collection and Analysis: Tracking progress, behaviors, and responses to interventions
  • Effective Communication: Using appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication tailored to the child's understanding.
  • Emotional Regulation Support: Teaching coping strategies to manage emotions and behaviors.
  • Task Structuring: Breaking down tasks into manageable steps to facilitate learning.
  • Reinforcement Techniques: Applying positive reinforcement strategies to encourage desired behaviors.

Cardiac Telemetry Technician

Inspira Medical Center
Mullica Hill, NJ
01.2018 - 01.2026
  • Monitored patients’ vital signs and telemetry data for abnormalities.
  • Interpreted cardiac rhythms and notified medical staff of any concerning changes.
  • Implemented appropriate protocols in response to critical events.

CERTIFIED HOME HEALTH AIDE

Bayada
Gloucester and Camden County
  • Provided personal care assistance to elderly clients in their homes.
  • Assisted clients with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and grooming.
  • Monitored clients’ vital signs and reported any changes to the supervising nurse.
  • Assisted in the development and execution of care plans.

EMERGENCY ROOM TECHNICIAN

Kennedy Memorial Hospital
Stratford and Washington Township, NJ
02.2008
  • Worked as a Medical Assistant in a busy emergency department.
  • Performed triage assessments on patients to determine urgency of treatment.
  • Assisted medical staff with procedures such as intubation and chest tube insertion.
  • Provided one-on-one care to patients with various mental health needs and those in crisis.

Education

Associate of Science - Psychology

Rutgers University At Camden County College
Blackwood, NJ
12-2026

REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST - undefined

Independence University
01.2026

CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT - undefined

Anthem Insitute
Cherry Hill, NJ
01.2018

Skills

  • Effective Communication
  • Empathy & Patience
  • Behavioral Intervention Techniques
  • Data Collection & Analysis
  • Crisis Management
  • Problem-Solving Abilities
  • Collaboration & Teamwork
  • Emotional Regulation Support
  • Organizational Skills
  • Flexibility & Adaptability
  • Motivational Techniques
  • Mindfullness

LANGUAGES

English | Native
Spanish | Elementary. Currently taking Spanish as a requirement for my degree

Timeline

Social Skills Group Instructor

Burton Analytics
10.2025 - Current

Substitute Paraprofessional

Gloucester County Special Services School District
10.2025 - Current

Behavioral Technician

South Jersey Behavioral
11.2024 - Current

Cardiac Telemetry Technician

Inspira Medical Center
01.2018 - 01.2026

EMERGENCY ROOM TECHNICIAN

Kennedy Memorial Hospital
02.2008

CERTIFIED HOME HEALTH AIDE

Bayada

REGISTERED RESPIRATORY THERAPIST - undefined

Independence University

CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT - undefined

Anthem Insitute

Associate of Science - Psychology

Rutgers University At Camden County College