Elizabeth Steele
White Plains,Maryland
Summary
Special education professional with proven track record of fostering inclusive learning environments and implementing effective instructional strategies for school-age children. Strong emphasis on team collaboration and achieving positive educational outcomes. Adaptable to changing classroom dynamics and skilled in behavior management and curriculum development. Mentored new teachers and served as a clinical mentor for a conditional teacher completing postsecondary coursework.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Pre-K Special Education Teacher
Billingsley Elementary School
08.2019 - Current
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for students with special needs.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers, sharing best practices in special education instruction and classroom management techniques.
- Enhanced communication skills in non-verbal students through integration of alternative and augmentative communication systems.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet varied needs of students, enhancing educational accessibility such as adaptive books and song boards.
- Conducted assessments to identify students' strengths and areas for improvement, informing instructional strategies.
- Train instructional assistance for working for students with student's learning needs.
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Charles County Board of Education
11.2005 - 05.2019
- Participated in ongoing continuing education courses to stay current on best practices in pediatric physical therapy interventions and emerging research findings.
- Effectively managed caseloads while maintaining high standards of care, consistently meeting productivity requirements without sacrificing quality.
- Improved student mobility and functional abilities by incorporating evidence-based interventions, such as therapeutic exercises and functional activities.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary school teams to provide comprehensive care for children in the school environment including developing IEP's, training of school staff, and supporting all educational goals
- Implemented early intervention strategies for students in pre-kindergarten classes for developmental delays, promoting optimal growth and development.
- Implemented small motor groups for pre-k classrooms to demonstrate and train school staff on the use of movement to reinforce and teach learning objectives.
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Kershaw County Schools
08.2002 - 10.2005
- Coordinated student care with interdisciplinary team of teachers, nurses, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.
- Delivered group therapy sessions in conjunction with the speech therapist and occupational therapist tailored to common pediatric concerns such as gross motor skill development, improve verbal skills, fine motor activities and activities of daily living
- Assessed and documented student's progress towards established goals, adjusting therapy plans accordingly for optimal results.
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Easter Seals of South Carolina
05.1998 - 08.2002
- Evaluated, assisted with development of IFSP and implemented early intervention strategies for infants and toddlers at risk for developmental delays, promoting optimal growth and development through outpatient services and under contract with the Fort Jackson Army Base (Columbia, SC) early intervention program.
- Managed acute and chronic conditions with full understanding regarding complex therapy needs including coordination with schools and early intervention programs through contract services with the Medically Fragile Children's Program at Richland Memorial Hospital, Columbia, SC.
- Supervised clinical students, certified and licensed assistants, technicians, and volunteers.
- Conducted thorough evaluations of patients'' motor skills, balance, coordination, strength, and endurance to inform treatment planning and to assist with development of IFSP's.
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Self Employed
07.1996 - 05.1998
- Provided services under contract with the Early Intervention Program (Fort Jackson Army Base, Columbia, SC) and the Medically Fragile Children's Program (Richland Memorial Hospital, Columbia, SC).
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for children with various developmental and neurological conditions including assisting with IFSP development and coordination with school based teams
- Evaluated, assisted with developing IFSP, and implemented early intervention strategies for infants and toddlers at risk for developmental delays, promoting optimal growth and development.
- Planned and carried out individually designed programs of physical treatment to maintain, improve or restore physical functioning and alleviate pain.
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Richland Memorial Hospital
07.1990 - 05.1996
- Mentored physical therapy students during clinical rotations, fostering professional growth through hands-on experience with pediatric populations.
- Managed acute and chronic conditions with full understanding regarding complex therapy needs.
- Coordinated patient care with interdisciplinary team of medical professionals and specialists.
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Florence Regional Medical Center
08.1989 - 07.1990
- Educated families and patients on proper body mechanics and self-care practices to improve long-term outcomes.
- Provided physical therapy services in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
- Developed strong rapport with patients and families by demonstrating empathy, maintaining open communication channels, and offering consistent support throughout the therapy process.
- Enhanced patient outcomes by developing and implementing individualized physical therapy treatment plans for pediatric clients.
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital
09.1988 - 07.1989
- Evaluated physician referrals and determined appropriate evaluation procedures according to patient needs and medical history.
- Created individualized exercise programs to improve patient mobility and function.
- Discussed rehabilitation and reconditioning options to improve patients' function and quality of life.
- Conducted thorough evaluations of patient's motor skills, balance, coordination, strength, and endurance to inform treatment planning.
Education
Curriculum And Instruction
The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL12-2022
Teacher Certification Program -
University of West Florida, Teacher Ready Program
Pensacola, FL05-2019
Bachelor of Science - Physical Therapist
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY08-1988
Skills
- Assistant Instructor for Introduction to Baby course offered through Early Intervention Technical Assistance Collaborative in Columbia, SC: Sept 1997
- Presenter at the Sixth Annual White Oak Early Intervention Conference Topic: Activities for a Child who is Medically Fragile: Apr 1998
- Assistant Instructor for course titled Sensory Integration for the Early Intervention Professional: Helping the Child to Know Their World: Dec 1998
- Member of the Discipline Task Force for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities in SC: Dec 1997
- Governor appointed member of the State Interagency Coordinating Council for BabyNet (IDEA Part C: Birth to 3 year old program in SC): Jul 1999
- Assistive Technology team member for Kershaw County Schools: May 2003- October 2005
- Completed Family Links Early Intervention Model training: May 2000
- Completed Lexia Letrs Early Childhood Educator certificate of mastery: June 2023
Awards
Recipient of Special Education Advisory Council Award (2023).
Timeline
Pre-K Special Education Teacher
Billingsley Elementary School
08.2019 - Current
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Charles County Board of Education
11.2005 - 05.2019
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Kershaw County Schools
08.2002 - 10.2005
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Easter Seals of South Carolina
05.1998 - 08.2002
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Self Employed
07.1996 - 05.1998
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Richland Memorial Hospital
07.1990 - 05.1996
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Florence Regional Medical Center
08.1989 - 07.1990
Pediatric Physical Therapist
Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital
09.1988 - 07.1989
Curriculum And Instruction
The University of West Florida
Teacher Certification Program -
University of West Florida, Teacher Ready Program
Bachelor of Science - Physical Therapist
University of Kentucky
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