DONELL OWENS

• Support the Division of Specialized Instruction in placing students in appropriate Non-Public educational settings, ensuring alignment with student needs and regulatory requirements.

• Collaborate with DCPS schools, OSSE, Non-Public providers, and families to coordinate referrals, placements, and transitions.

• Review and oversee Non-Public referrals to ensure appropriate placement decisions and program alignment.

• Supported student transitions between restrictive and less restrictive environments, ensuring continuity of services for improved educational access.

• Collaborating with the DCPS Homeless Liaison (McKinney-Vento program staff) to address barriers related to transportation, enrollment, attendance, and access to educational services.

• Supporting transition planning by helping students identify postsecondary goals, employment opportunities, and adult services that can provide stability after high school.

• Connecting families and students to community resources, such as housing supports, workforce development programs, benefits counseling, and independent living services.

• Ensuring continuity of services when students move between shelters, temporary housing situations, schools, or placements.

• Advocating during IEP and transition meetings so that homelessness-related challenges are considered when planning educational and transition services.

• Assisted leadership in developing and implementing policies and procedures for Non-Public programming and placement processes.

• Served as liaison to private and religious schools, ensuring compliance with IDEA and Child Find requirements
• Coordinated IEP meetings and collaborated with analysts and multidisciplinary teams
• Monitored evaluation, eligibility meeting, ISP, and IEP timelines to ensure timely compliance with student needs
• Delivered professional development to educators on differentiated instruction and behavior support strategies, enhancing instructional effectiveness
• Organized and facilitated IDEA consultation meetings, engaging families and school stakeholders to foster collaborative support for students
• Conducted quarterly progress monitoring with teachers, service providers, and families
• Compiled and analyzed annual data for OSSE reporting on equitable services

• Managed casework for 50+ Head Start children and families, ensuring tailored support to enhance family well-being
• Coordinated family engagement initiatives and parent meetings to strengthen partnerships between families and educators
• Strengthened communication between families and educational staff
• Maintained accurate student records and service documentation to support compliance and improve service delivery

• Managed caseload of 25+ foster children, coordinating with legal guardians to ensure comprehensive support
• Developed and monitored treatment plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to address individual needs
• Reported case updates to courts and family planning teams
• Maintained detailed case documentation and progress reports to facilitate effective case management and communication
• Demonstrated strong crisis management and client advocacy skills

• Supervised and supported youth in residential treatment, fostering a safe and therapeutic environment
• Facilitated behavioral interventions and implemented treatment plans to promote individual growth and development
• Led group activities to enhance problem-solving skills and encourage social development among youth
• Maintained detailed clinical documentation and incident reports