Katherine E. McGowen
Lima,NY
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavior Specialist
Pittsford Central School District
10.2019 - Current
- Serve as a liaison between school staff, families, and support services to implement effective special education programs
- Lead the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)
- Provide oversight of behavioral support services, ensuring alignment with district and state special education regulations
- Train and mentor special education teachers and related service providers in evidence-based interventions
- Support the supervision of in-district related service providers and staff involved in special education programming
- Assist in the planning and administration of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to enhance student outcomes
- Facilitate CSE and 504 meetings, ensuring compliance with NYSED regulations
Summer Program Coordinator
Rush-Henrietta Central School District
06.2024 - 08.2024
- Managed the day-to-day instruction and operations of the Extended-Year Special Education Program
- Oversaw scheduling, staff supervision, and compliance with health and safety protocols
- Ensured alignment of instructional practices with student IEP goals and district curriculum
- Led progress monitoring efforts and facilitated family communication to enhance student success
- Conducted staff training sessions on best practices for special education service delivery
- Developed a program summary report for district administration and the Board of Education
Adjunct Faculty
University of Rochester
02.2019 - Current
- Provide leadership and mentorship to graduate students in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) practicums
- Evaluate student performance and guide professional skill development
- Train students in compliance with BACB and NYS Education Department standards
Autism Coordinator
Happiness House/CP Rochester
01.2015 - 10.2020
- Provided leadership in the development of special education programs for students with autism and developmental disabilities
- Designed and implemented behavior intervention plans, sensory programs, and individualized learning supports
- Supervised and trained staff on behavior management, instructional strategies, and regulatory compliance
- Collaborated with school districts and families to support students receiving special education services
- Assisted in the research and development of the Golisano Autism Center to expand regional services
Special Education Teacher
Mary Cariola Children’s Center
09.2007 - 01.2015
- Developed and implemented individualized learning plans for students with complex disabilities
- Created a structured classroom environment supporting diverse learning and behavioral needs
- Led collaborative planning with therapists, social workers, and families to optimize student success
- Trained and mentored new teachers and support staff in best practices for special education
Education
Graduate Certificate Program - Educational Leadership
Stony Brook University
03.2025
Certificate in ABA - Applied Behavior Analysis Program
University of Rochester
05.2013
M.S. - Education, Inclusive Education Program
Nazareth College of Rochester
05.2007
B.S. - Public Relations, Minor in Marketing
SUNY Fredonia
05.2005
Study Abroad -
University of Waikato
Hamilton01.2004
Skills
- Behavioral Analysis and Intervention Strategies
- Training and Staff Development in Special Education
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Implementation
- Supervision of Related Service Providers and Support Staff
- IEP Development and Compliance with NYS Education Regulations
- Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
Certification
- New York State Certification, Childhood Education (Grades 1-6), Teaching Students with Disabilities at the Childhood Level (Grades 1-6)
- New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst, 001183-1, 9205484
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst, 1-15-21265
Professional Development
- SCIP-R and NCI Certified
- NYSABA Member
- Presenter at CARD Albany’s Annual Autism Conference
- Training in NYS 504 Accommodation Plan Procedures and Special Education Law
- Experience in chairing CSE and 504 meetings
Timeline
Summer Program Coordinator
Rush-Henrietta Central School District
06.2024 - 08.2024
Behavior Specialist
Pittsford Central School District
10.2019 - Current
Adjunct Faculty
University of Rochester
02.2019 - Current
Autism Coordinator
Happiness House/CP Rochester
01.2015 - 10.2020
Special Education Teacher
Mary Cariola Children’s Center
09.2007 - 01.2015
Graduate Certificate Program - Educational Leadership
Stony Brook University
Certificate in ABA - Applied Behavior Analysis Program
University of Rochester
M.S. - Education, Inclusive Education Program
Nazareth College of Rochester
B.S. - Public Relations, Minor in Marketing
SUNY Fredonia
Study Abroad -
University of Waikato
- New York State Certification, Childhood Education (Grades 1-6), Teaching Students with Disabilities at the Childhood Level (Grades 1-6)
- New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst, 001183-1, 9205484
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst, 1-15-21265