Ingrid S. Whalen
Alexandria,VA
Summary
Goal-oriented professional with strong communication, organizational, and multitasking skills. More than a decade of experience providing clinical support to children in an Emotional Behavioral Disabilities program. Adaptable and driven with a strong work ethic, excelling in team-based and individual settings. Proven success in multicultural environments, building supportive relationships with students, local government agencies, staff members, and the community. Excellent organizational, time management, and reporting abilities to achieve success in any role.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Exceptional Student Education Placement Specialist
ESE South Service Center @ Homestead SHS
06.2021 - 06.2025
- Served as the Local Education Agency (LEA) representative to one high school, one K-8 Center, and five elementary schools.
- Reviewed, held hundreds of meetings for initial eligibility, initial placement, change of eligibility and/or placement, manifestation determinations/expulsion reviews, adding or deleting supplementary aids and related services, and dismissal of exceptional students when required by law.
Clinician
Kendale Lakes Elementary
08.2015 - 06.2021
- Utilized evidenced-based techniques to provide support for the Emotional Behavioral/Disability program as part of the clinical team; implemented techniques and strategies to create learning environments that promote the development of social emotional skills and positive behavior solutions for 60 students.
- Conducted individual and group therapy sessions.
- Functional Behavior Assessment and Social Emotional/Behavior Intervention Plan Specialist.
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to address behavioral concerns, fostering a supportive learning environment.
Mental Health Counselor
Beautiful Mind Counseling, Inc
07.2012 - 12.2016
- Provided individual therapy to private patients
- Utilized evidenced-based techniques, including CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Seeking Safety to improve therapeutic outcomes for clients.
- Managed approximately 30 incoming calls, emails and faxes per day from customers.
Behavior Management Therapist
Miami Beach Fienberg/Fisher K-8
08.2011 - 07.2015
- Supported the Emotional Behavioral/Disabilities program in the implementation of the service delivery model as part of the clinical team for 45 students.
- Functional Behavior Assessment and Social Emotional/Behavior Intervention Plan Specialist.
Special Education Program Specialist
Miami Beach Fienberg/Fisher K-8
07.2007 - 08.2011
- Served as the Local Educational Agency (LEA) representative for the Division of Special Education, for over 250 students.
- Advocated, consulted, and provided recommendations within the educational environment, for the needs of students with disabilities to ensure a free appropriate public education.
- Trained teachers in inclusionary practices, appropriate accommodations and differentiated instruction.
Teacher, Severely Emotionally Disturbed Students
Miami Beach Fienberg/Fisher K-8
08.2000 - 07.2007
- Taught Severely Emotionally Disturbed and Emotionally Handicapped students third through eighth grade
- Proficient in all documentation related to the Special Education (SPED) population including but not limited to: IEP, matrix, reevaluation forms, notifications, FBAS, BIPS, transportation requests, manifestation determinations, articulation process, and retention plans.
- Trained in Safe Crisis Management, Clinical Supervision of Teachers, and consult with general education teachers to facilitate mainstream practices
Teacher, Varying Exceptionalities Students
West Homestead Elementary
12.1999 - 06.2000
- Taught students with various needs, such as specific learning disabilities and educable mentally handicapped grades fourth through fifth grade in all academic areas.
- Developed and implemented a structured behavior management program.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet diverse learning needs and improve student performance.
Teacher, Specific Learning-Disabled Students
Kendale Lakes Elementary
08.1999 - 12.1999
- Taught students with various needs, such as specific learning disabilities, kindergarten through first grade in all academic areas.
- Mentored new educators on effective instructional techniques and classroom practices.
- Assessed student progress through formative evaluations, adjusting teaching methods accordingly.
Education
Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida01.2011
Master of Science - Special Education
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida01.1999
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida01.1997
Skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Multicultural sensitivity
- Crisis intervention techniques
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Behavior management strategies
- Trauma Informed Care
- Child and adolescent counseling
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Building rapport
- Active listening
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Certification
- Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of Virginia Active ID#0700133617
- Florida Mental Health Counselor Active License MH12747
Timeline
Exceptional Student Education Placement Specialist
ESE South Service Center @ Homestead SHS
06.2021 - 06.2025
Clinician
Kendale Lakes Elementary
08.2015 - 06.2021
Mental Health Counselor
Beautiful Mind Counseling, Inc
07.2012 - 12.2016
Behavior Management Therapist
Miami Beach Fienberg/Fisher K-8
08.2011 - 07.2015
Special Education Program Specialist
Miami Beach Fienberg/Fisher K-8
07.2007 - 08.2011
Teacher, Severely Emotionally Disturbed Students
Miami Beach Fienberg/Fisher K-8
08.2000 - 07.2007
Teacher, Varying Exceptionalities Students
West Homestead Elementary
12.1999 - 06.2000
Teacher, Specific Learning-Disabled Students
Kendale Lakes Elementary
08.1999 - 12.1999
Master of Science - Special Education
Florida State University
Bachelor of Science - Special Education
Florida State University
Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling
Nova Southeastern University
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