Versatile and dedicated Special Education professional with focus on meeting the individual needs of students with disabilities in academia, social settings and career development. Possesses excellent communication, problem-solving and organizational skills. As a trusted advisor, goes the extra mile to support and empower individuals in their journey to success.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Access Coordinator
Sacramento State University
05.2022 - Current
Specialize in case management for approximately 400 students with disabilities.
Ensure equal access to the academic and campus environment.
Determine eligibility and provide complex accommodations.
Verify disability documentation and develop education plans.
Collaborate with students, staff, and faculty.
Demonstrate problem-solving skills for unique issues.
Possess knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
Adjunct Faculty Professor
National University, Stanford College Of Education
03.2021 - Current
Used a variety of instructional methodologies and technology to keep the SPD635 Collaboration & Case Management M/M courses interesting and engaging.
Developed and fostered professional relationships with students to improve communication and enhance instruction.
Engaged students in insightful and compelling classroom discussions of topics relevant to coursework, aiming to enhance student learning and retention.
Designed and delivered class instruction to meet course competencies.
Scored exams and graded student performance fairly.
Designed and distributed feedback forms to continually improve teaching skills and establish stronger connections with students.
Supervised, observed, supported, and evaluated candidates for Clinical Practice.
Education Specialist
Elk Grove Unified School District
08.2015 - 05.2022
Assessed students with disabilities' needs to create lesson plans addressing academic strengths and interests while fostering development and growth.
Increased participation and concentration while reinforcing classroom discipline by modeling acceptable behavior and respect for others.
Supported students with disabilities in accessing the general education curriculum within the least restrictive environment.
Collaborated with teachers, support staff, and school personnel to implement adaptation plans and interventions.
Assumed the Special Education Case Manager role for students with disabilities by developing Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and providing counseling and academic advising.
Administered formal academic assessments such as KTEA and Woodcock Johnson to determine eligibility for services.
Collected feedback and performance data to determine future instructional decisions and increase the success of educational programs.
Conducted meetings with parents and students to review progress, adjust academic plans, and to understand students' educational goals.
Co-chaired the Special Education department with 25 staff members
Teacher, Mildly to Moderately Learning Impaired
Department Of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)
08.2009 - 05.2015
Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
Completed mid-term student progress reports to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
Provided direct instruction to students with disabilities in a resource setting at the high school level.
Worked within a pullout Learning Center environment at the elementary level.
Collaborated with content area teachers in all subject areas to plan differentiated instruction.
Managed and coordinated the special education process.
Special Education Teacher
Barstow Unified School District
08.2007 - 05.2009
Created and managed Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to define student learning objectives, educational strategies and apply instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Collaborated with general educators in a Smaller Learning Community ("HOUSE") to develop instructional strategies and adapted curriculum materials and teaching techniques.
Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
Assisted students with special needs in integrating into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
Worked with parents/guardians, students, staff, and district and public agencies to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
Assisted with the implementation of the Read 180 program
Prevention and Education Specialist
Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow
11.2006 - 08.2007
Provided support on subject matter briefs, awareness, and prevention-focused services, and conducted preventative workshops and classes for the military installation and community.
Helped improve family and individual functioning and prevent child and domestic abuse within the military community.
Provided moral and crisis support services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Special Education Specialist
Elk Grove Unified School District
08.2004 - 05.2006
Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement. Additionally, recorded student progress to inform parents and school administration.
Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Assisted struggling students in maintaining progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
Encouraged students to take ownership of their learning by providing choices.
Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
Developed Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.
Participated as a Schools Ambassador and served as a Family Group Facilitator.
Engaged in professional development training, such as Saturday Seminars, Professional Learning Development, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training Program, and Algebra Intervention Training.
Special Education Teacher
Northern California Preparatory School
04.2001 - 08.2004
Worked at a non-public school with a positive approach to behavioral programs and a solid academic component.
Provided academic instruction and social interaction skills for middle and high school subjects, focusing on students with a primary disability of Emotionally Disturbed.
Collaborated with parents, administrators, testing specialists, social workers, and others.
Observed students for signs of disruptive behavior, such as verbal outbursts and episodes of destructiveness.
Taught socially acceptable behavior using techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement.
Encouraged students to take ownership of their learning by providing choices.
Led activities that fostered students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
Assisted struggling students in maintaining progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
Taught multiple subjects to students with emotional disabilities.
Education
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership
California State University - Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
05.2026
Master of Arts - Special Education
California State University - Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Bradley University
Peoria, IL
Associate of Applied Science -
Illinois Central College
East Peoria, IL
Skills
Differentiated Instruction
Diverse Student Populations
Student Rapport-Building
Motivating Students
Disability Assessment Testing
Team Collaboration
Positive Role Model
Student Support
Document Coordination
Individual Education Plan Expertise
Cultural Awareness
Special Needs Education
Accomplishments
Engaged in an internship program with the Los Rios Community College Faculty Diversity Internship Program (FDIP), acquiring practical skills that prepared me to become a faculty member who reflects the racial and ethnic diversity of the students served in the Los Rios area.
Certification
California Education Specialist Instruction Credential (Mild/Moderate Disabilities), Authorizations: English Learners and Autism Spectrum Disorders - 7/2027
CCC Chancellor’s Office Learning Disabilities Eligibility Model Training Certificate - 11/2020
Quote
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
Helen Keller
Timeline
Access Coordinator
Sacramento State University
05.2022 - Current
Adjunct Faculty Professor
National University, Stanford College Of Education