- English and Sign Language
- Fluent
Heather Imel
Polo,IL
Summary
Compassionate behavioral health professional with extensive experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Skilled in crisis intervention, case management for up to 75 clients, and staff supervision. Proven ability to facilitate psycho-educational groups, develop individualized plans, and lead multidisciplinary teams to improve client outcomes in diverse care settings.
Overview
1
1
Language
1
1
Certification
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavioral Health Technician
Dixon Correctional Center
Dixon, IL
2025.03 - Current
- Facilitated psycho-educational groups to promote mental health awareness and coping skills among incarcerated individuals, enhancing group participation and engagement.
- Conducted crisis calls and suicide prevention assessments, reducing incidents of self-harm by promptly identifying and addressing at-risk individuals.
- Performed housing unit rounds and wellness checks, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents through regular monitoring and intervention.
- Collaborated with other mental health professionals to coordinate care plans, improving continuity of care and treatment outcomes for clients.
- Gathered and prepared MARs for Provider Lines and Treatment Team Meetings, streamlining documentation and supporting informed clinical decision-making.
QIDP Case Manager, CLA House Manager, Special Olympics Head Coach
Self Help Enterprises
Sterling, IL
2023.07 - 2024.12
- Managed a caseload of 35 clients, ensuring case files remained compliant and up to date by completing annual assessments and evaluations on schedule.
- Supervised CLA residential home operations, creating monthly staff schedules and ensuring accurate documentation, drills, and shift coverage for optimal client care.
- Coordinated and served as head coach for Special Olympics, organizing training and events to promote inclusion and athletic achievement among residents.
- Conducted behavior assessments and assisted in developing Behavior Service Plans, supporting individualized interventions and improved client outcomes.
RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)/Staff Trainer/Paraprofessional Special Education
CDH Educational Center
Dixon, IL
2020.07 - 2023.07
- Provided 1:1 support as a Paraprofessional Aide for students with Autism, implementing IEP, OT, speech, and behavior goals to drive measurable academic and behavioral progress.
- Developed individualized strategies and work tasks, enabling students to achieve IEP milestones and fostering independence in the classroom setting.
- Assisted teachers with daily classroom schedules, ensuring smooth transitions and consistent support for students with special needs.
- Managed classroom behaviors and trained staff and paraprofessionals, reviewing individualized data to ensure effective implementation of IEP goals.
QIDP Clinician, Substitute Teacher, Paraprofessional
Willow Glen Academy
Freeport, IL
2016.09 - 2020.07
- Supported children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and Autism, fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment.
- Created IEPs and individualized goals, enabling students to achieve measurable progress in academic and behavioral development.
- Provided 1:1 aide support, ensuring personalized attention and assistance for students with complex needs.
Mental Health Technician
Jack Mabley Developmental Center
Dixon, IL
2015.10 - 2016.07
- Supported adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, promoting independence and enhancing quality of life through daily interactions.
- Assisted clients in planned recreational activities and daily living skills, increasing engagement and fostering skill development.
Supervisor and Direct Support Professional
Kreider Services, Inc
Dixon, IL
2014.03 - 2015.10
- Supported adults with profound intellectual and mobility disabilities, ensuring their safety and well-being through attentive care.
- Ensured completion of daily living skills and achievement of individual goals, promoting greater independence and personal growth.
Education
Masters degree - Psychology (University)
Grand Canyon University
10.2026
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
MacMurray College
12.2013
Bachelor's degree - Psychology
MacMurray College
12.2013
High School Diploma - undefined
Polo Community High School
05.2009
Skills
- Program Development
- Motivational Interviewing
- Autism Experience
- Conflict management
- Behavioral Health
- Computer skills
- Human resources
- Meeting Facilitation
- Classroom Experience
- Behavior Management
- Suicide Prevention Assessment
- Classroom Management
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Care plans
- Curriculum Development
- Microsoft Powerpoint
- Forklift
- Experience with Children
- Special Education
- Social Work
- Supervising experience
- Negotiation
- Sports Coaching
- MAR Preparation
- Behavioral Therapy
- Microsoft Outlook
- Quality assurance
- Management
- Microsoft Word
- Intake Experience
- IEP Implementation
- Serving
- Program Management
- Sales
- Crisis Management
- Psycho-educational Group Facilitation
- Crisis Intervention
- Administrative experience
- Microsoft Excel
- Typing
- Leadership
- Customer service
- Developmental Disabilities Experience
- Organizational Skills
- Tutoring
Personal Information
Driving License: CDL A
Certification
- Substitute Teaching Certification
- RBT Certification
- Food Safety Certification
- March 2022 to March 2027
- I went to Sauk Valley Community College for 6 weeks to obtain certification.
- BCBA
- CDL A
- CPR Certification
- Educator License with Stipulations
- Professional Educator License
- First Aid Certification
- QIDP Certification
- QMHP Certification
- Driver's License
Languages
Timeline
Behavioral Health Technician
Dixon Correctional Center
2025.03 - Current
QIDP Case Manager, CLA House Manager, Special Olympics Head Coach
Self Help Enterprises
2023.07 - 2024.12
RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)/Staff Trainer/Paraprofessional Special Education
CDH Educational Center
2020.07 - 2023.07
QIDP Clinician, Substitute Teacher, Paraprofessional
Willow Glen Academy
2016.09 - 2020.07
Mental Health Technician
Jack Mabley Developmental Center
2015.10 - 2016.07
Supervisor and Direct Support Professional
Kreider Services, Inc
2014.03 - 2015.10
High School Diploma - undefined
Polo Community High School
Bachelor's degree - Psychology
MacMurray College
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
MacMurray College
Masters degree - Psychology (University)
Grand Canyon University