Lauren Allen

Supported young adults (ages 18–22) with disabilities in developing life skills, job readiness, and independent living competencies, as they transitioned from school to adult life.

• Assisted in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) focusing on vocational training, health and safety, social integration, and access to community services.
• Taught and reinforced self-care practices, including personal hygiene, healthy eating, medication reminders, and physical wellness.
• Collaborated with speech therapists, job coaches, social workers, and families to ensure coordinated care and progress toward transition goals.
• De-escalated challenging behaviors using trauma-informed practices, and promoted emotional regulation through supportive strategies.

• Taught health and safety routines, such as proper handwashing, recognizing signs of illness, understanding medication schedules, and healthy meal planning.
• Maintained daily documentation of student progress, noting strengths, challenges, and strategies used to support growth in functional living skills.
• Encouraged self-advocacy by teaching students how to access resources, speak up for their needs, and engage respectfully in community settings.
• Played an active role in behavior support planning, using trauma-informed approaches to de-escalate incidents, and foster emotional regulation.