Dynamic Special Education Coordinator with a proven track record at Rialto Unified School District, excelling in IEP development and compliance monitoring. Adept at delivering impactful professional development and formulating policies that enhance student outcomes. Strong analytical skills combined with a passion for advocacy ensure effective support for diverse learners.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Coordinator
Rialto Unified School District
Rialto, CA
11.2023 - Current
Supervised all Related Services, including SLP, SLPA, OT, PT, Adapted PE, and Orthopedic Impairment.
Conducted evaluations for all Related Services to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
Coordinated with East Valley SELPA on DHH and Vision Impairment services.
Delivered districtwide professional development on SEIS, Related Services, IEPs, and Inclusion.
Supported Director of Special Education in annual budget planning processes.
Advised district leadership on policies and procedures regarding special education.
Managed state-funded WorkAbility I Program, overseeing grant writing and implementation.
Represented district at EVSELPA Steering Committee meetings to advocate for student needs.
TOSA II/WorkAbility I (WAI) Project Director
Pasadena Unified School District
Pasadena, CA
09.2021 - 11.2023
Conducted assessments for initial and triennial IEPs in private schools.
Scored assessments while collaborating with psychologists and coordinators.
Developed and facilitated IEPs and PSSPs tailored for private school students.
Led special education teachers in delivering adult living skills curriculum.
Managed WAI state grant budget for PUSD WorkAbility Program efficiently.
Established business partnerships, developing work contracts to enhance student employment.
Monitored student progress and ensured accountability standards from service providers.
Served as liaison for state requirements while participating in litigation and dispute resolution.
Coordinator II
Pasadena Unified School District
Pasadena, CA
10.2020 - 06.2021
Established Assessment Center for Special Education evaluations during COVID-19.
Oversaw assessments and conducted academic evaluations at the Assessment Center.
Collaborated with school attorneys on complex, litigious IEP cases.
Supported Special Education departments across elementary, middle, and high schools.
Advised school administration on policy enhancements for Special Education teams.
Assisted administrators in high-profile IEP cases, ensuring compliance with regulations.
Managed communication between PUSD and NPA while coordinating eight schools.
Worked with cross-functional teams to develop district-wide IEP plans.
Behavior Safety-Care Instructor
KIPP SoCal Public Schools
Los Angeles, CA
08.2017 - 09.2020
Trained all KIPP LA administrators, deans, and Special Education personnel.
Trained staff to understand how and why crisis events happen, and ways in which we might inadvertently contribute to them.
Also, prevent crises using a variety of supportive interaction strategies.
Apply evidence-based de-escalation strategies that are effective for any population.
Trained staff to respond appropriately and safely to dangerous behavior and prevent the need for restraint.
Train staff how to intervene after a crisis to reduce the chance that it will happen again.
Special Education Program Specialist/Coordinator
KIPP SoCal Public Schools
Los Angeles, CA
07.2014 - 09.2020
Developed compliance policies and communication strategies for special education consent decrees implementation.
Oversaw accommodations as 504 Coordinator to ensure regulatory compliance across programs.
Advised on evaluation and monitoring of special education programs to uphold standards.
Created and managed compliance review processes, encompassing training and scheduling activities.
Prepared comprehensive reports for LAUSD submission regarding school compliance status.
Facilitated KIPP schools' adherence to regulations during district audits and validation reviews.
Conducted professional development workshops on differentiated instruction for educators and administrators.
Coordinated training for Special Education staff, enhancing instructional effectiveness through best practices.
Kept middle and elementary schools compliant during district audits and District Validation Reviews (DVR).
Created, developed, and conducted regional and school Professional Development.
Collaborated with school administrators, general education teachers, and RSPs in creating lessons that fit students' needs.
CPI/NCI Instructor
KIPP SoCal Public Schools
Los Angeles, CA
08.2014 - 07.2017
Partnered with LAUSD Behavior Specialists to train many Charters under LAUSD SELPA.
Trained administrators, educators, special education teachers, and paraprofessionals in how to identify behaviors that can lead to a crisis; assess risk and choose which intervention to use and when; use verbal and nonverbal techniques to resolve a crisis before it can become violent; how to prevent the need to physically intervene; why-and how-to use team intervention strategies; how to properly and legally document.
Resource Specialist
KIPP SoCal Public Schools
Los Angeles, CA
08.2009 - 07.2014
Established KIPP LA Public Schools model for Special Education services, including first Special Day Program.
Developed IEP compliance systems and benchmark tools to enhance student performance.
Created Special Education budgets to ensure effective resource allocation.
Collaborated with LAUSD on compliance, funding, and resource management.
Designed Professional Development programs for families of students with IEPs.
Formulated instructional programs aligning with Federal, State, and District compliance standards for middle school.
Coordinated measurement, scheduling, training, and monitoring for school compliance reviews.
Prepared comprehensive monitoring reports for submission to LAUSD.
Communicated and developed strong relationships with parents.
Collaborated with stakeholders, wrote, and facilitated IEPs.
Conducted academic assessments.
5th Grade Teacher
El Rancho Unified School District
Pico Rivera, CA
08.2007 - 06.2008
Planned and delivered standards-based lessons that align with state curriculum and district guidelines.
Differentiated instruction to meet the diverse needs of all students, including scaffolding for struggling learners and enrichment for high-performing students.
Used evidence-based teaching strategies to engage students in core subjects such as math, reading, science, and social studies.
Integrated technology and hands-on learning to enhance instruction and student engagement.
Implemented IEP and 504 plan accommodations/modifications to ensure equitable access to the curriculum.
Collaborated with special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff to address the needs of students with disabilities.
Used multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and differentiated strategies to address diverse learning styles.
Conducted formative and summative assessments to measure student progress.
Analyzed student performance data to adjust instruction and provide targeted interventions.
Maintained accurate records of student achievement, behavior, and participation.
Established and enforce clear classroom expectations, routines, and procedures.
Fostered a positive, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all students.
Implemented behavior management strategies and social-emotional learning (SEL) to support student well-being.
Worked with parents, administrators, and support staff to create a strong home-school connection.
Participated in IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and professional development.
Communicated regularly with families and colleagues to support student learning and growth.
Stayed informed about best practices in education, including inclusion strategies and culturally responsive teaching.
5th Grade Intern Teacher
Whittier City School District
09.2005 - 05.2007
Planned and delivered lessons aligned with state standards and curriculum.
Differentiated instruction to address diverse needs, including scaffolding for students with disabilities.
Provided one-on-one and small group support to reinforce concepts and skills.
Implemented evidence-based instructional strategies to support various learning requirements.
Collaborated with special education teacher to apply accommodations outlined in IEPs and 504 plans.
Reinforced social-emotional learning strategies and behavior management techniques.
Conducted formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress.
Collected data on student performance, focusing on those receiving special education services.
Education
Ed.D. - Educational Leadership
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA
09.2021
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA
05.2018
Master of Arts - Special Education
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA
05.2011
Master of Arts - Education
Claremont Graduate University
Claremont, CA
05.2008
B.F.A. - Illustration
Art Center College of Design
Pasadena, CA
06.1997
Skills
IEP development and assessment coordination
Compliance monitoring
Data analysis
Professional development
Policy formulation
Accomplishments
KIPP LA Prep: California Distinguished School 2019 (created and led their SpEd program)
KIPP LA Prep: National Blue Ribbon 2016 (created and led their SpEd program)
KIPP Raices Academy: National Blue Ribbon 2015 (created and led their SpEd program)
KIPP Academy of Innovation: Founding Special Education Program Specialist 2014
KIPP Academy of Opportunity: California Distinguished School 2013 (co-created and led Special Education program)
KIPP Raices Academy: California Distinguished School 2013 (co-created and led their SpEd program)
KIPP LA Prep: California Distinguished School 2011 (created and led their SpEd program)
Received EPIC Award 2010 for improving biggest score gains for students with disabilities.
Secondary Science Teacher/Science Department Chair at Rialto Unified School DistrictSecondary Science Teacher/Science Department Chair at Rialto Unified School District