Magdalena Kozera
Port Saint Lucie,FL
Summary
Experienced behavior technician with over a decade of experience in implementing specialized programs for individuals with developmental, emotional, or intellectual challenges. Skilled in managing high-pressure environments and handling stressful situations efficiently. Dedicated to providing exceptional service to clients with special needs, motivated by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on their lives. Possesses strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to new tasks, recognized for adaptability, creativity, and a results-oriented mindset. Committed to making valuable contributions and furthering organizational objectives.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavior Technician
Saint Lucie Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
- 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.
- Enhanced client progress by implementing individualized behavior intervention plans.
- Promoted positive behaviors by reinforcing desired actions and effectively addressing challenging issues.
- Developed and implemented reinforcement systems to encourage positive behaviors.
- Worked as part of collaborative team to address changing needs of children and families.
- Assisted in the creation of visual supports and schedules for clients, enhancing daily routines and transitions.
- Supported client using principles of applied behavior analysis.
- Assessed client progress regularly, adjusting intervention strategies as needed to ensure continued growth and development.
Lead Teacher
Woodlands Montessori School
10.2020 - Current
- Guided and helped direct children's activities academically, emotionally and physically in a prepared and peaceful Montessori environment that challenges each child to reach his/her fullest potential in the developmental areas, in accordance with Montessori Philosophy.
- Developed lesson plans, independent learning exercises, curriculum, and methods that cater to the needs of the individual child.
- Created and maintained a safe, clean, stimulating classroom where all children feel safe and valued.
- Setting an excellent example for students and instilling good values in them like honesty, accountability, understanding, tolerance, respect, love, and kindness.
- Provided nurturing and stimulating educational environment for 19 students.
- Implemented age-appropriate discipline practices and guidance methods for children, informed and trained staff on procedures.
- Prepared classroom and materials according to Montessori pedagogy and needs of children.
- Promoted physical, academic and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers and letters.
- Identified signs of emotional and developmental problems in children and reported to parents.
- Applied play-based strategies, including crafts and games, to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to reinforce student participation and hands-on learning.
Autism Paraprofessional
Spotsylvania County Public School
11.2016 - 08.2020
- Worked closely with several pupils with disabilities on a regular basis in an effort to provide them with the physical assistance and emotional support they need to gain full benefits from the district's special education program.
- Assisted in the specialized instruction of students with autism spectrum disorders under the supervision of a licensed teacher in a special education classroom. Implemented plans for instruction, behavioral plans and reinforcement of skills.
- Adapted classroom activities, assignments and/or materials for the purpose of providing an opportunity for all students with disabilities to participate in classroom activities.
- Assisted students with disabilities with classroom and daily living skills (e.g. lifts/positions students, toileting, diapering, changing clothes, feeding, on/off busses, etc.) for the purpose of creating a positive plan of action to address specific student issues and helping them to process behaviors.
- Conferred with teachers ,therapists and staff as appropriate for the purpose of assisting in evaluation progress, implementing IEP objectives and identifying resources.
- Implemented academic instruction for individuals or small groups (e.g. math, reading, language, spelling, cooking , etc.) for the purpose of meeting learning goals, as described by an IEP and/or district benchmarks.
- Applied specialized techniques/strategies such as behavior intervention level system, structured teaching, picture communication systems, large print materials, mobility training and all types of assistive technology including assistive and augmentative communication systems, as required.
- Implemented behavioral plans designed by an IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other conditions for the purpose of assisting in meeting special education students' needs and providing a consistent environment.
- Instruct students with disabilities (e.g., math, reading, behavioral skills, daily living skills, writing, verbal skills, etc.) for the purpose of meeting IEP goals and ensuring students' success.
- Maintained instructional materials and/or student files/records (e.g. adapting instructional materials, checking papers, attendance, audio visual equipment, set up projects, correspondence, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or providing reliable information. Monitored students with disabilities (e.g. lunch, bus stops, playground, classroom, field trips, assemblies, etc.) for the purpose of enforcing school rules regarding behavior and participation, and/or providing a safe and positive learning environment.
- Performed record keeping (daily data on instruction and/or behavior) and clerical functions (e.g. correcting papers, copying, instructional materials, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the teacher in providing necessary records/materials.
- Responded to emergency situations (e.g. injured student, fights, seizures, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns.
- Assisted other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
- Under the supervision of a certificated special education teacher or specialist, assisted in planning and conducting lessons and other classroom, small group, or one-to-one activities.
- Assisted with yard supervision.
- Attended meetings and in-service presentations (e.g. ABA, E/BD, CPR training, Blood Borne Pathogen, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
- Assist students in monitoring their classroom behavior and help students develop strategies and techniques for self-management to ensure academic success.
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information in accordance with district, state, and federal mandates and other specific legal requirements or policies.
- Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity toward students and their individual differences in terms of abilities cultures, and languages.
Child Care Counselor
Child Help USA
04.2012 - 11.2015
- Improved the quality of life and made a difference in the lives of the children under my direct care by providing direct supervision, support and behavior management in a safe, therapeutic and nurturing environment residing in residential care.
- Provided regular and consistent supervision to all children under my care by providing a creative environment using appropriate limit- setting and structuring techniques within the boundaries of residential standards.
- Implemented and instituted daily routines for the unit to include evaluating structure and effectiveness.
- Developed and maintained a constructive relationship with each assigned child.
- Stayed current in knowledge of each child's case history and the existing treatment plan.
- Observed and recorded children's progress on daily basis and completed detailed, comprehensive and factual reports regarding behavior and incidents of the children pursuant to policies.
- Provided the basic health needs of the children with the assistance of the Childhelp medical staff to include providing proper medical care, teaching personal hygiene habits , diet , and preventive medical care.
- Assisted children in identifying barriers interfering with learning, and assists them in ways to overcome barriers to success.
- Identified children's needs and development for implementation of interventions for meeting them encompasses areas such as: Education, Emotional growth, Social Skills.
- Attended and actively participated in training and development programs and opportunities, mandatory training, weekly unit meetings and supervisory sessions, and demonstrated learned concepts on the job.
- Applied crisis intervention with children.
- Supervised children throughout the day and provided behavioral support.
Counter Manager/Promotional Beauty Advisor
Belk/Lancome Cosmetics
02.2009 - 04.2012
- Oversaw a team of customer service specialists, mentoring, training and developing a high-performance staff.
- Managed all administrative deliverables within the Counter, including daily, monthly, and quarterly sales reports, inventory reporting, and productivity reports.
- Managed and fostered a client base of over 500, building lasting relationships.
- Implemented visual merchandising strategies to attract customers and promote featured products.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing exceptional service and product knowledge.
- Collaborated with team members to improve overall store performance and achieve targets.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, ensuring a positive outcome for all parties involved.
Au Pair
Au Pair
11.2005 - 09.2007
- Provided physical and emotional care and assistance to children, maintaining a safe and clean environment, and coordinating various activities.
Education
High School Diploma -
Liceum Im. Mikolaja Kopernika
Poland01.2005
Registered Behavior Technician
Virginia Commonwealth University
10.2017
Skills
- Support for children with disabilities
- Coaching Ability to motivate and assist children and youth
- Communication Skills Ability to communicate with colleagues, follow instructions, and use problem solving and other skills that will enable the paraprofessional to work as an effective member of the instructional team
- Team Player Ability to utilize appropriate strategies and techniques to provide instructional support in teaching and learning as developed by the certificated/licensed staff
- Critical Thinking Ability to provide positive behavioral support and management
- Bilingual Fluent in English and Polish
- Active listening
- Behavioral prompting techniques
Certification
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: Providing Effective Instruction and Support
- Autism Partnership Foundation - 40hr completed, 2020
- Registered Behavior Technician
- TOVA , 2012-2015
- MANDT, 2016-2019
Timeline
Behavior Technician
Saint Lucie Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
Lead Teacher
Woodlands Montessori School
10.2020 - Current
Autism Paraprofessional
Spotsylvania County Public School
11.2016 - 08.2020
Child Care Counselor
Child Help USA
04.2012 - 11.2015
Counter Manager/Promotional Beauty Advisor
Belk/Lancome Cosmetics
02.2009 - 04.2012
Au Pair
Au Pair
11.2005 - 09.2007
High School Diploma -
Liceum Im. Mikolaja Kopernika
Registered Behavior Technician
Virginia Commonwealth University
Similar Profiles
Katrina RosendoKatrina Rosendo
Teacher at Saint Lucie Public SchoolsTeacher at Saint Lucie Public Schools
Irma GarciaIrma Garcia
Department Head at Port Saint Lucie Public SchoolsDepartment Head at Port Saint Lucie Public Schools
Salina Sumling HarmonSalina Sumling Harmon
PRE-ALGEBRA INSTRUCTOR at DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTPRE-ALGEBRA INSTRUCTOR at DUVAL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Brian BonserBrian Bonser
Traffic Signal Technician - Foreman Electrician at Traffic Control Devices Inc.Traffic Signal Technician - Foreman Electrician at Traffic Control Devices Inc.
Amos SmithAmos Smith
Armed Security Officer at Allied Universal Security ServicesArmed Security Officer at Allied Universal Security Services