Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Desirae Blackwell

Magee,MS
Desirae Blackwell

Summary

Compassionate Classroom Therapy Assistant with expertise in literacy intervention, collaborative teaching with evidence-based strategies and multisensory instruction, demonstrated at The DuBard School for Language Disorders. Skilled in building strong student relationships, adapting lessons to individual needs and utilizing phonemic awareness techniques to support diverse learners.

Graduating in May with a Master’s in Dyslexia Therapy, I am eager to transition into a Dyslexia Therapist role within a school district, bringing a commitment to fostering positive, individualized learning experiences.

Overview

9
years of professional experience
1
Certificate

Work History

The DuBard School for Language Disorders

Classroom Therapy Assistant
06.2023 - Current

Job overview

  • Utilized data-driven decision-making processes to inform instructional practices and adapt lessons based on student performance.
  • Improved student engagement by incorporating differentiated instruction and hands-on activities in lesson plans.
  • Implemented evidence-based teaching strategies that yielded increased student engagement and academic achievement.
  • Developed strong relationships with students by demonstrating empathy, understanding, and genuine care for their wellbeing.
  • Facilitated small group instruction targeting specific skill deficits, resulting in significant gains in targeted areas.
  • Enhanced classroom management by implementing clear expectations, consistent routines, and positive reinforcement strategies.

The DuBard School for

Dyslexia Therapist in Training
06.2023 - Current

Job overview

I obtained a LEAP instructor position to provide small-group therapy after school for children with dyslexia. I also used this position, along with private practice, to gain my 700+ hours of practicum experience.

  • Maintained detailed records of student progress and achievements, informing future instruction decisions.
  • Improved student confidence in reading and writing through personalized attention and support.
  • Provided one-on-one and small group therapy sessions, focusing on targeted skill development and reinforcement.
  • Collaborated with parents, teachers, and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to dyslexia therapy.
  • Implemented multisensory teaching techniques to accommodate various learning styles of students with dyslexia.

PJ's Coffee House

Senior Shift Lead
06.2021 - Current

Job overview

  • Worked as an Assistant Manager within my first year of employment then stepped down to the part time Senior Shift Lead position as I pursued my Graduate Degree and career at The DuBard School for Language Disorders
  • Trained and mentored new employees to maximize team performance.
  • Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, fostering positive relationships and maintaining brand loyalty.
  • Fostered a positive work atmosphere with clear communication, teamwork, and proactive problem-solving strategies.

MG Dyess Pipeline Construction

Pilot Car Driver (Seasonal)
05.2018 - 08.2018

Job overview

• Utilized this job offer during the summers of 2018, 2019 and 2022 between my undergraduate college courses.
• Minimized liability by consistently following road rules when driving.
• Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
• Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
• Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill

Team Member
06.2016 - 05.2018

Job overview

  • Kept work areas clean, organized, and safe to promote efficiency and team safety.
  • Learned all required tasks quickly to maximize performance.
  • Worked scheduled shifts and remained available to work during coworker absences, holidays, and busy periods.
  • Contributed to team success by completing jobs quickly and accurately.

Education

The University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS

Master of Education from Dyslexia Therapy Education
05-2025

University Overview

  • Undergraduate Degree: Speech Pathology and Audiology BA
  • Relevant Coursework: SHS 690 Clinical Experience
  • MECCA Licensure: 216 SPEECH ASSOCIATE (K-12) (Effective Date: 12/19/2023)

The University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS

Bachelor of Arts from Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
12-2022

University Overview

  • Alpha Delta Pi Member
  • NSSHLA member

Hinds Community College
Raymond, MS

Associate of Arts from General Studies
12-2019

University Overview

  • Extracurricular Activities: Colorguard Captain & Concert Band
  • Phi Theta Kappa Member

Skills

  • Collaborative teaching
  • Multisensory instruction
  • Relationship building
  • Progress monitoring
  • Small group or individual instruction

Certification

  • 216 SPEECH ASSOCIATE (K-12) Mississippi Department of Education 12/19/2023

Timeline

Classroom Therapy Assistant

The DuBard School for Language Disorders
06.2023 - Current

Dyslexia Therapist in Training

The DuBard School for
06.2023 - Current

Senior Shift Lead

PJ's Coffee House
06.2021 - Current

Pilot Car Driver (Seasonal)

MG Dyess Pipeline Construction
05.2018 - 08.2018

Team Member

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
06.2016 - 05.2018

The University of Southern Mississippi

Master of Education from Dyslexia Therapy Education

The University of Southern Mississippi

Bachelor of Arts from Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology

Hinds Community College

Associate of Arts from General Studies
Desirae Blackwell