Dynamic educational leader with extensive experience at Chester Community Charter School, excelling in IEP development and program management. Proven track record in effective team leadership and regulatory compliance. Adept at fostering collaboration among staff and families while implementing innovative professional development initiatives. Empathetic and detail-oriented, committed to student success.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Special Programs and Student Supports
Chester Community Charter School
10.2023 - Current
Supervise all self-contained programs
Serve as LEA for all approved private school placements
Generate and issue PTE’s and PTR’s
Assign psychologists to evaluations/revaluations
Manage, plan and develop Extended School Year
Oversee and administer PASA
Liaison for nurses, counselors and social workers
Review Special Education documents
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to program operations.
Manage a team of staff members responsible for executing special programs.
Identify areas of improvement within existing programs and developed strategies for addressing them.
Manage program budgets and determine best curriculum for self-contained programs.
Provide leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
Maintain RISC database
Organize and conduct meetings to discuss the implementation of special education programs, policies, procedures, and services.
Lead team meetings focused on discussing strategies for working with students who have challenging behaviors.
Review annual Individual Education Plan documents for accuracy prior to submission for approval by administrators or governing boards.
Conduct classroom observations in order to provide feedback to teachers on their instructional strategies.
Investigate complaints from parents and guardians regarding violations of their child's rights under IDEA.
Facilitate communication between parents and guardians and school staff regarding progress reports, concerns about student learning or behavior issues.
Create and present professional development plans for special education teachers based on current best practices.
Assist with budget preparation for the Special Education Department.
Provide guidance to special education staff in order to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Monitor student progress and assisted students and teachers with resolving problems.
Autistic Support Teacher
Chester Community Charter School
Aston, PA
08.2023 - 10.2023
Provided individualized instruction for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Instructed students on homeroom caseload in all content areas.
Administered annual IEP testing, and facilitated IEP meetings.
Communicated with families and administration on a regular and needed basis.
Oversee other adults in the classroom
Facilitated small group instruction focusing on academic objectives as well as functional life skills.
Utilized a variety of instructional materials such as visuals, manipulatives, games.
Developed strategies to promote positive social interactions among students.
Collaborated with parents, administrators, and other professionals to ensure student success.
Monitored student progress and maintained detailed records of student performance.
Enhanced students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills through hands-on activities.
Supervised other adults in the classroom such as teacher assistant and personal care assistants.
Emotional and Learning Support Teacher
Chester Community Charter School
Aston, PA
08.2017 - 06.2023
Created, implemented and case managed compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
Provided individualized instruction to students with learning and behavioral disabilities.
Served as a mentor for new special education teachers providing guidance on best practices in the field.
Supported students in developing appropriate social skills and behavior management techniques.
Developed and implemented Individual Education Plans for students with disabilities to ensure their academic success.
Developed and implemented lesson plans based on state standards and the needs of the students.
Maintained records of student assessment data, daily attendance, grades, and other pertinent information.
Advised families on how to support their child's academic performance at home.
Created an environment that was conducive to learning through positive reinforcement methods.
Participated in professional development activities related to learning disabilities and current trends in instructional interventions.
Kept students safe in classroom and outside environments.
Offered students personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support.
Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
Demonstrated appropriate behaviors using behavior modeling and positive reinforcement techniques.
Provided virtual instruction and maintained google classroom during pandemic.
Learning Support Teacher for the Drexel Program
Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School
Drexel Hill, PA
09.2014 - 06.2017
Maintained communication with content area teachers
Instructed in area of Study Skills curriculum
Communicated and met with families on a regular and needed basis to garner support for additional student needs
Met with prospective families interested in joining the Drexel Program.
Advised families on how to support their child's academic performance at home.
Participated in professional development activities related to learning disabilities and current trends in instructional interventions.
Supported students in developing appropriate social skills, learning strategies and behavior management techniques.
Collaborated closely with classroom teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals to ensure best practices for all students.
Provided consultation services to teachers concerning implementation of accommodations and modifications within the general education setting.
Handled clerical duties and coordinated documents for Testing Center.
Education
Master of Secondary Education -
Grand Canyon University
12.2018
Master of Education -
Widener University
Chester, PA
12.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Widener University
Chester, PA
05.2005
Skills
Active Listening
Program management
Regulatory compliance
IEP development
Professional development
Conflict resolution
Team leadership
Teamwork
Empathy
Work Planning and Prioritization
Detail-oriented
Google workspace
MS office applications
Personnel management
Good judgment
Certification
Home and School Visitor Level 1 (school social work)
Social Studies Instructional I
Special Education Instructional I for K-8 and 7-12
Pre-K through 4 Instructional I
Computer Skills And Languages
Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Studied Spanish for 5 years.
Training And Professional Development
Differentiated Instruction
Setting Expectations and Building Relationships
Create Future Reading Classrooms, Now!
Youth Mental Health First Aid USA, Certification, 02/01/16
Student Assistance Program Training, Certification
Suicide Prevention in Schools, Training, 06/01/16
An Act 71 Video Series, Training, 06/01/16
Timeline
Director of Special Programs and Student Supports
Chester Community Charter School
10.2023 - Current
Autistic Support Teacher
Chester Community Charter School
08.2023 - 10.2023
Emotional and Learning Support Teacher
Chester Community Charter School
08.2017 - 06.2023
Learning Support Teacher for the Drexel Program
Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School
Certified Neonatal Nurse Pracitioner at Nemours A I DuPont Children's HospitalCertified Neonatal Nurse Pracitioner at Nemours A I DuPont Children's Hospital