Kara O’Connor
Waterford
Summary
Board certified behavior analyst with a master's in applied behavior analysis and six years of experience improving outcomes for individuals with developmental disabilities. Proficient in developing data-driven behavior support plans and conducting comprehensive assessments. Strong focus on staff training and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration to enhance service delivery.
Overview
1
1
Certification
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Colchester Public Schools
Colchester
05.2023 - Current
- Provide high-quality 1:1 and group behavioral support for students experiencing complex social, emotional, and learning difficulties.
- Conducted functional behavior assessments and designed data collection sheets and graphing systems to effectively monitor learner progress.
- Formulate and execute comprehensive behavior support plans using evidence-based interventions under the guidance of the BCBA.
- Trained, mentored, and supervised paraprofessional staff in implementing crisis and behavioral intervention protocols and skill acquisition programs.
- Collaborated daily with multidisciplinary team, including caregivers and special education professionals, to enhance support for students.
Supervising & Training Bartender
Big Night Entertainment Group
Foxwoods
01.2008 - 01.2024
- Designed and instituted new staff training programs and customer service policies, resulting in elevated service efficiency across regional venues.
- Trained and onboarded new team members on point-of-sale (MICROS) workflows, menu knowledge, safety compliance, and crisis resolution, ensuring a knowledgeable and efficient staff.
- Managed guest relations and service operations in high-volume restaurant and nightclub venues, consistently delivering exceptional service during 10–12 hour shifts.
- Spearheaded the grand openings of three separate properties (Red Lantern Foxwoods, Scorpion Bar Foxwoods, and Red Lantern Boston) with uniform operational compliance.
Developmental Therapist / Birth-to-Three Provider
Beacon Services of Connecticut
Cromwell
03.2023 - 08.2023
- Implemented evidence-based early intervention strategies for toddlers aged 18 months to 3 years with developmental delays, enhancing skill acquisition and developmental progress.
- Collaborated with families and daycare educators to generalise behavioral goals and skills across home and school settings, fostering a cohesive support system for children.
- Coordinated care and case updates with clinical social workers and BCBAs, ensuring integrated approaches to optimize developmental outcomes for clients.
Support Staff / Behavior Technician
LEARN
New London
09.2020 - 04.2021
- Utilized evidence-based practices to promote skill acquisition and effectively manage challenging target behaviors.
- Delivered individualized behavioral interventions to students in specialized ASD classroom, enhancing learning experiences for adolescents.
- Maintained daily communication and tracked data for classroom Special Education Teacher and BCBA, supporting informed decision-making.
Education
Master of Science - Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Western Connecticut State University
Danbury, CT12-2022
Bachelor of Science - Child Studies
Charter Oak State College
New Britain, CT06-2017
Skills
- Applied behavior analysis
- Evidence-based practices
- Behavior assessments
- Early intervention strategies
- Autism spectrum disorder expertise
- Individualized education programs
- Progress monitoring
- Developmental disabilities support
- Data analysis
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Training development
- Program management
Certification
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Timeline
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Colchester Public Schools
05.2023 - Current
Developmental Therapist / Birth-to-Three Provider
Beacon Services of Connecticut
03.2023 - 08.2023
Support Staff / Behavior Technician
LEARN
09.2020 - 04.2021
Supervising & Training Bartender
Big Night Entertainment Group
01.2008 - 01.2024
Master of Science - Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Western Connecticut State University
Bachelor of Science - Child Studies
Charter Oak State College