Jessica Otis
DeKalb,IL
Summary
Registered Behavior Technician with experience and certification in implementing evidence-based behavior intervention plans, data collection, and functional communication skills. Strong ability to collaborate with families, and professionals, to enhance client outcomes. Educator/Student with extensive experience in providing support to children and children with special needs. Proven ability to create an inclusive and safe learning environment for students. Skilled at developing and implementing behavior plans, preparing lesson materials and providing academic support. Committed to helping students reach highest potential and developing lifelong skills.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Student Teacher, Kindergarten
Dekalb 428 School district
DeKalb, Illinois
01.2026 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans for kindergarten students in diverse learning environments.
- Implemented hands-on activities to enhance student understanding and retention of concepts.
- Collaborated with lead teachers to assess student progress and adjust instructional strategies.
- Managed classroom behavior using positive reinforcement techniques to promote a supportive atmosphere.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address different learning needs and styles.
- Organized and prepared educational materials for daily lessons and activities.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills through inquiry-based activities.
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all learners.
- Integrated educational standards into daily lesson plans according to district guidelines.
- Incorporated music, art, drama, movement, games, stories into lessons as appropriate.
- Observed student progress and reported back to teachers.
- Assessed student performance through formal tests and informal observations.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, behaviors, and academic progress.
- Assisted with classroom management and behavior modification techniques.
ABA Therapist
Westside Childrens's Therapy
DeKalb, Illinois
07.2025 - Current
- Implemented individualized therapy plans for clients with autism spectrum disorders.
- Led group therapy sessions to promote social skills and peer interaction among children.
- Documented therapy sessions in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Developed engaging activities to enhance learning and social skills.
- Assisted clients in developing social skills such as turn taking, conversation maintenance, initiating interactions with peers.
- Utilized positive reinforcement methods to increase desired behaviors while decreasing challenging behaviors.
- Delivered individualized treatment for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders or other behavioral and social challenges using applied behavior analysis principles.
- Implemented a variety of teaching strategies including discrete trial training, natural environment teaching and verbal behavior analysis.
- Collaborated with psychologists, psychiatrists, speech-language pathologists and other health care professionals to provide comprehensive services for clients.
- Provided direct client care and group treatment while utilizing combinations of intensive teaching and natural environment training arrangements.
- Maintained detailed records of each session including notes about client's progress or lack thereof.
- Consulted supervising BCBA to assist in treatment implementation on difficult patients.
- Provided support for individuals transitioning into new settings such as school or home environments.
- Implemented Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques to increase functional behaviors and decrease maladaptive behaviors.
- Utilized discrete trial training (DTT), pivotal response training (PRT), and natural environment training (NET) methodologies.
- Ensured all therapy sessions were conducted in a safe, supportive environment conducive to learning.
- Utilized technology and software for data collection, analysis, and reporting purposes.
Registered Behavior Technician
Westside Childrens Therapy
DeKalb, Illinois
07.2025 - Current
- Implemented individualized behavior intervention plans for children with developmental challenges.
- Monitored and documented client progress using behavioral assessment tools.
- Assisted in training new staff on behavior management strategies and protocols.
- Engaged children in structured activities to promote social skills and communication.
- Maintained a safe and supportive environment for all clients during therapy sessions.
- Tracked data and monitored progress of student's goals and objectives.
- Provided direct one-on-one instruction to children with autism in a variety of settings.
- Provided verbal prompts, physical guidance, or other forms of prompting when necessary.
- Utilized Applied Behavioral Analysis principles in daily instruction activities.
- Implemented visual supports such as schedules, picture cards.
- Facilitated social skills groups for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Engaged students through play activities while incorporating therapeutic techniques.
- Observed student behavior in various environments to assess levels of functioning and progress towards goals.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss case updates and collaborate on treatment plans.
- Modeled appropriate social behaviors for students while providing feedback when necessary.
Substitute Teacher & Paraprofessional
DeKalb School District 428
DeKalb, IL
12.2024 - Current
- Managed classroom environment to facilitate student learning during teacher absences.
- Maintained discipline and control, promoting a safe and positive atmosphere.
- Implemented differentiated instruction for diverse learning needs.
- Supervised group and individual activities to enhance engagement.
- Conducted effective lesson implementation to achieve learning objectives.
- Applied behavior intervention plans to address specific student challenges.
- Executed data collection and analysis for functional behavior assessment.
- Utilized augmentative communication devices and visual supports for improved accessibility.
Registered Behavior Technician
Caravel Autism Health
Geneva, Illinois
05.2025 - 07.2025
- Implemented proactive strategies to reduce challenging behaviors effectively.
- Maintained accurate data collection systems for behavior tracking.
- Applied reinforcement techniques to enhance desirable behaviors and diminish undesirable ones.
- Communicated progress and challenges effectively with clients' families.
- Facilitated participation in social activities to promote appropriate peer interactions.
- Followed treatment plans diligently, utilizing sound judgment and seeking consultation when needed.
- Collected documentation to verify services provided and obtained necessary signatures.
- Adapted instruction based on individual learning styles for effective service delivery.
Paraprofessional
Northern Illinois Association (Aqueor Healthcare Services)
Algonquin, IL
03.2025 - 05.2025
- Provided written feedback on lesson outcomes and student behavior to classroom teacher.
- Observed classroom schedules to ensure consistency in student experience.
- Followed lesson plans to deliver consistent instruction to assigned students.
- Fostered strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues for effective collaboration.
- Collaborated with educators and staff to enhance quality of education for students.
- Employed creative problem-solving techniques to address behavioral challenges.
- Utilized technology and multimedia resources to enrich instructional methods.
- Assisted students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning objectives.
Personal Shopper/ Cashier
Walmart
DeKalb, IL
03.2021 - 02.2025
- Placed completed orders in labeled, temperature-appropriate storage pending customer pick up.
- Consistently met deadlines and quality goals for accuracy and timeliness.
- Memorized store layouts and planograms to fulfill orders using shortest, most efficient route.
- Maintained high satisfaction ratings by completing orders quickly and making good selections for customers.
Clinical Student
Lincoln Elementary School
DeKalb, IL
09.2024 - 12.2024
- Executed classroom plans to ensure continuity in student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Earned repeated requests as substitute teacher due to positive referrals and trusted performance.
- Utilized proactive behavior modification techniques to keep students engaged and focused.
- Implemented clear expectations and consistent consequences for effective classroom management.
- Maintained accurate attendance records and assignment sheets for compliance purposes.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities, ensuring safety and engagement.
- Upheld classroom routines to foster supportive learning environments and maintain schedules.
ITI Tutor
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL
02.2024 - 06.2024
- Conduct individual and group tutoring, enhancing student performance through tailored lessons.
- Develop educational materials and assessments, fostering independent study and understanding.
- Maintain current knowledge of educational trends, utilizing diverse methods to improve learning.
- Evaluate student progress, providing feedback and adapting methods to individual learning styles.
- Create a collaborative learning environment, encouraging open communication and engagement.
- Guide individual students, improving learning outcomes and behavior management.
- Conduct group sessions, enhancing engagement and understanding of subjects.
- Develop educational materials, addressing diverse learning requirements.
Clinical Student
Dekalb Early Learning and Development Center
DeKalb, IL
09.2023 - 11.2023
- Assisted teachers with lesson planning and classroom management strategies.
- Facilitated small group activities to enhance student learning experiences.
- Collaborated with staff to create engaging educational materials and resources.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to educators regularly.
- Conducted observations to gather data on student behavior and engagement.
- Organized classroom supplies and maintained a positive learning environment.
- Supported students with special needs in daily classroom tasks.
- Developed engaging lesson plans to meet diverse learning needs.
- Utilized educational technology tools to support student learning.
- Assessed student performance through various evaluation techniques.
- Maintained a safe and orderly learning environment for all students.
Cashier/Stocker Associate
Family Dollar
Chicago, IL
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Great Cashier Experience/Customer service.
- Created a safe environment for customers and as well as associates.
- Performed other duties as assigned by management.
- Maintained cleanliness of checkout area including countertops, registers, windowsills and floors.
- Collaborated with employees to operate the store efficiently and efficiently.
- Verified that customers were of legal age to purchase alcohol or tobacco products.
- Operated cash register efficiently and accurately, processed payments by cash, check, credit card, gift card or automatic debit.
- Counted money in cash drawer at the beginning of shift to ensure that amounts were correct and have sufficient change.
- Issued receipts, refunds, credits or change due to customers.
Student Poll Worker
Chicago Board of Elections
Chicago, IL
03.2020 - 04.2020
- Ensured safe, organized environments to facilitate effective learning.
- Monitored activities to uphold safety and encourage positive interactions.
- Developed targeted interventions supporting individual learning needs.
- Provided compassionate guidance addressing social-emotional needs of students.
- Established strong relationships with families to enhance student success.
- Implemented behavior management techniques, improving classroom dynamics.
- Contributed to school-wide initiatives boosting academic performance.
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Early Childhood Education, Special education endorsement Candidate
Northern Illinois University
DeKalb, IL05.2026
High School Diploma -
Chicago Military Academy
Chicago06.2021
Skills
- Supervision
- Organization
- Team building
- Routine management
- Time management
- Customer service
- Problem resolution
- Team management
- Childcare
- Equipment Management
- Lesson Planning
- Progress Monitoring
- Individual Tutoring
- Positive Reinforcement
- Small Group Support
- Curriculum development
- Engagement strategies
- Assessment design
- Differentiated instruction
- Group and individual instruction
- Lesson implementation
- Classroom and activity supervision
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- First Aid/CPR/AED
- Natural environment training
- Incidental teaching
- Visual supports implementation
- Behavior intervention plans
- Error correction techniques
- Augmentative communication devices
- Reinforcement procedures
- Discrete trial training
- Toilet training
- Feeding intervention
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Treatment implementation
- Data collection and analysis
- Registered behavior technician (RBT)
- Applied behavior analysis
- Sensory integration
- Functional communication training
Certification
- Substitute teaching/Paraprofessional License, 11/20/24, Present
- Mandated Reporter Certification, 05/08/25, Present
- First aid, CPR and AED Certification, 05/16/25, Present
- Registered Behavioral Technician, 06/06/26, Present
- 40 Hour RBT Training coursework, 05/16/25, Present
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Student Teacher, Kindergarten
Dekalb 428 School district
01.2026 - Current
ABA Therapist
Westside Childrens's Therapy
07.2025 - Current
Registered Behavior Technician
Westside Childrens Therapy
07.2025 - Current
Registered Behavior Technician
Caravel Autism Health
05.2025 - 07.2025
Paraprofessional
Northern Illinois Association (Aqueor Healthcare Services)
03.2025 - 05.2025
Substitute Teacher & Paraprofessional
DeKalb School District 428
12.2024 - Current
Clinical Student
Lincoln Elementary School
09.2024 - 12.2024
ITI Tutor
Northern Illinois University
02.2024 - 06.2024
Clinical Student
Dekalb Early Learning and Development Center
09.2023 - 11.2023
Cashier/Stocker Associate
Family Dollar
05.2021 - 08.2021
Personal Shopper/ Cashier
Walmart
03.2021 - 02.2025
Student Poll Worker
Chicago Board of Elections
03.2020 - 04.2020
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Early Childhood Education, Special education endorsement Candidate
Northern Illinois University
High School Diploma -
Chicago Military Academy