Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Appointed by the Governor of Vermont to the State of Vermont Special Education Advisory Panel
Interests
Timeline
Lisa Catherine Johnson

Lisa Catherine Johnson

College Station,TX

Summary

Dedicated special education administrator and evaluation specialist with a robust skill set in the service of students with diverse learning needs. Extensive experience with over fifteen years developing and managing special education teams in EC-12+ settings. Strong background in the development and delivery of professional development. Experience as Special Education Coordinator and Director. Extensive training in authentic assessment, low incidence disabilities, dyslexia assessment, CSEP and cross battery assessment. Strong background in diagnosing learning needs and developing effective intervention strategies. Proven track record in collaborating with educators, parents, and students to achieve measurable improvements. Skilled in data analysis, individualized education planning, and special education law. Known for adaptability and reliability in dynamic educational environments. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Educational Diagnostician

Huntsville ISD
08.2024 - Current
  • Educational Diagnostician for grades Pk-7, supporting PBIS, RtI, MTSS and all evaluations for multiple campuses while attending a full time graduate program
  • Improved student success rates by identifying specific learning challenges and creating targeted intervention strategies.
  • Supported educators in modifying curriculum and instructional methods, ensuring accessibility for all students.

Elementary and Intermediate Special Education Coordinator

Bryan ISD
07.2023 - 06.2024
  • Special Education Coordinator for seventeen elementary and intermediate schools in 6A district
  • Charged with compliance, instructional support and supervision of all special education programming and services
  • Certified T-TESS Appraiser
  • Advocated for appropriate resources and supports necessary for special education students to succeed academically and socially.
  • Facilitated IEP meetings by using family-centered, strength-based approach.
  • Managed a caseload of special education students, ensuring timely completion of required documentation and IEP meetings.
  • Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings focused on identifying unique strengths and challenges faced by each child while developing effective solutions.
  • Supported general education teachers and administrators in implementing strategies to meet needs of students with IEPs.
  • Organized professional development workshops focused on special education topics, increasing staff knowledge and expertise in the field.
  • Led team in creating more inclusive school environment, which resulted in significant decrease in student behavioral issues.
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of instructional programs by analyzing student data trends, leading to informed decisions about program modifications.
  • Collaborated with teachers to integrate special education students into mainstream classrooms, promoting inclusivity and understanding among peers.
  • Monitored student progress through data analysis, adjusting instruction accordingly to maximize learning outcomes.
  • Coordinated the delivery of specialized services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling for eligible students.
  • Enhanced the learning environment for special education students by implementing individualized instructional plans.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents, caregivers, and outside service providers to support student progress both in school and at home.
  • Assisted general education teachers with adapting lesson plans to accommodate diverse learning needs within inclusive classrooms settings.

Associate Director of Student Services

Southwest VT Supervisory Union
08.2021 - 06.2023
  • Associate Director charged with IEP, Medicaid, Evaluation and State Indicator compliance
  • Created and led all case manager training and support at the elementary level
  • Responsible for development and implementation of policies and procedures to incorporate Universal Design for Learning, increase collaboration between administration, general education and special education teachers, as well as promote consistent practice in buildings across the supervisory union
  • Led teams of up to twenty personnel, supervising daily performance as well as training and improvement plans.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging staff to share innovative ideas and providing resources for professional development.
  • Prioritized tasks and allocated resources appropriately to keep teams focused and productive.
  • Implemented data-driven decision-making strategies, leading to more informed choices and positive outcomes.
  • Reviewed proposed regulatory changes and evaluated potential impacts on school operations.
  • Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive instructional improvements.
  • Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity during staffing crisis.
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
  • Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.

Special Education Coordinator

Cityscape Schools
07.2019 - 07.2021
  • Special Education Coordinator in charge of all Special Populations (SPED, 504, G/T and Dyslexia)
  • In charge of all programming and staff for two campuses (PK-8) with 98% low SES and 57% EL population
  • In charge of all federal timelines, corrective actions, dyslexia screener and all federal programs and compliance
  • Implemented research-based teaching methods specifically designed for students with disabilities, promoting increased engagement and comprehension across subjects.
  • Evaluated six-person special education staff through classroom observation, feedback and recommendations.
  • Supported general education teachers and administrators in implementing strategies to meet needs of students with IEPs.
  • Improved parent satisfaction and communication by organizing regular meetings to discuss student progress and address concerns.
  • Increased community awareness and support for special education programs by organizing public events and presentations.
  • Advocated for policy changes at district level that led to increased funding and resources for special education services.
  • Collaborated with teachers and staff to develop strategies and interventions tailored to each student''s needs, resulting in improved academic performance.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents, caregivers, and outside service providers to support student progress both in school and at home.
  • Created a positive learning environment by establishing behavioral expectations and building strong rapport with students, families, and colleagues.
  • Organized professional development workshops focused on special education topics, increasing staff knowledge and expertise in the field.
  • Conducted professional development workshops for staff on best practices in special education, enhancing overall teaching effectiveness.

Diagnostician

Lewisville ISD
08.2017 - 07.2019
  • Secondary level diagnostician at Hebron High School
  • Responsible for all assessment and IEP meetings for L-Z tenth through twelfth grade, as well as work and community-based instruction
  • Supported a caseload of approximately 400 students for all ARD meetings and evaluations.
  • Supported educators in modifying curriculum and instructional methods, ensuring accessibility for all students.
  • Improved student success rates by identifying specific learning challenges and creating targeted intervention strategies.
  • Deployed various assessment instruments and techniques to assist in identifying students eligible for special education services.
  • Offered informative workshops for educators, school leaders and faculty members.
  • Established rapport with students quickly during assessments by employing sensitive communication techniques.
  • Expanded knowledge of current research trends through ongoing professional development opportunities, better informing assessment practices.
  • Streamlined the evaluation process, reducing time taken to identify and address student needs.
  • Assisted school personnel in identification and understanding of students with disabilities.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive assessments for students with diverse needs.
  • Contributed positively to the overall functioning of the special education department as part of a collaborative team.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, fostering trust and open communication during evaluations and consultations.
  • Created a supportive environment that encouraged students'' self-advocacy skills and independence in academic settings.
  • Applied knowledge of ethnic, linguistic, cultural and socioeconomic diversity for evaluation, planning, and instruction.
  • Provided expert guidance to parents and educators on appropriate accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by implementing evidence-based practices to enhance educational outcomes.
  • Conducted thorough evaluations, accurately pinpointing areas requiring additional support or intervention.
  • Mentored teachers in effective differentiation techniques, resulting in more inclusive classroom environments.
  • Collaborated with educators, school administrators and external professionals in development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
  • Completed required documentation and reports for compliance and treatment planning.
  • Selected, administered and scored psychological tests.

Interim Special Education Coordinator

Lumin Community School
02.2017 - 08.2017
  • Special Education Coordinator for all services provided for special populations
  • Responsible for supervision of all instructional and related services, as well as all assessment
  • Compliance officer charged with building change and remediation plan to map to end state as direct liaison to state audit agency
  • Responsible for the creation of systems and training deliverables to build compliance in the organization
  • Hired to help organization through state agency audit and create remediation plan
  • Compliance agent for all special programs
  • Coached and observed teachers and related services providers to improve teaching and service provision.
  • Evaluated special education staff through classroom observation, feedback and recommendations.
  • Collaborated with teachers to conduct behavioral assessments and intervention plans for students.
  • Organized and allocated resources required to meet needs of students and instructors.

Editor

Compass Psychological Associates
01.2016 - 01.2017
  • Responsible for editing of outgoing reports to ensure accuracy, completion, and diagnostic integrity, as well as drafting internal and external communications for key stakeholders
  • Improved efficiency and timelines by 45%
  • Increased report accuracy by 28%, with new accuracy levels at 98%
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality editorial work.
  • Enhanced publication quality by diligently proofreading and editing articles for grammar, spelling, and consistency.
  • Prepared, rewrote, and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
  • Maintained open lines of communication with authors throughout the editing process, resulting in smoother collaborations.
  • Edited and reviewed content for grammar, spelling and punctuation.
  • Edited and revised wide array of content for accuracy, clarity and consistency.
  • Proofread, edited and evaluated final copy to verify content aligned with established guidelines.
  • Suggested improvements to content to enhance quality and accuracy.
  • Acquired in-depth knowledge of content areas to provide effective edits.
  • Established and implemented workflows to streamline editing processes.

Educational Diagnostician

Duncanville ISD
01.2015 - 01.2016

Educational Diagnostician for grades k-12

  • Improved student success rates by identifying specific learning challenges and creating targeted intervention strategies.
  • Supported educators in modifying curriculum and instructional methods, ensuring accessibility for all students.
  • Established rapport with students quickly during assessments by employing sensitive communication techniques.
  • Selected, administered and interpreted appropriate formal and informal assessments and evaluations.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, fostering trust and open communication during evaluations and consultations.
  • Increased efficiency of assessment processes by implementing new technologies and methodologies into practice.
  • Created a supportive environment that encouraged students'' self-advocacy skills and independence in academic settings.
  • Applied knowledge of ethnic, linguistic, cultural and socioeconomic diversity for evaluation, planning, and instruction.
  • Conducted thorough evaluations, accurately pinpointing areas requiring additional support or intervention.

Enablement and Training Lead, Change Management Consultant

VeriFone, Inc.
01.2014 - 01.2015
  • Assisted Vice President and Program Manager in developing communication plan for multiple audience groups to drive company-wide adoption of new project management system
  • Wrote and edited Vice President’s communications for all audience groups; maintained program’s internal information and documentation wiki, including program metrics
  • Developed training class agendas and scheduled all training events for global audiences across multiple time zones
  • Led on-line training sessions for groups as large as 50
  • Developed all communication deliverables including training manuals, Quick Start guides and tip sheets
  • Developed and led all training presentations
  • Advised clients on risk management strategies, mitigating potential threats to their businesses'' stability.
  • Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders at all organizational levels, fostering collaboration across departments.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing exceptional customer service and timely project completion.
  • Improved product development process by incorporating design for Six Sigma.
  • Evaluated market trends and competitor analysis, informing strategic decision-making for clients.
  • Evaluated diverse organizational systems to identify workflow, communication, and resource utilization issues.
  • Delivered tailored solutions for clients in various industries, addressing unique challenges and needs.
  • Implemented technology solutions that streamlined processes, improved efficiency, and reduced costs for clients.
  • Improved communication at all levels and transformed company culture into more productive atmosphere.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' operational structures, recommending actionable steps for improvement.
  • Managed complex projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive business plans and strategies.
  • Leveraged industry best practices to drive continuous improvement efforts within client organizations.
  • Identified key performance indicators, enabling clients to monitor progress towards business objectives.
  • Provided expert guidance on change management initiatives, leading to successful business transformations.
  • Produced detailed and relevant reports for use in making business decisions.

Educational Diagnostician

Dallas ISD
01.2014 - 01.2015

Educational Diagnostician Pk-12

  • Improved student success rates by identifying specific learning challenges and creating targeted intervention strategies.
  • Supported educators in modifying curriculum and instructional methods, ensuring accessibility for all students.
  • Established rapport with students quickly during assessments by employing sensitive communication techniques.
  • Selected, administered and interpreted appropriate formal and informal assessments and evaluations.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, fostering trust and open communication during evaluations and consultations.
  • Increased efficiency of assessment processes by implementing new technologies and methodologies into practice.
  • Created a supportive environment that encouraged students'' self-advocacy skills and independence in academic settings.
  • Applied knowledge of ethnic, linguistic, cultural and socioeconomic diversity for evaluation, planning, and instruction.
  • Conducted thorough evaluations, accurately pinpointing areas requiring additional support or intervention.

Educational Diagnostician

Richardson
01.2009 - 01.2014

Educational Diagnostician PK-12

  • Improved student success rates by identifying specific learning challenges and creating targeted intervention strategies.
  • Supported educators in modifying curriculum and instructional methods, ensuring accessibility for all students.
  • Established rapport with students quickly during assessments by employing sensitive communication techniques.
  • Selected, administered and interpreted appropriate formal and informal assessments and evaluations.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, fostering trust and open communication during evaluations and consultations.
  • Increased efficiency of assessment processes by implementing new technologies and methodologies into practice.
  • Created a supportive environment that encouraged students'' self-advocacy skills and independence in academic settings.
  • Applied knowledge of ethnic, linguistic, cultural and socioeconomic diversity for evaluation, planning, and instruction.
  • Conducted thorough evaluations, accurately pinpointing areas requiring additional support or intervention.

Education

Educational Diagnostician Certification -

Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
06.2009
  • Emphasis in Autism

M.Ed. - Educational Psychology

Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
05.2009
  • Emphasis in Low Incidence Disabilities

Bachelor of Arts - English and History

Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
05.1993

Skills

  • Program management
  • Staff development
  • Eligibility determination
  • Referral coordination
  • Staff evaluation
  • Case management
  • Behavioral intervention
  • Crisis intervention

Accomplishments

I was recruited by the Agency of Education in the State of Vermont to be a member of the Executive Panel on the Board of the State of Vermont Special Education Advisory Panel, appointed by the Governor of Vermont.


I taught a graduate level class in Special Education Case Management at Castleton University in Castleton, Vermont.



Affiliations

  • Nationally Certified Educational Diagnostician
  • Registered Professional Educational Diagnostician

Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt

Educational Diagnostician

Generic Special Education Teacher Pk-12

Appointed by the Governor of Vermont to the State of Vermont Special Education Advisory Panel

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that each state establish and maintain an advisory panel for the purpose of advising the State special education staff regarding the education of eligible children with disabilities. This panel, made up of parents of students with disabilities, persons with disabilities, educators of people with disabilities and representatives from higher education and the community work together to advise the state on unmet needs in the education of children with disabilities. Members of the panel comment publicly on any rules and regulations proposed by the state regarding the education of children with disabilities; advise the state in developing evaluations and reporting on data as required by federal special education laws; advise the state in developing corrective action plans for U.S. Department of Education; and advise the state in developing and implementing policies relating to coordination of services for children with disabilities. The State of Vermont created the Advisory Council on Special Education and appointments to this council are made by the Governor’s Office with the advice from the Secretary of Education.

Interests

I currently work on a pro bono basis as an advocate to support families who are not adequately supported or receiving adequate services from their school districts

Timeline

Educational Diagnostician - Huntsville ISD
08.2024 - Current
Elementary and Intermediate Special Education Coordinator - Bryan ISD
07.2023 - 06.2024
Associate Director of Student Services - Southwest VT Supervisory Union
08.2021 - 06.2023
Special Education Coordinator - Cityscape Schools
07.2019 - 07.2021
Diagnostician - Lewisville ISD
08.2017 - 07.2019
Interim Special Education Coordinator - Lumin Community School
02.2017 - 08.2017
Editor - Compass Psychological Associates
01.2016 - 01.2017
Educational Diagnostician - Duncanville ISD
01.2015 - 01.2016
Enablement and Training Lead, Change Management Consultant - VeriFone, Inc.
01.2014 - 01.2015
Educational Diagnostician - Dallas ISD
01.2014 - 01.2015
Educational Diagnostician - Richardson
01.2009 - 01.2014
Texas Tech University - Educational Diagnostician Certification,
Texas A&M University - M.Ed., Educational Psychology
Texas A&M University - Bachelor of Arts, English and History
Lisa Catherine Johnson