Diran Cowell, Ph.D.
Woodbridge,Virginia
Summary
Experienced training professional with a motivational style and positive attitude. Adept at engaging students with the material by incorporating different technologies, materials and aids. Proven skills in organizing, multitasking and resolving conflicts. Hardworking Senior Trainer enthusiastic about teaching employees and developing new skillsets. Creates lesson plans and supporting materials, as well as coordinates meeting spaces and administers tests. Over 20+ years of related experience conducting classroom and virtual training sessions. Energetic Trainer with thorough knowledge of diverse strength training programs and group classes. Versed in assessing client fitness levels and safely supporting goals. Organized fitness leader develops individualized client programs and engaging classes for diverse skill levels. Guides clients in strength training techniques to improve cardiovascular health. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level college professor position. Ready to help team achieve company goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Crisis Prevention Institute Master Trainer
Arlington County Public Schools
08.2015 - Current
- Developed and improved training courses to increase staff performance and overall training effectiveness.
- Coordinated training for new hires to impart information about company policies, requirements and performance strategies.
- Oversaw day-to-day functions of training department.
- Evaluated training needs to improve training quality.
- Assessed staff performance and training effectiveness, capitalizing on opportunities to develop new training programs and improve existing courses.
- Provided virtual training and online presentations.
- Provided in-house training to new employees concerning maintenance of standardized training approaches.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans and teaching aids such as reference materials and videos.
- Delivered comprehensive nonviolent intervention training to staff.
- Trained and mentored new instructors.
- Lead special seminars for different types of employees.
- Analyzed training, student outcomes and course delivery metrics to produce reports for senior management.
- Arranged meeting spaces and supporting materials for each class.
- Proctored exams and reviewed and sent results to testing headquarters.
- Proctored and evaluated over 600 tests and sent results to headquarters.
- Motivated participants through one-on-one instruction and positive feedback.
- Adapted classes to meet needs of participants with varying competent levels.
- Promoted safe and inclusive environment for staff.
- Encouraged participants to stay motivated and reach goals.
District Level Behavior Specialist|Facilitator
Arlington County Public Schools
08.2014 - Current
- Supervised student behavior during daily academic routines to secure safety of students and staff.
- Utilized positive reinforcement to maximize desired behavior and educational outcomes.
- Consulted regular education classroom teachers to develop curriculum modifications and intervention strategies.
- Maintained accurate and confidential records of assigned students.
- Crafted Behavioral Intervention Plans for individual students.
- Informed parents of evaluation methods used to guide instruction and document progress.
- Planned and facilitated needs-based professional learning tools, resources and educational materials to enhance teaching skills.
- Partnered with administrative leadership to improve discipline practices based on data findings.
- Oversaw proactive crisis intervention training for employees.
- Identified professional development needs by creating and presenting teacher surveys.
- Designed and recorded teacher surveys to accurately determine professional development needs and strategies.
- Collaborated with educators, school administrators and external professionals in development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
- Led staff and faculty training and development to support program objectives.
- Consulted with teachers and parents to gain in-depth understanding of students.
- Collaborated with social workers to help students grow in social and emotional capacities.
Acting Administrator (Alternative Program)
Arlington County Public Schools
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Planned and implemented staff development and in-service training programs to enhance knowledge and skills.
- Evaluated programs and monitored implementation and compliance with regulations to achieve objectives.
- Designed or used assessments to monitor student learning outcomes.
- Conferred and resolved education-related issues and problems with students, parents and school officials.
- Developed partnerships with parents, businesses and organizations to build awareness, increase support and share resources.
- Checked on instructor lessons and communication in order to assess quality of education and assistance offered to students.
- Scheduled educational activities, faculty lectures and departmental events to drive mission and values of institution.
- Represented educational program at meetings and conferences to serve as subject matter liaison for array of services and activities assigned.
- Established and updated objectives and tools for overall program and each department to enhance operations.
- Implemented program-level departmental policies and procedures and managed budgets to support educational program and curriculum.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
Lead Special Education Teacher
Arlington County Public Schools
08.2014 - 06.2022
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
- Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
Special Education Teacher
District Of Columbia Public Schools
01.2013 - 07.2014
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
- Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
Special Education Teacher
Falls Church City Public Schools
08.2009 - 01.2013
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Fulton County Schools
08.2008 - 06.2009
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
- Worked with students with moderate to severe autism to increase life skills.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
Special Educator
Hanover County Public Schools
08.2005 - 06.2008
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
- Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Provided life skills programming for students with moderate to severe autism.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Provided professional development training to educate faculty and staff on laws and regulations governing special education.
- Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Utilized technology to create meaningful lessons that engage students.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Developed Individual Education Plans for students with special needs.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
Life Coach
Washford Enterprises
04.2002 - 06.2008
- Encouraged clients to set and achieve reasonable goals on weekly basis.
- Helped clients build life management and coping skills to handle daily needs and specific stressors.
- Connected clients with available resources to improve plan success.
- Facilitated group sessions and learning discussions to further objectives.
- Documented behaviors, treatments and non-compliance issues.
- Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
- Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
- Designed safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss issues.
- Developed treatment plans to help clients build self-confidence and resilience.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Determined clients' risk of self-harm or other dangerous behaviors.
- Assessed clients' needs to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans, and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Adapted counseling techniques to best suit individual needs of each client.
- Managed patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Educated clients on dangers of substance abuse and prevention techniques.
- Provided education on mental health topics and resources to clients.
- Supervised meetings with family members to help create support system for clients.
Family Resource Specialist
Richmond Department Of Social Services
09.2001 - 04.2005
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
- Facilitated family meetings to ensure communication and collaboration between family members.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
- Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
- Completed comprehensive assessments of families to identify needs and develop treatment plans.
- Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
- Implemented research-based interventions and strategies to support positive behavior and social-emotional development.
- Collaborated with school personnel, parents and mental health providers to maintain comprehensive and integrated approach to student services.
- Developed and implemented strategies to reduce and prevent family conflict.
- Developed and implemented programs to support children's mental health and well-being.
- Worked with educational team to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students.
- Planned, promoted and managed parent workshops on assisting children in attaining academic success.
- Arranged medical and psychiatric tests to identify difficulties and indicate potential remedial approaches.
- Facilitated groups to address specific needs such as grief and loss, anger management and social skills.
- Lead individualized and group counseling sessions with children and families.
- Introduced students to concepts in algebra and reading to encourage recall of educational content.
- Used interactive visuals and static worksheets to teach each student algebra and writing techniques.
Education
Ph.D. - Advanced Studies: Educational Leadership
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA08.2023
Post-Master Certificate - College Teaching And Learning
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN08.2019
Post-Masters Certificate - Educational Administration And Supervision
George Washington University, The
Washington, DC08.2014
Doctor of Education - K-12 Educational Leadership
Argosy University
Phoenix, AZ08.2012
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI09.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Virginia Union University
Richmond, VA05.2001
Skills
- Training and Development Skills
- Producing Videos
- Lesson Planning
- Sampling Methodologies
- Organizational Leadership
- Leading Seminars
- Client Relationship Management
- Data Analytics
- Health and Wellness Education
- Standard Operating Procedures Proficient
- Consistent Approach
- Curriculum Design
- Staff Presentations
- Employee Performance Reviews
- Building Materials
- Video Conferencing
- Curriculum Supervision
- Assigning Work
- Administering Tests
- Customer Satisfaction
Accomplishments
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Collaborated with multiple teams of 10 or more staff in the development of behavioral analysis and de-escalation strategies.
- Documented and resolved student behavior concerns which led to behavior, social, and academic success.
- Achieved non-violent interventions through effectively helping with crisis prevention intervention, social emotional learning, and trauma informed care.
Certification
Virginia Special Education Teacher and Educational Leader
Certified Crisis Prevention Institute Instructor
Restorative Practice Facilitator
Life Coach
Youth Counselor
Dissertation Mentoring and Development
Guide and inspired thesis, capstone, and dissertation students' intellectual growth.Provide guidance and inspiration to students to reach their scholarly potential.
Guide research progress.
Assist the students with upholding high academic and research standards.
Assist students with setting, following through, and mastering goals.
Timeline
Acting Administrator (Alternative Program)
Arlington County Public Schools
01.2022 - 06.2022
Crisis Prevention Institute Master Trainer
Arlington County Public Schools
08.2015 - Current
District Level Behavior Specialist|Facilitator
Arlington County Public Schools
08.2014 - Current
Lead Special Education Teacher
Arlington County Public Schools
08.2014 - 06.2022
Special Education Teacher
District Of Columbia Public Schools
01.2013 - 07.2014
Special Education Teacher
Falls Church City Public Schools
08.2009 - 01.2013
Self-Contained Special Education Teacher
Fulton County Schools
08.2008 - 06.2009
Special Educator
Hanover County Public Schools
08.2005 - 06.2008
Life Coach
Washford Enterprises
04.2002 - 06.2008
Family Resource Specialist
Richmond Department Of Social Services
09.2001 - 04.2005
Ph.D. - Advanced Studies: Educational Leadership
Liberty University
Post-Master Certificate - College Teaching And Learning
Walden University
Post-Masters Certificate - Educational Administration And Supervision
George Washington University, The
Doctor of Education - K-12 Educational Leadership
Argosy University
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction
Central Michigan University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
Virginia Union University
Virginia Special Education Teacher and Educational Leader
Certified Crisis Prevention Institute Instructor
Restorative Practice Facilitator
Life Coach
Youth Counselor
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