Katy O'Donoghue
Huntsville
Summary
Dependable and compassionate childcare professional with 15 years of experience supporting children with diverse needs, specializing in autism and ADHD. Trained in ABA techniques and currently pursuing a Childhood Learning and Behavior Specialist Certificate. Skilled at creating structured, nurturing environments that foster emotional regulation, cognitive development, and social growth.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Scuba Diving Instructor
Self Employed
09.2011 - Current
- Operated a successful scuba diving business, specializing in lessons for children, including those with special needs.
- Designed and implemented adaptive scuba diving programs, fostering confidence and skill development in children and adults with disabilities.
- Created fun, educational underwater activities to engage students and promote skill mastery in pool settings.
- Trained divers in First Aid and CPR as a certified Emergency Response Instructor.
ABAT Certified Behavioral Therapist
Stepping Stones ABA
03.2024 - 09.2024
- Delivered ABA therapy in-home and in-clinic settings, using interventions to improve communication skills.
- Implemented and worked with the Picture Exchange Communications System (PECS) and speech devices to enhance communication.
- Maintained detailed progress reports and collaborated with supervisors to optimize treatment plans.
Special Needs Nanny
Private Family Home
03.2023 - 03.2024
- Provided full-time care for an 11-year-old with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and epilepsy, along with her 8-year-old sibling.
- Created a nurturing, engaging environment with a focus on music and sensory activities.
- Collaborated closely with speech-language therapists and ABA professionals to support communication development.
- Accompanied the child to therapy sessions (hippotherapy, swimming) and medical appointments, maintaining consistency in routines and offering reassurance.
- Administered prescribed medications and monitored health concerns with care and vigilance.
- Provided overnight care during parents' travel, assisting with bathing, bedtime routines, and overall well-being.
Private Nanny
Private Family Home
05.2020 - 12.2020
- Cared for four children aged 20 months, 3, and 7-year-old twins.
- Established a structured routine to foster a supportive, consistent learning environment.
- Designed and implemented an engaging curriculum with creative activities and educational play to support developmental milestones.
- Balanced the needs of multiple age groups by tailoring activities and routines to each child’s developmental stage.
- Planned and prepared nutritionally balanced meals customized to the children’s dietary needs.
Private Nanny
Private Family Home
09.2018 - 06.2019
- Provided morning care for a 16-year-old with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and his siblings (ages 11 and 16).
- Prepared breakfast, ensured homework completion, and organized school supplies and personal items for the day.
- Safely transported the children to school and extracurricular activities, maintaining punctuality and routine.
Children's Swimming Instructor
YMCA, Frank G. Berlin
09.2015 - 12.2015
- Taught group swim lessons for children aged 5-12.
Special Needs Teaching Assistant
The Link Primary School
09.2014 - 09.2015
- Provided 1:1 support for a boy with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), addressing behavioral challenges and assisting with daily educational activities.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to implement the child's Individualized Education Program (IEP), focusing on social skills, emotional regulation, and academic progress.
- Developed and applied creative strategies to engage the child and encourage positive behavior.
Volunteer English Teacher
S.K. Sarikei Primary School
01.2004 - 09.2004
- Taught English as a Second Language (ESL) to large groups of children aged 7–12 years.
- Led Art and P.E. lessons, designing fun, interactive activities that supported language development and encouraged physical engagement.
Education
Childhood Learning and Behavior Specialist Certificate -
Louisiana State University
01-2026
MA - Material and Visual Culture
University College London
01.2011
BA - History of Art, Archaeology, and Anthropology
University of East Anglia
01.2008
Skills
- Autism and ADHD Behavior Support
- Emotional Regulation Coaching
- Sensory Integration Strategies
- Structured Routine Development
- Play-Based Learning and Therapy Support
- Social Skills Facilitation
- Executive Function Coaching (organization, transitions, task completion)
- Collaborative Implementation of Therapy Goals (Speech, OT, ABA)
- Visual Schedules and Communication Aids (eg, PECS, social stories)
- Calm Crisis Response and De-escalation
- Medication Administration and Health Monitoring
- Neurodiversity-Affirming Care Approach
- Parent Communication and Progress Reporting
Certification
- Emergency First Response Instructor (First aid and CPR)
- ABAT Certified Behavioral Therapist
- ASA Level 1 Aquatics Instructor
- PADI Master and Adaptive Scuba Dive Instructor
Timeline
ABAT Certified Behavioral Therapist
Stepping Stones ABA
03.2024 - 09.2024
Special Needs Nanny
Private Family Home
03.2023 - 03.2024
Private Nanny
Private Family Home
05.2020 - 12.2020
Private Nanny
Private Family Home
09.2018 - 06.2019
Children's Swimming Instructor
YMCA, Frank G. Berlin
09.2015 - 12.2015
Special Needs Teaching Assistant
The Link Primary School
09.2014 - 09.2015
Scuba Diving Instructor
Self Employed
09.2011 - Current
Volunteer English Teacher
S.K. Sarikei Primary School
01.2004 - 09.2004
MA - Material and Visual Culture
University College London
BA - History of Art, Archaeology, and Anthropology
University of East Anglia
Childhood Learning and Behavior Specialist Certificate -
Louisiana State University
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