Lorena Adkins
San Antonio,USA
Summary
Positive, proactive attitude and strong focus on team collaboration and achieving impactful results, adaptable to changing needs. Strong desire to help others. Experience in fostering educational excellence and driving program innovation. Expertise in curriculum development, staff training, and special educational policy implementation.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
SPECIAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR/PRINCIPAL
North East Independent School District
05.2018 - Current
- Direct and manage the 18+ instructional program and supervise operations at the campus and district level. Provide instructional leadership to ensure high standards of instructional service and effective utilization of available resources to improve student performance. Direct the implementation of District policies and instructional programs and manage the operation of various community-based activities. Provide direct supervision and administrative support for special education and related services programs to include: 18+ Services, Transition Services, Family and Community Engagement, Extended School Year (ESY) and In Home Community and Parent Training (IHCPT), Work-Based Learning, Graduation, College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR), Adapted Physical Education (APE), Special Olympics, Private Duty Nurses, and Special Education Nursing Services.
- Previously provided direct supervision and administrative support for special education and related services programs to include: Visual Impairment, Deaf Education, Assistive Technology, Orientation and Mobility, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Music therapy.
SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR
North East Independent School District
08.2015 - 05.2018
- Coordinate Special Education programs throughout the District to include Admission, Referral and Dismissal (ARD)/Individual Educational Plan (IEP) development, program development, implementation and evaluation, teacher training, supervision, professional growth activities and compliance with special education laws, policies and procedures. Serve as program coordinator for Extended School Year (ESY) and In Home Community and Parent Training (IHCPT). Serve as a resource to campus administrators, teachers, students, parents and community agencies. Support cluster campuses at the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels.
DISTRICT BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST
South San Antonio Independent School District
12.2013 - 08.2015
- Supervise the Regional Day School Program for the Deaf, elementary and secondary Behavior and Academic Curriculum Units, and South San’s Transition Education Program. Serve on the Board of Trustees for South San Antonio’s Regional Day School Program for the Deaf. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop an IEP through the ARD Committee process. Support campus behavior classrooms, life skills classrooms, autism classrooms and adult year’s program in order to develop and maintain effective behavioral and academic interventions to meet the needs of its students. Consult with campus staff regarding students' educational and behavioral concerns. Assist in the development of functional behavioral assessments and behavior intervention plans using research-based methodology. Provide support, including modeling and coaching of effective instructional and behavior management techniques to maintain organization, orderliness and student safety, and a productive learning environment. Conduct staff development opportunities in the areas of behavior management, interventions/strategies, and social skills training.
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER/3RD GRADE CO-TEACHER
North East Independent School District
08.2013 - 12.2013
- Provide instructional leadership to Special Education students. Develop and implement general education curriculum with necessary modifications and accommodations to include curriculum-based monitoring. Provide diagnostic information and work cooperatively with instructional personnel to provide the most appropriate programs for students with disabilities. Develop and implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Transitional Plans, Behavior Intervention Plans and ARD documents. Collaborate with students, parents, and other staff to develop IEPs through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned. Plan and utilize appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
DISTRICT RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION/SECTION 504 COORDINATOR
South San Antonio Independent School District
08.2012 - 08.2013
- Coordinate the Response to Intervention (RtI) and Section 504 processes at the district level for all Elementary and Secondary campuses. Supervise and monitor the administration of RtI and 504 programs to include compliance with state and federal regulations. Provide campus classroom support for instruction, accommodations and modifications, and interventions. Knowledge of campus data in regard to state assessment, benchmarks, and available interventions. Create procedural, reference, and resource manuals for administration and staff. Plan, implement, and coordinate professional development opportunities.
DISTRICT SPECIAL EDUCATION COUNSELOR
South San Antonio Independent School District
08.2011 - 08.2012
- Provide counseling to individuals and groups relative to their concerns. Consult with campus staff regarding students' educational and behavioral concerns. Assist in the development of functional behavioral assessments and behavior intervention plans using research-based methodology. Provide support, including modeling and coaching of effective instructional and behavior management techniques to maintain organization, orderliness and student safety, and a productive learning environment. Conduct staff development opportunities in the areas of behavior management, interventions/strategies, and social skills training. Supervise the Regional Day School Program for the Deaf and elementary and secondary Behavior and Academic Curriculum Units. Served on the Board of Trustees for South San Antonio’s Regional Day School Program for the Deaf. Effectively plan and implement the district’s special education counseling program to meet identified needs. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop an IEP through the ARD Committee process. Implement an instructional, therapeutic, and skill development program for assigned students.
DISTRICT BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST
South San Antonio Independent School District
08.2010 - 08.2011
- Support campus behavior classrooms, life skills classrooms, autism classrooms and adult year’s program in order to develop and maintain effective behavioral and academic interventions to meet the needs of its students. Consult with campus staff regarding students' educational and behavioral concerns. Assist in the development of functional behavioral assessments and behavior intervention plans using research-based methodology. Provide support, including modeling and coaching of effective instructional and behavior management techniques to maintain organization, orderliness and student safety, and a productive learning environment. Conduct staff development opportunities in the areas of behavior management, interventions/strategies, and social skills training. Supervise the elementary Behavior and Academic Curriculum Unit. Serve on the Board of Trustees for South San Antonio’s Regional Day School Program for the Deaf. Collaborate with students, parents, and other members of staff to develop an IEP through the ARD Committee process.
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER/LIFE SKILLS UNIT
Harlandale Independent School District
08.2009 - 08.2010
- Provide instructional leadership to Special Education students in the Life Skills Unit through grades 9-12. Develop and implement general education curriculum with necessary modifications and accommodations. Provide diagnostic information and work cooperatively with instructional personnel to provide the most appropriate programs for students with disabilities. Develop and implement IEPs, Transition Plans, Behavior Intervention Plans and ARD documents. Collaborate with students, parents, and other staff to develop IEPs through the ARD Committee process for each student assigned. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
CLINICAL CASE MANAGER II
Center for Health Care Services
01.2004 - 07.2009
- Conduct group and individual counseling and rehabilitative and facilitative therapy for adults with severe mental health diagnosis to include direct case management, crisis intervention, and substance abuse training. Selected and administered assessments and observations to evaluate the intellectual, emotional, social, physical, and behavioral functioning of referred individuals and to determine eligibility for mental health services. Develop psychological evaluation reports, treatment plans, and behavior management plans. Supervise clinical case managers and provide training on development of treatment plans. Consult with psychologists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, and community agencies concerning intellectual, emotional, social and behavioral functioning of individuals as needed. Provide community and outreach assistance.
Education
Master of Arts - Professional Mental Health Counseling
Webster University
08.2009
Master of Arts - Adult and Higher Education Administration
University of Texas at San Antonio
05.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Texas at San Antonio
12.2001
Skills
- Ability to generate respect and trust from staff and external constituencies
- Create and promote a harmonious work environment Self-motivated with the ability to work as a team member
- Experience working with an in-depth knowledge of the rules, regulations and principles of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Knowledge of administrative practices that emphasize a comprehensive approach to student development with attention to characteristics and factors relating to multicultural populations
- Strong time management, organization, and communication skills
Certification
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Principal Certification
- Generalist Certification (Early Childhood-6th grade)
- Special Education Certification (Early Childhood-12th grade)
- Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
SPECIAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR/PRINCIPAL
North East Independent School District
05.2018 - Current
SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM COORDINATOR
North East Independent School District
08.2015 - 05.2018
DISTRICT BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST
South San Antonio Independent School District
12.2013 - 08.2015
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER/3RD GRADE CO-TEACHER
North East Independent School District
08.2013 - 12.2013
DISTRICT RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION/SECTION 504 COORDINATOR
South San Antonio Independent School District
08.2012 - 08.2013
DISTRICT SPECIAL EDUCATION COUNSELOR
South San Antonio Independent School District
08.2011 - 08.2012
DISTRICT BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST
South San Antonio Independent School District
08.2010 - 08.2011
SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER/LIFE SKILLS UNIT
Harlandale Independent School District
08.2009 - 08.2010
CLINICAL CASE MANAGER II
Center for Health Care Services
01.2004 - 07.2009
Master of Arts - Adult and Higher Education Administration
University of Texas at San Antonio
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Texas at San Antonio
Master of Arts - Professional Mental Health Counseling
Webster University
Similar Profiles
Amy Gillis, BSN, RNAmy Gillis, BSN, RN
Registered Nurse at North East Independent School DistrictRegistered Nurse at North East Independent School District
Shawna SchmidtShawna Schmidt
Art Instructor and Instructional Assistant at North East Independent School DistrictArt Instructor and Instructional Assistant at North East Independent School District
Kelly MorganKelly Morgan
Teacher at North East Independent School DistrictTeacher at North East Independent School District
JASON GARCIAJASON GARCIA
Human Resource Analyst at City of San AntonioHuman Resource Analyst at City of San Antonio
Shaylene HauerShaylene Hauer
Insurance Professional – Sales and Service at USAAInsurance Professional – Sales and Service at USAA