Lisa McMahan
New Boston,MI
Summary
Accomplished special education professional with over 25 years of experience supporting students with autism spectrum disorder and significant developmental disabilities, including 18 years as a special education teacher. Demonstrated expertise in instructional leadership, teacher mentorship, behavioral consultation, and professional development. Highly skilled in IEP development, evidence-based instructional practices, positive behavioral interventions, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Proven ability to support fellow educators, address complex student needs, and strengthen educational programming through collaborative problem-solving and data-driven decision-making. Committed to empowering educational teams and improving outcomes for students with diverse learning needs.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher - ASD
Woodhaven Brownstown School District
Woodhaven, MI
09.2024 - Current
- Develop, implement, and monitor individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with autism and complex learning, behavioral, and communication needs.
- Provide instructional leadership by guiding paraprofessionals in implementing evidence-based teaching strategies, behavioral interventions, and individualized student supports.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and social workers, to develop comprehensive, student-centered programming.
- Utilize assessment data and progress monitoring to evaluate student performance, identify instructional needs, and adjust interventions.
- Implement structured teaching practices, assistive technology, visual supports, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems.
- Facilitate peer-to-peer programming and inclusive learning opportunities to promote social communication and student engagement.
- Partner with families and educational teams to promote consistency, address student needs, and strengthen educational outcomes.
Special Education Teacher - ASD
Wyandotte Public Schools
Wyandotte, MI
09.2009 - 06.2024
- Provided instructional leadership and mentorship to fellow educators, offering guidance on evidence-based instructional practices, classroom management, and individualized student supports.
- Collaborated with teachers to address challenging student behaviors, identify underlying needs, and develop effective behavioral intervention strategies.
- Planned and delivered school-based professional development to strengthen instructional practices and support staff effectiveness.
- Developed, implemented, and monitored individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with autism and significant developmental, behavioral, and communication needs.
- Guided and trained paraprofessionals in implementing instructional strategies, positive behavioral supports, and individualized interventions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, administrators, and outside agencies to coordinate services and address complex student needs.
- Utilized assessment data, behavioral observations, and progress monitoring to guide instructional decisions and evaluate intervention effectiveness.
- Promoted inclusive educational practices through peer-to-peer programming and structured social learning opportunities.
Paraprofessional
Northville Public Schools
Northville , MI
09.1999 - 06.2007
- Supported implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs), behavioral interventions, and specialized instructional strategies for students with autism and developmental disabilities.
- Collaborated with special education teachers and related service providers to support individualized academic, behavioral, communication, and functional skill development.
- Assisted with student assessments, data collection, and progress monitoring to inform instructional decisions.
- Implemented structured teaching approaches, visual supports, and augmentative communication systems to promote student independence and engagement.
Education
Masters of Education - Autism
Madonna University
01-2011
Bachelor of Special Education - Cognitive Impairment
Eastern Michigan University
01-2009
Skills
- Special Education Consultation & Collaborative Problem-Solving
- Teacher Mentorship, Instructional Coaching & Professional Development
- Behavioral Consultation & Individualized Intervention Strategies
- Instructional Leadership & Evidence-Based Teaching Practices
- IEP Development, Implementation & IDEA Compliance
- Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) & Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)
- Positive Behavioral Supports & Crisis Prevention (CPI Certified)
- Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration & Service Coordination
- Data-Driven Decision Making & Student Progress Monitoring
- Special Education Program Development & Continuous Improvement
- Autism Spectrum Disorder & Complex Learning Needs
- Differentiated Instruction & Curriculum Adaptation
- Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) & Assistive Technology
- Inclusive Educational Practices & Student-Centered Programming
- Family Engagement & Collaborative Communication
Timeline
Special Education Teacher - ASD
Woodhaven Brownstown School District
09.2024 - Current
Special Education Teacher - ASD
Wyandotte Public Schools
09.2009 - 06.2024
Paraprofessional
Northville Public Schools
09.1999 - 06.2007
Bachelor of Special Education - Cognitive Impairment
Eastern Michigan University
Masters of Education - Autism
Madonna University