Dynamic Student Support Specialist with expertise in developing child-centered learning environments and enhancing positive school culture. Proven leader in instructional planning, professional development, team collaboration, and communication. Skilled in relationship building and stakeholder engagement, ensuring support and high-level achievement for every learner.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Student Support Specialist, Williamsburg Elem.
Geneva School District 304, Geneva, IL
Geneva, IL
08.2016 - Current
Developed and supported school-wide goals and instructional programs.
Led initiatives that enhanced teacher capabilities through targeted professional development programs.
Coordinated MTSS and Problem-Solving processes to enhance student support.
Engineered standardized testing sessions, materials, and training resources to improve testing efficiency and accuracy.
Collaborated with the principal to design and implement effective student behavior strategies.
Directed proactive school discipline procedures that fostered a positive educational environment.
Monitored student 504 Plans to ensure compliance and support for diverse student needs.
Developed and led Building Culture Committee and Student Leadership Team to foster school morale and leadership capacity.
First Grade
Williamsburg Elementary
08.2010 - 08.2016
Initiated MTSS process to address needs of struggling learners.
Established strong rapport with First Grade parents to foster collaboration.
Created structured, nurturing environment for young learners.
Collaborated with specialists to implement targeted interventions.
Contributed to School Improvement/MTSS Committee to enhance educational strategies.
Assisted Pride Volunteer Committee in organizing community engagement activities.
Fifth Grade Long Term Substitute
Williamsburg Elementary
03.2010 - 06.2010
Collaborated with fifth-grade team to organize special events and performances.
Utilized assessment tools like Fountas & Pinnell to tailor instructional strategies.
Conducted daily guided reading groups to enhance reading skills development.
Fostered student self-confidence to support successful middle school transition.
Assisted parents in navigating challenges related to middle school adjustment.
Streamlined classroom routines to improve overall learning environment.
Substitute Teaching
Geneva School District 304
08.2006 - 06.2009
Created detailed feedback so teachers were informed of progress made
Exhibited flexibility and maintained organization
Accepted various assignments such as resource, physical education, and music in addition to kindergarten through fifth grade assignments
Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC)
Coultarp Elementary
08.2005 - 06.2006
Assumed building decision-making responsibilities during principal absences
Assisted principal with classroom, bus, and lunchroom discipline
Promoted leadership as a key member of the Instructional Support Team (IST)
Developed and reviewed building 504 plans
Third Grade Teacher
Coultrap Elementary School
08.2002 - 06.2003
Designed curricular activities to meet the needs of all learners
Collaborated with support staff to address students’ individual needs
Initiated open communication with students, parents, and colleagues
Prepared students for ISAT testing in math, reading, and writing
Supervised building Student Council activities
Fifth Grade Teacher
Coultarp Elementary School
08.1996 - 06.2002
Designed and differentiated lessons to meet the needs of all learners
Created a positive learning environment through weekly class meetings emphasizing character education and conflict resolution
Promoted student self-reflection and goal setting through portfolios
Integrated technology such as Power Point into classroom activities
Supported building and district goals by serving on various committees
Education
Master of Education - Educational Leadership Program, Principal Endorsement
North Central College
Naperville, IL
12-2024
Master of Arts - Reading Specialist Endorsement
Aurora University
Aurora, IL
05-2017
Master of Education Degree - Curriculum and Instruction
National-Louis University
Wheaton, IL
05-2000
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Elementary Education
North Central College
Naperville, IL
05-1993
Gifted Certification -
Kane County Regional Office of Education
Aurora, IL
Skills
Visible and effective leadership
Integrity and service
Child-centered learning environment
Positive school culture
Team collaboration
Effective communication
Professional development
Efficient systems development
Stakeholder engagement
Relationship building
Additional Experience
2007-2010 PTO President, Wasco Elementary, St. Charles, IL
Oversaw twenty-five committees to ensure successful events and programs
Engaged in extensive planning with building principal to support student learning
2007-2008 Pre-School Teacher, Kids Connection, Saint Charles, IL
2000-2005 One-on-One Student Tutoring
1994-1996 Sixth Grade Teacher, Indian Knoll Elementary School, West Chicago, IL
Committee Involvement
Building Culture Committee
Building and Student Leadership Team
Assist Team
Student Services Team
District Reading Committee
District Math Committee
Teacher Mentor
Certification
Educational Leadership-Principal Endorsement
Reading Specialist Endorsement
Professional Educator Licensure
Paraprofessional Educator
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Student Support Specialist, Williamsburg Elem.
Geneva School District 304, Geneva, IL
08.2016 - Current
First Grade
Williamsburg Elementary
08.2010 - 08.2016
Fifth Grade Long Term Substitute
Williamsburg Elementary
03.2010 - 06.2010
Substitute Teaching
Geneva School District 304
08.2006 - 06.2009
Student Assistance Coordinator (SAC)
Coultarp Elementary
08.2005 - 06.2006
Third Grade Teacher
Coultrap Elementary School
08.2002 - 06.2003
Fifth Grade Teacher
Coultarp Elementary School
08.1996 - 06.2002
Master of Education - Educational Leadership Program, Principal Endorsement
North Central College
Master of Arts - Reading Specialist Endorsement
Aurora University
Master of Education Degree - Curriculum and Instruction