Karen Frye
Wichita,KS
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience as an Autism and Behavior Specialist at USD 259 Wichita Public Schools, adept at fostering relationships and implementing individualized education plans. Proven success in enhancing social integration and behavior management, while leading impactful workshops that elevate community awareness and support for individuals with disabilities .
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner/Director The Purple Cow Farm Inc.
Non Profit Organization
05.2012 - 08.2020
- Led workshops and presentations on autism awareness for parents, and community members to promote understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals with ASD.
- Developed strong relationships with parents and caregivers, maintaining open lines of communication about their child''s progress and collaborating on effective strategies to promote success at home and in school settings.
- Facilitated social skills groups that promoted peer interaction, friendship development, and conflict resolution among students with ASD.
- Organized structured play opportunities that targeted specific social skills deficits in children diagnosed with ASD while also promoting group cohesion and cooperation
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Oversaw the successful execution of special events, including fundraising galas and community engagement activities, that showcased the organization''s impact and attracted new supporters.
- Managed budgets responsibly, aligning resources with strategic priorities while maintaining fiscal discipline.
- Improved transparency with regular communication to board members about organizational successes and challenges.
- Established a robust volunteer recruitment program that attracted committed individuals passionate about the cause.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into the community by advocating for competitive employment and helping parents access resources.
Special Education Campus Support
USD 259 Wichita Public Schools
08.2020 - 08.2025
- Assisted general education teachers in modifying curriculum and instructional techniques for inclusive classrooms.
- Mentored new special education teachers offering guidance on effective instructional techniques and classroom management strategies.
- Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Led professional development workshops on special education topics for fellow educators.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess students'' needs, develop interventions, and monitor progress for improved outcomes.
Behavior Specialist
USD 259 Wichita Public Schools
08.2010 - 08.2025
- Reduced classroom disruptions through careful observation and analysis of student behaviors, leading to tailored interventions.
- Provided crisis intervention support during critical incidents, deescalating situations and ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
- Improved student behavior by implementing individualized behavior support plans and strategies.
- Designed visual supports and environmental modifications to promote optimal learning environments for students with behavioral challenges.
- Trained staff in evidence-based practices for addressing challenging behaviors and promoting positive outcomes.
Autism Specialist
USD 259 Wichita Public Schools
08.2006 - 08.2010
- Coordinated with local agencies and organizations to promote access to services for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
- Led workshops and presentations on autism-related topics, increasing community awareness and understanding of the disorder.
- Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
- Designed individual education plans to encourage student growth according to different learning abilities and needs.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
Education
No Degree - Endorsement in English As A Second Language
Emporia State University
Emporia, KSM.Ed. - Curriculum And Instruction, Special Education
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS12-1997
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS05-1992
Skills
- Relationship building
- Functional behavior assessments
- Individualized education plans
- Autism spectrum
- Data collection and analysis
- Emotional and behavioral disorders
- Social integration
- Differentiated instruction techniques
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Cognitive and behavioral development
- Verbal and written communication
- Parent-teacher collaboration
Timeline
Special Education Campus Support
USD 259 Wichita Public Schools
08.2020 - 08.2025
Owner/Director The Purple Cow Farm Inc.
Non Profit Organization
05.2012 - 08.2020
Behavior Specialist
USD 259 Wichita Public Schools
08.2010 - 08.2025
Autism Specialist
USD 259 Wichita Public Schools
08.2006 - 08.2010
No Degree - Endorsement in English As A Second Language
Emporia State University
M.Ed. - Curriculum And Instruction, Special Education
Wichita State University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Kansas State University
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