Compassionate and experienced Special Education Teacher and Counselor who is dedicated to serving students and individuals with unique needs.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Easterseals of Western Pennsylvania
08.2020 - 05.2024
Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive educational and emotional support for students.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Franklin Regional School District
03.2017 - 03.2020
Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Round Rock Independent School District
08.2004 - 06.2009
In this special education teaching role, I had the opportunity to work with students in English language arts
As a dedicated professional, my goal was to find the unique strengths of each child and incorporate that into building their confidence in both reading and writing skills, using various research-based programs, practices, and assessments.
Promoted self-advocacy and independence in students with disabilities by teaching self-management and decision-making skills.
Advocated for rights and needs of students with special education requirements, ensuring access to appropriate resources and accommodations.
Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
BEHAVIORAL SPECIALIST
Pflugerville Independent School District
08.2003 - 06.2004
Developed positive relationships with students, fostering trust and encouraging growth in social skills.
Facilitated social skills groups, enabling improved peer interactions and conflict resolution abilities.
Implemented evidence-based practices to decrease negative behaviors and increase pro-social skills in students.
Worked closely with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive support plans for at-risk students.
Provided crisis intervention services during critical situations involving emotionally distressed or volatile individuals.
Substance Abuse Counselor
John H. Jones Community Clinic
08.2000 - 12.2001
Developed relapse prevention strategies for clients transitioning out of treatment programs, empowering them to maintain long-term sobriety.
Maintained accurate documentation of client progress, facilitating informed decision-making within the treatment team.
Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
Taught substance abuse classes to help clients understand consequences of drug and alcohol use.
Established trusting relationships with clients, creating an open dialogue about their experiences and challenges related to substance abuse.
Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient setting.
Wrap Around Counselor
River Oak Center for Children
01.2000 - 08.2000
Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and self sufficiency.
Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Education
TEXAS EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM -
Region XIII
Austin, TX
MASTER OF ARTS COUNSELING -
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
BACHELOR OF ARTS PSYCHOLOGY -
California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, CA
Skills
Autism Spectrum Knowledge
Emotional Regulation Support
Social Skills Development
Sensory integration strategies
Mental Health Support
Building rapport
Case Management
Organization and Multitasking
Certification
PENNSYLVANIA TEACHING CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONAL II SPECIAL EDUCATION (PK-8), 23
PENNSYLVANIA TEACHING CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONAL II GRADES (PK-4), 23
PENNSYLVANIA TEACHING CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONAL I SPECIAL EDUCATION (PK-8), 19
PENNSYLVANIA TEACHING CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONAL I GRADES (PK-4), 17
TEACHING CREDENTIAL, REGION XIII GENERALIST EC-4 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS AND READING GRADE 4-8 SPECIAL EDUCATION EC-12 ESL SUPPLEMENTAL, 04
Timeline
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Easterseals of Western Pennsylvania
08.2020 - 05.2024
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Franklin Regional School District
03.2017 - 03.2020
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER
Round Rock Independent School District
08.2004 - 06.2009
BEHAVIORAL SPECIALIST
Pflugerville Independent School District
08.2003 - 06.2004
Substance Abuse Counselor
John H. Jones Community Clinic
08.2000 - 12.2001
Wrap Around Counselor
River Oak Center for Children
01.2000 - 08.2000
MASTER OF ARTS COUNSELING -
University of San Francisco
BACHELOR OF ARTS PSYCHOLOGY -
California State University, Sacramento
PENNSYLVANIA TEACHING CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONAL II SPECIAL EDUCATION (PK-8), 23
PENNSYLVANIA TEACHING CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONAL II GRADES (PK-4), 23
PENNSYLVANIA TEACHING CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONAL I SPECIAL EDUCATION (PK-8), 19
PENNSYLVANIA TEACHING CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTIONAL I GRADES (PK-4), 17
TEACHING CREDENTIAL, REGION XIII GENERALIST EC-4 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS AND READING GRADE 4-8 SPECIAL EDUCATION EC-12 ESL SUPPLEMENTAL, 04
TEXAS EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM -
Region XIII
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