Heather Hadley
Abq.
Summary
Versatile and dedicated child advocate committed to addressing the unique needs of identified and special education students. Passionate and empathetic professional skilled in designing and implementing tailored instructional strategies, social and emotional learning initiatives, and individualized education programs (IEPs) that promote student success. Known for a flexible and thoughtful approach that nurtures and achieves every child's potential through effective support and advocacy.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
SPECIAL EDUCATION EA/1-1 INTENSIVE GLOBAL SUPPORT (IGS-2)
ALBUQUERQUE PUBLIC SCHOOLS – DENNIS CHAVEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
05.2019 - Current
- Teach by creating a flexible program and environment conducive to learning and personal growth.
- Encourage students to develop fundamental skills, attitudes and knowledge needed to obtain a solid foundation for continuous growth and development.
- Provide students with experiences which integrate the various affective, cognitive and psychomotor dimensions of learning.
- Establish effective rapport, and work alongside students and their families.
- Assist students in developing positive feelings toward themselves and others.
- Behavioral & Therapeutic Support: Implement behavior management plans, provide positive reinforcement, and carry out therapeutic routines.
- Track, document, and communicate student performance and progress toward IEP goals.
BEHAVIOR RE-DIRECTOR/SPECIAL EDUCATION EA, 1-1
ALBUQUERQUE PUBLIC SCHOOLS – HUBERT HUMPHREY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
09.2018 - 05.2019
- Provided timely and consistent interventions/supports for students demonstrating inappropriate, disruptive behaviors.
- Met with students referred for inappropriate behavior and intervened early in the behavior cycle.
- Helped students focus on positive outcomes and choices.
- Returned student to the classroom, as soon as possible, with a plan for positive choices that enable learning to occur.
- Kept accurate records and utilized district logs for all students served.
- Served as a model in developing students' language and positive behavior.
- Provided observation and consultation, as needed, for teachers to reduce disruptive, nonproductive student behaviors in the classroom.
- Attended required trainings annually, as determined by the Counseling Department.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 3
University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center's Poison Center
12.2013 - 03.2017
- Maintained program records, schedules, and communication with faculty, trainees, and external partners.
- Provided advanced administrative and operational support to leadership, programs, and cross-functional teams.
- Coordinated schedules, meetings, and complex logistics for internal operations and educational initiatives.
- Managed sensitive information with discretion and adherence to institutional policies.
- Coordinated resources for program needs, including creation and maintenance of physical files, tracking spreadsheets and departmental reports.
- Supervised student employees (2-4); provided orientation, training, and support.
HEALTH EDUCATOR/PROGRAM COORDINATOR
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER PEDIATRICS
01.2008 - 09.2012
- Maintained patient privacy and confidential patient information.
- Facilitated the NM Department of Health's Teen Outreach Program (TOP), a suicide and early teen pregnancy prevention program, at all three of our sites (schools): Laguna/Acoma High School, Laguna Middle School, and To'hajiilee Community School.
- Assisted students in making positive behavioral choices through positive reinforcement and community involvement.
- Coordinated Service Learning and Native Hope trips/events.
- Worked alongside health community leaders, workers, and members reinforcing the importance of health, prevention and treatment.
- Incorporated evidence-based care into a clinical practice environment to ensure high quality care for students and their families.
- Oversaw Student Health Center operations for three School-Based Health Centers in Acoma, Laguna, and To'hajiilee.
- Implemented progressive IT/Telehealth initiatives: EchoCast, and ACL Hospital Electronic Health Record for all three of our clinics/sites.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Development & Family Relations
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM12.2008
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NMSkills
Early Intervention & Developmental Expertise: Proficiency in recognizing developmental milestones, identifying delays, and implementing tailored interventions for young children
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Ability to implement, and support IEP goals
Play-Based Instruction & Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Using play to support cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development
Behavior Management & Support: Implementing positive behavioral interventions to support emotional regulation in toddlers and preschoolers
Flexibility & Adaptability: Pivoting instructional methods when strategies are ineffective
Multidisciplinary Teamwork: Coordinating with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists
Creative Problem-Solving: Developing hands-on activities, storytelling/social stories, and educational games to keep short attention spans engaged
Nonverbal Communication: Using visual supports such as American Sign Language (ASL), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, gestures, body language and modeling, facial expressions, and environmental cues to provide comfort and encouragement to students who may be nonverbal
Timeline
SPECIAL EDUCATION EA/1-1 INTENSIVE GLOBAL SUPPORT (IGS-2)
ALBUQUERQUE PUBLIC SCHOOLS – DENNIS CHAVEZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
05.2019 - Current
BEHAVIOR RE-DIRECTOR/SPECIAL EDUCATION EA, 1-1
ALBUQUERQUE PUBLIC SCHOOLS – HUBERT HUMPHREY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
09.2018 - 05.2019
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT 3
University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center's Poison Center
12.2013 - 03.2017
HEALTH EDUCATOR/PROGRAM COORDINATOR
UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER PEDIATRICS
01.2008 - 09.2012
Bachelor of Science - Human Development & Family Relations
University of New Mexico
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of New Mexico