Kristy Hickman
Kennewick,WA
Summary
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Hardworking and passionate job seeker bringing over 15 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities. Looking to join a team working together to achieve company's goals and quality of life for all clients
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
READING SPECIALIST - Paraprofessional
Kennewick School District
Kennewick, WA
02.2023 - 05.2024
- Grades 1st-3rd, cared for individuals with various disabilities facilitating their educational goals, life skills program according to their IEP and 504 plans.
- Provided ongoing support for struggling readers by offering one-on-one tutoring sessions and small group instruction.
- Enhanced reading comprehension by implementing targeted literacy interventions and strategies.
- Increased student engagement through interactive reading materials and technology integration.
- Collaborated with teachers to ensure consistent implementation of reading interventions across all subject areas.
COACH
YMCA/TCYSA/Surf
Tri-cities, WA
08.2019 - 11.2023
- Adjusted coaching techniques, based on strengths, and weaknesses of athletes.
- Collaborated with other coaches to create and execute game plans.
- Promoted sportsmanship values among athletes, fostering positive competitive atmosphere within team environment.
- Utilized positive communication to encourage team and promote integrity and respect.
- Boosted player confidence through personalized training sessions and continuous feedback.
- Enhanced team performance by developing and implementing effective coaching strategies.
- Managed practice schedules, ensuring efficient use of time and resources for optimal results.
- Improved team cohesion by organizing regular bonding activities and fostering supportive environment.
- Enforced discipline both on and off-field to lead team with highest personal standards.
TUTOR/READING BUDDIES
Utah State University
Logan, UT
08.2019 - 06.2020
- Developed and implemented reading strategies to improve student comprehension and fluency in reading.
CASE MANAGER/DEPART SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
Division of Developmental Services
Kennewick, WA
08.2006 - 06.2012
- Identify support needs, plan for services, completed Care assessments and service plans within established guidelines
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration by coordinating shared resources between departments in timely manner.
- Conducted CARE assessments for children and adults and medically intensive case loads.
- Manged and coordinated care plans and support services for case load varying from 300-500 individuals.
- Attended IEP/IFSP meetings for clients assisting families with ensuring their support needs were being met.
- Managed finances of contracted providers ensuring services are rendered and all parties are paid as services are provided.
- Collaborated with variety of health care providers from doctors, counselors, dentists for direct implementation of services to my clients.
- Connected my individuals and families with community resources available to them free of charge and financed by state (Individual and Family Services) and federal programs (Waiver) services through Department of Social and Health Services/Division of Developmental Disabilities/Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.
- Served as point of contact for both internal stakeholders and external partners on matters relating to resource availability and allocation, fostering strong relationships built on trust and transparency.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
OWNER/ABC, CONSULTING LLC.
ABC, Consulting
Richland, WA
07.2006 - 06.2007
- Designed and implemented behavioral support plans and verbal behavior programs for clients conducting staff and parent training, developing and maintaining behavior support plans, creating Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS) and daily picture schedules, potty training and verbal behavior schedules, data collections and techniques
- Conducted Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA) and ABC assessments for in home and school settings
- Provided ABA in home services to clients including language acquisition utilizing verbal behavior techniques, eating/feeding programs, decreased maladaptive behaviors and consulted with school personnel.
- Collected, tracked data to drive programming goals for individuals served based on evidence based practices.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Oversaw daily operations, ensuring all tasks were completed accurately and efficiently by team members.
- Managed financial aspects of business, including budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Increased customer satisfaction by implementing efficient business processes and providing exceptional service.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR THERAPIST/LEAD
Quest Kids
Orlando, FL
08.2002 - 07.2006
- Collaborated with Physical, Occupational and Speech therapists, fostered strong relationships, trained families, caregivers, and school staff to implement effective techniques across all environments, promoting progress and generalization.
- Built strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication for effective therapy sessions.
- Maintained detailed case notes and documentation, ensuring effective tracking of progress and continuity of care across providers.
- Conducted Functional Analysis Assessments to help guide program goals.
- Attended Individualized Educational Program/Individual Family Services Program meetings helping to meet individual and families support needs.
- Functioned in supervisory capacity and provide oversight to all areas of programming including training of direct support professionals, person centered strategies consultants and trainers.
- Assisted in development, facilitation, and follow-up training in Applied Behavior Analysis, using both discrete
trial training and natural environment training models of teaching. - Facilitated and assisted in development and identification of resources and support information for clients and
their families - Provided model teaching and other direct instructional supports including, but not limited to class instruction and in-services instruction to other support professionals.
- Assisted in development and implementation of assessment tools, to conduct functional assessments and analyses when appropriate.
- Developed appropriate behavior strategies to teach appropriate behavior and reduce maladaptive behaviors.
- Designed and implemented individualized program goals addressing shared targets during collaboration with in-house Physical, Occupational and Speech therapists.
- Provided language acquisition and verbal behavior to various clients.
- Provided ongoing support, training and direct supervision to Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts, behavior technicians and other individuals in support roles for families.
- Worked as Board Certified Behavior Analyst consult with schools, rehabilitation centers and in-home sessions receiving ABA services.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge through ongoing research, training, and participation in industry conferences and workshops.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and deliver treatment plans and patient care.
- Wrote reports on clients and maintained required paperwork.
- Compiled detailed client histories using intake forms, interviews and assessments to build complete picture for determining optimal therapeutic approaches.
- Established trusting relationships with clients, providing foundation for successful behavioral change.
BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGER
Tillman's
Hot Springs, AR
08.2000 - 05.2002
- Provided one-on-one support to clients with autism spectrum disorders, addressing unique behavioral needs.
- Implemented crisis intervention strategies when necessary to maintain a safe environment for both staff and clients alike during high-stress situations.
- Assisted clients in identifying and setting goals to promote positive behavior development.
- Promoted positive behaviors by reinforcing desired actions and effectively addressing challenging issues.
- Assisted in data collection and analysis, contributing to ongoing evaluation of client progress.
- Worked as part of collaborative team to address changing needs of children and families.
- Developed strong rapport with clients and their families, fostering trust and open communication throughout therapeutic process.
- Assisted in creation of visual supports and schedules for clients, enhancing daily routines and transitions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment strategies for clients.
- Supported families in understanding and managing challenging behaviors, promoting consistency across environments.
- Collaborated with other professionals to develop and modify individualized treatment plans.
- Facilitated group sessions to teach clients positive coping strategies.
- Facilitated family meetings to discuss client progress and behavior plans.
- Supported patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Treated clients and families with respect and dignity.
- Administered patient medications and tracked dosages.
- Anticipated household''s needs and proactively addressed them to minimize disruptions or inconveniences.
- Performed cleaning and organization duties.
- Handled various administrative tasks on behalf of household such as correspondence, document management, and filing systems.
- Coordinated meals for all family members with focus on catering to dietary restrictions.
- Facilitated smooth transitions during relocation efforts by orchestrating logistics, packing assistance, and temporary accommodations as needed.
- Tended to childcare responsibilities when necessary with empathy and attentiveness towards each child''s unique needs or interests.
- Managed financial matters for household, including budgeting, bill payments, and expense tracking.
FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER AND COMMUNITY TREATMENT AIDE
Visinet, Inc.
Lincoln, NE
03.1999 - 08.2000
- Enhanced family stability by providing comprehensive support and resources tailored to individual needs.
- Connected families with community resources such as housing assistance, financial aid programs, and educational opportunities.
- Strengthened families'' resilience through crisis intervention, counseling, and referral services.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering trust necessary for effective intervention.
- Assisted families in navigating complex social service systems, advocating for their rights and accessing essential services.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure provision of holistic care for families in need.
- Maintained accurate case documentation, ensuring timely reporting to supervisors and compliance with agency requirements.
- Reported child abuse in accordance with legal standards of mandatory reporters.
- Conducted thorough assessments of family dynamics and needs, developing detailed case plans to address challenges effectively.
- Monitored progress of families under my supervision, adjusting interventions as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
- Facilitated successful reunification of families by diligently working towards resolution of underlying challenges.
- Visited home environments to help clients develop comprehensive life, technical and job skills.
- Coordinated services for children with special needs by collaborating closely with healthcare providers and school personnel.
- Developed and implemented programs to support children's mental health and well-being.
- Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
- Collaborated with school personnel, parents and mental health providers to maintain comprehensive and integrated approach to student services.
- Assisted families in navigating social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Provided individualized attention to patients with diverse backgrounds and unique challenges, adapting treatment approaches as needed for optimal outcomes.
- Maintained confidentiality at all times by strictly adhering to HIPAA regulations when handling sensitive patient information.
REHABILITATION SPECIALIST
Developmental Services of Nebraska
Lincoln, NE
08.1996 - 06.2000
- Supported clients in daily living tasks such as meal preparation, hygiene routines, and household management.
- Facilitated group sessions focused on social skills development, fostering sense of community among participants.
- Assisted clients in achieving personal goals by providing guidance, encouragement, and skill-building opportunities.
- Took clients out into community on regular basis and maintained close supervision during outings.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and guidelines through diligent documentation and record keeping practices.
- Educated family members about available resources and best practices in supporting their loved ones'' growth and development.
- Empowered individuals by identifying their strengths, interests, and capabilities as foundation for goal-setting efforts.
- Fostered lasting relationships with clients by demonstrating empathy, active listening skills, and genuine concern for their well being.
- Provided personalized support for clients with disabilities, promoting self-advocacy and community integration.
- Maintained detailed records of client interactions, assessments, and treatment outcomes for accurate reporting.
- Wrote case notes and documented incidents involving clients.
- Enhanced client independence by developing and implementing individualized rehabilitation plans.
- Delivered physical and programmatic aid to clients.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to assess client needs and develop comprehensive care plans.
- Served as effective liaison between clients, families, healthcare providers, educators, employers to ensure coordinated services were provided consistently across all domains of life.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying up-to-date on best practices and emerging trends in field of rehabilitation services.
- Transported residents to and from appointments and other activities to encourage mobility.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current with best practices in field of rehabilitation.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Communications Disorders and Deaf Education
Utah State University
Logan, UT 05.2024
Master of Science - Psychology/Applied Behavioral Analysis
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FL05.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Clinical Psychology, Education and English
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE06.1999
Skills
- Conducting Functional Behavioral Analysis and Assessments
- Time management
- Analysis
- Managing high volume of clients
- Facilitating parental, school and Other interprofessional participation
- In treatment goals
- Verbal Behavior strategies
- Working Knowledge of (ABBLS) and (VB-MAPP)
- Individual and group assistance With special educational students
- Individualized Support Behavior Modification Techniques
- In-Depth Knowledge of Autism and CAPD
- 15 years of experience working with children and adults with various disabilities and implementing Applied Behavioral Analysis
- Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification number: 1-06-2700
Volunteer Experience
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Certification
- BCBA - Board Certified Behavior Analyst
- Speech Language Pathology Assistant License - by July 2024
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
American Sign Language
Limited Working
Timeline
READING SPECIALIST - Paraprofessional
Kennewick School District
02.2023 - 05.2024
COACH
YMCA/TCYSA/Surf
08.2019 - 11.2023
TUTOR/READING BUDDIES
Utah State University
08.2019 - 06.2020
CASE MANAGER/DEPART SOCIAL AND HEALTH SERVICES
Division of Developmental Services
08.2006 - 06.2012
OWNER/ABC, CONSULTING LLC.
ABC, Consulting
07.2006 - 06.2007
BOARD CERTIFIED BEHAVIOR THERAPIST/LEAD
Quest Kids
08.2002 - 07.2006
BEHAVIOR TECHNICIAN AND HOUSEHOLD MANAGER
Tillman's
08.2000 - 05.2002
FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER AND COMMUNITY TREATMENT AIDE
Visinet, Inc.
03.1999 - 08.2000
REHABILITATION SPECIALIST
Developmental Services of Nebraska
08.1996 - 06.2000
Bachelor of Science - Communications Disorders and Deaf Education
Utah State University
Master of Science - Psychology/Applied Behavioral Analysis
Florida Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Arts - Clinical Psychology, Education and English
University of Nebraska-Lincoln