Destini Gilsdorf
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Compassionate Special Education Advocate with background in advocating for rights of students with disabilities. Strengths include knowledge of special education laws, excellent communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively with parents, teachers, and administrators. Proven track record in developing effective Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and ensuring compliance with all regulations. Significant impact made through advocacy resulting in improved educational outcomes for students. Experienced Behavior Technician skilled in implementing individualized behavior intervention plans and facilitating effective communication among stakeholders. Proven ability to foster positive behavior and support students with diverse needs, ensuring compliance with special education standards. Compassionate professional with several years of experience in settings. Skilled at managing multiple cases with great attention to detail and knowledge of local resources. Known for providing caring and comprehensive support to families and children.
Overview
1
1
Certification
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Advocate
COPAA
Los Angeles, California
04.2025 - Current
- Advocated for students' rights during hearings related to special education.
- Facilitated communication among parents, teachers, and school personnel to develop effective individualized education plans.
- Developed individualized education plans collaboratively with families and educators.
- Assisted families in accessing appropriate educational resources and services.
- Delivered workshops on advocacy strategies, empowering parents to actively support their children's educational needs.
- Coordinated sessions on behavior management, disability awareness, and self-advocacy skills.
- Collaborated with local organizations to enhance resource accessibility for individuals with disabilities, increasing support options for families.
- Researched special education legislation to ensure compliance standards.
Behavior Technician
lighthouse special education solutions
Los Angeles, California
02.2024 - 07.2026
- Provided direct behavioral intervention services to children with autism spectrum disorder.
- Implemented individualized behavior intervention plans to address diverse student needs.
- Facilitated activities that enhanced students' social skills and communication development.
- Reinforced positive behavior by consistently recognizing and rewarding desired actions.
- Implemented evidence-based practices such as discrete trial teaching and natural environment teaching.
- Maintained a safe and supportive environment during all sessions for student well-being.
- Tracked client progress through systematic data collection and thorough record-keeping.
- Trained new staff on effective behavior management techniques and best practices.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss client progress and plan next steps accordingly.
1:1 SPED tutor
south bay tutors
Lawndale, California
04.2018 - 09.2022
- Developed customized lesson plans tailored to meet individual student needs, enhancing learning outcomes.
- Utilized educational technology tools to create engaging learning experiences, fostering student interest and participation.
- Assessed student progress consistently, highlighting key areas for enhancement.
- Collaborated with parents and teachers to assess student performance and formulate targeted improvement strategies.
- Created a positive learning environment that encouraged student participation and confidence.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Special Education
Los Angeles Harbor College
Wilmington, CA03-2027
Mira Costa High School
Manhattan Beach, CASkills
- Individualized education plans
- Behavior intervention techniques
- Parent communication strategies
- Disability awareness training
- Data collection and analysis
- Workshop facilitation
- Advocacy strategies
- Individualized education program expertise
- Behavior management strategies
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Childhood Trauma Management
- Analytical thinking
- Professionalism
- Trauma informed care framework
- Child development
- Behavioral intervention techniques
- Lesson plan development
- Applied behavior analysis
- Communication
- Treatment implementation
- Functional behavior assessments
- Time management
- Behavior reduction procedures
- Behavior intervention plans
- Natural environment teaching
- Problem-solving
- Token economy systems
- Behavior treatment plans
- ABA techniques
- Parent collaboration and training
- Self-management strategies
- Verbal de-escalation
- Active listening
- Behavior modification techniques
- Empathy and patience
- Positive reinforcement
- Teaching play and leisure skills
- Positive and negative reinforcements
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Behavior assessment
- Conflict resolution
- Prompting and fading strategies
- Team leadership
Certification
- AB 1172 behavior training
- mandated reporter training
Timeline
Special Education Advocate
COPAA
04.2025 - Current
Behavior Technician
lighthouse special education solutions
02.2024 - 07.2026
1:1 SPED tutor
south bay tutors
04.2018 - 09.2022
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Special Education
Los Angeles Harbor College
Mira Costa High School