KRISTY CHALLENGER
Far Rockaway,USA
Summary
Special Education Professional with strong focus on individualized instruction and behavioral support. Adept at developing and implementing tailored educational plans that promote student success. Effective collaborator, flexible in addressing changing needs, and known for achieving tangible results. Skilled in classroom management, communication, and adaptive teaching strategies. Reliable team player with passion for fostering inclusive learning environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Instructor/ABA Therapist
M&R Kids LLC
Queens, NY
01.2023 - Current
- Assessed student progress and adjusted instructional techniques accordingly and based on current IFSP goals.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address child' issues on multiple fronts.
- Enhanced student communication skills through one to one instruction, structured group activities and peer-to-peer interactions.
- Monitored child's progress closely, adjusting instructional approaches as needed to optimize outcomes for each learner.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formal assessments and informal observations to inform instructional decisions.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve student social and academic performance.
Special Instructor/ABA Therapist
AUTISM EARLY ENRICHMENT SERVICES
Queens, NY
02.2019 - Current
- Provided direct therapeutic interventions to children on the autism spectrum, by teaching, modeling, and coaching of ABA techniques directed to increase language, and communication skills, social skills, appropriate play skills, cooperation skills, and daily living skills.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and best practices in education.
- Trained families on reinforcement strategies to promote skill development at home.
- Assisted with the development of individualized programs, progress reporting, and recommendations based on child’s goals and needs.
- Communicated confidentially, and professionally with behavior analysts, teachers and parents.
- Familiar with ABLLS-R, DAY-C, Help Checklist, Catalyst (discrete trials).
Speed Teacher (6:1:1): ABA-VB setting and (12:1:1)
P.S. 396K (D75)
Brooklyn, NY
09.2019 - 06.2022
- Provided instruction based on individual educational programs using the principles of applied behavior analysis, including discrete trial training, PRT, PECS, shaping, natural environment training, verbal behavior, social skills, daily living skills, and behavior.
- Monitored maladaptive behaviors using BIP and FBA assessments and implemented behavior interventions.
- Developed and implemented individualized education plans for diverse learners.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address student needs and enhance educational outcomes.
- Utilized assessment tools such as graphs, and checklists to monitor student progress and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
- Led professional development workshops focused on best practices in special education teaching methods and social emotional wellness for students.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
UPK/1st Grade Teacher
THE DANNY KAYE SCHOOL P.S. 149
Brooklyn, NY
09.2016 - 01.2019
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning and participation.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of need for individual students and adjust teaching methods accordingly.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment through effective behavior management strategies.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support student development and academic success.
- Integrated technology into lessons to enhance educational experiences and student engagement.
Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT)
KIDS UNLIMITED, PLLC
Brooklyn, NY
05.2016 - 08.2016
- Worked one on one with developmentally delayed preschool students.
- Collaborated on a regular basis with other educators and therapists on strategies and classroom modifications to support student learning.
- Monitored student educational progress with session notes, quarterly, and annual reports while attaining IEP goals.
- Attended IEP meetings in order to devise goals and objectives for student outcomes.
UPK/ Head Teacher/Interim Director
ROBERTA BRIGHT ELC
Brooklyn, NY
06.2014 - 12.2015
- Experience with planning and implementing instructional activities that align with the NYS Prekindergarten Common Core Standards, Head Start Performance Standards, School Readiness Goals, and Creative Curriculum.
- Proficient at developing lesson plans that engages all learners according to their needs, takes into account the multimodal nature of children, sociocultural back ground, and integrates different content areas.
- Conduct informal and formal assessments in order to further the development of children, and to drive instruction.
- Participated in parent conferences and multi-disciplinary team meetings.
- Maintained all required educational documentation (ESI-P, ASQ’s, IEP’s, and Developmental History forms).
- Very familiar with ECER’s, CLASS, and Teaching Gold Strategies.
- Served as the Interim Director during a transitional period at the center. Oversaw a staff of 16 employees, delegated roles and responsibilities for each staff member. Met with teachers, and parents to resolve matters in the classroom, as well as, budgeting concerns for supplies and school trips.
Student Teacher/ Self Contained (Pre-Kindergarten/ASD Population)
CENTRAL PARK EARLY LEARNING CENTER
New York, NY
03.2014 - 05.2014
- Facilitated emerging literacy skills with small group instruction based on unit texts, Creative Curriculum, and Common Core Standards.
- Participated in the process of needs identification, IEP development, assessment, and follow- through for students with multiple disabilities, ages 4-5, in 12:1:1 setting.
- Worked on varied instructional strategies and approaches to behavioral management for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Education
M.S.T. - Early Childhood General Education and Special Education Dual Program
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY
New York, NY05-2014
B.A. - Psychology
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
New York, NY05-2011
Skills
- Student-driven teaching
- Transition planning
- Data collection and analysis
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Differentiated instruction
- Positive reinforcement
- Sensory integration
- Autism spectrum disorders
Certification
- Early Childhood (Birth- Grade 2) Professional Certificate.
- Students with Disabilities (Birth- Grade 2) Professional Certificate.
Timeline
Special Education Instructor/ABA Therapist
M&R Kids LLC
01.2023 - Current
Speed Teacher (6:1:1): ABA-VB setting and (12:1:1)
P.S. 396K (D75)
09.2019 - 06.2022
Special Instructor/ABA Therapist
AUTISM EARLY ENRICHMENT SERVICES
02.2019 - Current
UPK/1st Grade Teacher
THE DANNY KAYE SCHOOL P.S. 149
09.2016 - 01.2019
Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT)
KIDS UNLIMITED, PLLC
05.2016 - 08.2016
UPK/ Head Teacher/Interim Director
ROBERTA BRIGHT ELC
06.2014 - 12.2015
Student Teacher/ Self Contained (Pre-Kindergarten/ASD Population)
CENTRAL PARK EARLY LEARNING CENTER
03.2014 - 05.2014
B.A. - Psychology
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
M.S.T. - Early Childhood General Education and Special Education Dual Program
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY