Destiney Knuckles
Albany,NY
Summary
Motivated professional with a strong background in trauma-informed youth engagement and team-based intervention support. Known for delivering structured programming that promotes academic success and emotional well-being.
Overview
1
1
Certification
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Teaching Assistant (Special Education)
Questar III BOCES
10.2022 - Current
- Assessed individual student needs and implemented tailored strategies to foster academic success and positive behavior in middle school special education classrooms.
- Implement de-escalation strategies and assist in managing behavioral incidents in real time
- Support students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and behavioral intervention goals
- Deliver one-on-one and small group reinforcement of academic and behavioral skills
- Maintain behavioral documentation, referral reports, and student progress data
- Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and support staff to ensure consistent intervention strategies in high-needs environments
- Recognized as a trusted support staff member in a structured, high-behavioral-need school setting
Recreation Specialist
Daughters Of Sarah Senior Community
02.2022 - 07.2022
- Facilitated structured recreational programming to support social engagement and emotional well-being
- Provided individualized and group engagement activities to reduce isolation and increase participation
- Maintained participant preferences and engagement tracking for program improvement
Behavior Technician
Center For Social Dynamics
04.2021 - 07.2021
- Implemented ABA-based behavioral intervention strategies for children with autism spectrum disorder
- Collected and recorded behavioral data to monitor treatment progress
- Supported development of communication, social, and adaptive functioning skills
- Assisted in execution of individualized behavior intervention plans under clinical supervision
Aftercare Counselor
Police Athletic League Inc
10.2020 - 12.2020
- Supervised youth in structured after-school programming environment
- Supported emotional and social development through guided activities and behavior modeling
- Communicated behavioral updates and progress with families and program staff
Recreational Aide /Small Group Leader Volunteer
Volunteer Work
09.2018 - 05.2020
- Developed and maintained engaging environments that promote growth and development for children with developmental disabilities.
- Provided one-on-one behavioral and emotional support during activities
- Assisted in maintaining safe, structured, and inclusive environments
- Reported behavioral observations and progress to supervisors and families
Education
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies - Social Work
The College of Saint Rose
Albany, NYSkills
- Behavioral de-escalation & crisis response
- Youth mental health & emotional regulation support
- Autism spectrum / developmental disability support (ABA exposure)
- Individualized support plans (IEPs & behavior plans)
- Behavioral documentation & data tracking
- Trauma-informed youth engagement
- Group facilitation & structured programming
- Professional communication with families & staff
- Team-based intervention support
Certification
- New York State Teaching Assistant Certification — Level I
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention System (TCIS) Training
Cornell University Residential Child Care Project
Timeline
Teaching Assistant (Special Education)
Questar III BOCES
10.2022 - Current
Recreation Specialist
Daughters Of Sarah Senior Community
02.2022 - 07.2022
Behavior Technician
Center For Social Dynamics
04.2021 - 07.2021
Aftercare Counselor
Police Athletic League Inc
10.2020 - 12.2020
Recreational Aide /Small Group Leader Volunteer
Volunteer Work
09.2018 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies - Social Work
The College of Saint Rose