Kris Hernandez
Waipahu,HI
Summary
Dedicated Disability Specialist skilled in client advocacy, problem-solving, and effective communication. Committed to fostering inclusive environments and developing individualized support plans to empower students with disabilities.
Resourceful Disability Specialist with extensive experience in developing tailored support plans and coordinating accommodations. Proven ability to train faculty on inclusive practices while managing multiple cases efficiently, ensuring compliance with ADA regulations.
Compassionate professional with a strong background in disability services and client advocacy. Known for developing individualized education plans and promoting accessibility to empower individuals and enhance their educational experiences.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Disability Specialist/Program Consultant
Leeward Community College
Pearl City, HI
10.2002 - Current
- Developed and implemented individualized support plans for students with disabilities.
- Coordinated accommodations and services, ensuring compliance with ADA regulations.
- Conducted assessments to identify student needs and recommend appropriate resources.
- Trained faculty on inclusive teaching practices and disability awareness initiatives.
- Educated clients about available resources and support services, empowering them to make informed decisions about their options.
- Evaluated disability diagnosis/documentation for eligibility, ensuring appropriate accommodations are assigned and communicated to faculty.
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills by efficiently managing a high volume of cases concurrently while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in documentation processes.
- Assisted clients in understanding their rights and responsibilities under the ADA and Section 504 federal regulations.
- Led training sessions for new faculty hires on best practices in providing classroom accommodations.
- Conducted thorough case reviews, maintaining detailed records for each student's experience with our office.
- Negotiated reasonable accommodations with employers on behalf of disabled employees, promoting workplace inclusivity and equal access opportunities.
- Effectively communicated complex information about disability benefits programs to a diverse clientele, ensuring that all individuals had a clear understanding of their entitlements and available resources.
- Served as a liaison between clients and government agencies to help expedite benefit approvals when necessary, advocating effectively on behalf of those seeking assistance through the disability benefits system.
- Provided compassionate support to clients during difficult life transitions due to illness or injury, fostering positive relationships with claimants and their families.
- Remained up-to-date on industry trends and advancements in disability support services, leveraging this knowledge to better serve claimants and their families.
- Kept accurate records for client files and handled related paperwork.
Special Education Teacher
HIDOE
Leeward District, HI
08.1999 - 06.2002
- Designed and implemented individualized education plans tailored to diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance student learning outcomes through targeted interventions.
- Developed and executed engaging lesson plans that promote social, emotional, and academic growth.
- Monitored student progress through assessments and adjusted teaching strategies accordingly for optimal results.
- Advocated for students' rights and facilitated communication between families and educational stakeholders.
- Established positive relationships with students to foster an inclusive classroom environment conducive to learning.
- Leveraged assistive technology tools to support students with disabilities in achieving educational goals.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Coordinated with general education teachers to develop accommodations or modifications necessary for successful inclusion of students with special needs in mainstream classrooms.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
Content Area Tutor (BIO, GEOL, LOGIC, SPANISH)
Leeward Community College
Pearl City, HI
08.1991 - 06.1997
- Developed customized lesson plans to enhance student comprehension and engagement.
- Facilitated one-on-one tutoring sessions to support individual learning needs and academic goals.
- Integrated technology tools to improve instructional delivery and student interaction.
- Monitored student progress, providing feedback and support for continuous improvement.
- Collaborated with faculty to align tutoring strategies with course objectives and curriculum standards.
- Led workshops on study skills and academic success strategies for diverse learner populations.
- Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
- Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure.
- Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions, tailoring instruction to meet the specific needs of each student while promoting independent learning skills.
- Increased student comprehension by utilizing personalized teaching methods and adapting to individual learning styles.
- Provided constructive feedback on assignments, helping students improve their writing and problem-solving skills.
- Tutored diverse groups of students to strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence, and build important learning skills.
- Promoted critical thinking skills through engaging activities and consistent reinforcement of complex concepts.
- Collaborated with fellow tutors to develop effective strategies for addressing diverse student needs and abilities.
- Encouraged students to set and achieve personal academic goals, leading to sense of accomplishment and increased motivation.
- Facilitated group tutoring sessions for enhanced collaborative learning and problem-solving skills.
Education
Master of Education - Special Education
University of Hawaii At Manoa
Honolulu, HI06-2005
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish Language And Literature
University of Hawaii At Manoa
Honolulu, HI05-2000
Skills
- Client advocacy
- Self-care and resilience
- Recruitment and hiring
- Training and education
- Legal compliance
- Adaptive technology
- Disability assessment
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Computer skills
- Active listening
- Creative thinking
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Verbal and written communication
- Personal growth support
- Relationship building
- Positive reinforcement
- Social skills development
- Emotional support
- Family communication
- Conflict resolution
- Disability services
- Client confidentiality
- Crisis management
- Boundary setting
- Case management
- Disability awareness
- Educational support
Certification
MHA- Suicide Prevention 2023
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Disability Specialist/Program Consultant
Leeward Community College
10.2002 - Current
Special Education Teacher
HIDOE
08.1999 - 06.2002
Content Area Tutor (BIO, GEOL, LOGIC, SPANISH)
Leeward Community College
08.1991 - 06.1997
Master of Education - Special Education
University of Hawaii At Manoa
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish Language And Literature
University of Hawaii At Manoa