KATHLEEN BUTTON
Harker Heights,USA
Summary
Adept at building and implementing successful family programs. Works well with team members to build support networks for children and families, coordinate care plans and create personalized strategies focused on unique needs. Skilled community leader with focus on building strengths based community resources.
Professional with expertise in child and youth social work, equipped to drive impactful change and support. Adept in crisis intervention, case management, and advocacy, ensuring safety and well-being of young individuals. Strong collaborator, adaptable to evolving situations, and steadfast in delivering positive outcomes. Reliable, empathetic, and skilled in fostering supportive environments.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Belton ISD, Pflugerville ISD, Killeen ISD
09.2006 - Current
- Served on campus Site Based Decision Committee, 2019-2021
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Developed behavior intervention strategies to enhance student engagement.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to assess student progress and adjust interventions.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
Clinical Social Work Intern
Hearts Renewed Counseling Service
01.2025 - 08.2025
- Utilized cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques to help clients identify patterns of thinking that contributed to emotional distress.
- Facilitated individual and group therapy sessions, promoting emotional well-being and resilience.
- Engaged in ongoing professional development through workshops, enhancing skills in clinical practice and social work ethics.
- Documented clinical progress notes accurately, adhering to ethical standards and confidentiality protocols.
- Evaluated client progress regularly through ongoing assessment tools, adjusting treatment goals as needed for optimal outcomes.
Social Work Intern
Garden of Hope Foster Care
05.2024 - 12.2024
- Interviewed clients to assess needs and determine most suitable needs and services.
- Assessed program effectiveness using feedback from participants and data analysis techniques, making recommendations for improvement as needed.
- Supported families in addressing parenting challenges through education, resource connection, and skills training workshops.
- Performed client screenings and accurately recorded data in case files to facilitate clinical case coordination services and case management duties.
Program Specialist
Fort Knox Child, Youth & School Services
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Provided educational advocacy, resource, and referral for transitioning military families
- Served as Special Education Committee Lead
- Specialized in vocational skill development, teen leadership and community involvement
- Impacted student performance by developing and executing strategic plans for program delivery, and financial accountability
- Managed and mentored professional staff and volunteers
- Coordinated with program manager and staff to deliver learning events for student success
Special Needs Program Administrator (Part Time)
Candlelight Ranch
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Designed and facilitated event-based adaptive learning activities
- Developed standard operational and risk management procedures
- Generated volunteer services and resources by fostering community partnerships
- Supported annual budget development, with activity reports and marketing surveys, and by justifying expenditures
Education
BA - Anthropology and Fine Art
San Francisco State University
CAAlternative Teaching Certification - undefined
Huston-Tillotson University
TXMaster of Social Work - Social Work
Garland School of Social Work, Baylor University
TX12-2025
Skills
- INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP COUNSELING
- COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS
- MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING
- ECOLOGICAL AND FAMILY SYSTEMS FRAMEWORK
- CASE MANAGEMENT
- CHILD AND FAMILY WELFARE
- COMMUNITY OUTREACH
- NON-PROFIT GRANT DEVELOPMENT
- PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
Affiliations
National Association of Social Workers
Yoga Alliance member and registered Instructor
Certification
LSMW, February 2026
Texas Special Education Teacher Certificate 2008 -present
Texas ESL Teacher Certificate 2017 - present
Timeline
Clinical Social Work Intern
Hearts Renewed Counseling Service
01.2025 - 08.2025
Social Work Intern
Garden of Hope Foster Care
05.2024 - 12.2024
Program Specialist
Fort Knox Child, Youth & School Services
01.2010 - 01.2014
Special Needs Program Administrator (Part Time)
Candlelight Ranch
01.2008 - 01.2009
Special Education Teacher
Belton ISD, Pflugerville ISD, Killeen ISD
09.2006 - Current
Alternative Teaching Certification - undefined
Huston-Tillotson University
BA - Anthropology and Fine Art
San Francisco State University
Master of Social Work - Social Work
Garland School of Social Work, Baylor University
TRAINING
- Cognitive Processing Therapy
- Unified Protocol for the Treatment of Transdiagnostic Disorders
- Motivational Interviewing
- Yoga and Mindfulness
- Education and Child Development
AWARDS
Special Educator Angels Award, Kentucky Colonel for Community Enrichment, Professional Employee of the Quarter, Official Recognition from Garrison Commander and FMWR, Official Recognition from CYSS Directorate, Innovative Teaching Grant