Desiree Bernardo
Danville,IN
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record at Danville Community Middle School, skilled in applied behavior analysis and effective communication. Developed tailored lesson plans that fostered critical thinking and inclusivity, resulting in exceptional student achievement. Committed to continuous improvement through professional development and collaborative teaching practices.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
ED and Autism Self Contained Teacher
Danville Community Middle School
Danville, IN
08.2021 - Current
- Encouraged positive interpersonal relationships among students through classroom activities and discussions.
- Tutored students requiring extra help and gave additional practice work to help improve concept understanding.
- Identified and documented learning achievements by reporting outcomes, performance information and program adjustments used to boost comprehension.
- Utilized a variety of instructional strategies to meet diverse student needs.
- Implemented evidence-based teaching practices based on research findings.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans in line with state curriculum standards.
- Conquered challenges of working with highly diverse student population to attain exceptional student achievement.
- Planned lessons that were both engaging and meaningful for students at their current level of development.
- Implemented multiple methods to improve student educational success.
- Participated in workshops, trainings and conferences to improve educational skills.
- Engaged students through lecture and discussion, increasing classroom interaction to build inclusive learning environment.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
ED and Autism Self-contained Teacher
Brownsburg Community School
Brownsburg, IN
07.2015 - 05.2021
- Led students through safety procedures for active shooter and fire drills.
- Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals.
- Met with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
- Organized and supervised class projects, field trips, and guest speaker events.
- Tested students' comprehension of subject matter through quizzes, tests and projects.
- Fostered a classroom culture that supports diversity and inclusivity.
- Utilized educational technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences.
- Performed student background reviews to ascertain learning deficiencies and strengths to develop tailored lessons based on student needs.
- Created and enforced child-based, hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.
- Guided students in the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay abreast of new trends in special education.
- Conquered challenges of working with highly diverse student population to attain exceptional student achievement.
ED Self-Contained Teacher
Indianapolis Public Schools
Indianapolis, IN
12.2013 - 05.2016
- Created customized grading rubrics powerful assessment tools.
- Evaluated students on monthly basis and adjusted lessons accordingly to incorporate improvements.
- Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals.
- Remained calm and patient in student interactions to support individual growth and development.
- Guided students in the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Engaged in reflective practice on teaching methods used within the self-contained classroom setting.
- Maintained accurate and comprehensive records of student performance and attendance.
- Exceeded customer satisfaction by finding creative solutions to problems.
Education
Master of Science - Applied Behavior Analysis
Ball State University
Muncie, IN07-2025
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Ball State University
Muncie, IN12-2008
Skills
- Applied behavior analysis
- Instructional strategies
- Lesson planning
- Data analysis
- Diversity training
- Parent communication
- Classroom management
- Collaborative teaching
- Student assessment
- Effective communication
- Progress monitoring
- Critical thinking
- Positive reinforcement
- Social skills training
- Update records
- Diversity and inclusion
- Parent-teacher communication
- Positive student engagement
- Feedback delivery
- Behavior modification techniques
- Behavior improvement
BCBA Supervision and Clinical Experience:
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, including educators, caregivers, and support staff, to align behavior goals across settings.
- Delivered Behavior Skills Training (BST) to staff, including instruction, modeling, rehearsal, and performance feedback.
- Trained paraprofessionals in implementation of interventions, data collection, and fidelity monitoring.
- Monitored treatment integrity and modified plans based on ongoing data review and clinical judgment.
- Created progress reports, treatment updates, and visual data displays for IEP meetings and parent consultations.
- Integrated trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices into assessment and intervention planning.
- Maintained accurate documentation of supervision hours, treatment notes, and data logs per BACB requirements.
Applied Behavior Analysis Experience:
- Conducted Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and interpreted data to inform individualized, evidence-based interventions.
- Designed and implemented Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) based on identified functions of behavior.
- Developed and implemented skill acquisition programs using chaining, prompting, and reinforcement procedures.
- Applied prompting hierarchies (e.g., Most-to-Least, Least-to-Most) and systematic fading procedures to promote skill independence.
- Utilized differential reinforcement, extinction, and response cost strategies to decrease challenging behaviors.
- Conducted functional analyses to determine maintaining variables of problem behaviors.
- Collected, analyzed, and visually displayed behavior and skill acquisition data to drive treatment decisions.
- Ensured ethical compliance with the BACB Ethics Code, including informed consent, client dignity, and confidentiality.
Timeline
ED and Autism Self Contained Teacher
Danville Community Middle School
08.2021 - Current
ED and Autism Self-contained Teacher
Brownsburg Community School
07.2015 - 05.2021
ED Self-Contained Teacher
Indianapolis Public Schools
12.2013 - 05.2016
Master of Science - Applied Behavior Analysis
Ball State University
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Ball State University
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