Marissa Cohen Montalvo
Mendocino,CA
Summary
Dynamic educational professional with a robust background in Special Education and a deep commitment to rural communities, poised to assume a leadership role as principal of Anderson Valley Elementary School. A proven track record of implementing innovative programs that significantly enhance student learning outcomes while fostering staff development highlights a dedication to educational excellence. Emphasizing collaborative teamwork and the achievement of educational objectives, reliability and adaptability are demonstrated in diverse settings. Strong leadership and organizational skills, combined with extensive experience serving the Anderson Valley Community, contribute to a holistic approach that prioritizes the needs of both students and educators.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Start Teacher (Early Childhood Special Education)
Mendocino County Office of Education
04.2015 - Current
- Created a robust early intervention program to meet the individual needs of 0-3 throughout Mendocino County
- Worked collaboratively with parents, teachers, community organizations and administrators
- Developed Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP)
- Promoted language development skills through multiple modalities of learning.
- Conducted individual family coaching, small group and individual activities with children and families based on differentiated learning needs in the child’s natural environments
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance curriculum and instructional strategies.
- Advocated for student needs by collaborating with parents, administrators, and community resources.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
Early Childhood Educational Specialist
Fort Bragg Unified School District
08.2013 - 06.2015
- Created a small group preschool resource program to meet the individual needs of 3-5 year old students
- Worked collaboratively with parents, teachers and administrators
- Developed individual educational plans (IEP)
- Promoted language development skills through multiple modalities of learning.
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs
Workability Job Developer
Fort Bragg Unified School District
02.2009 - 06.2013
- Collaborate with community partners to create student work internships based on student career goals and vocational assessments
- Teach students skills needed to complete successful job interviews and retain employment
- Complete monthly follow up with employers and students
- Create training plans to improve each student's work skills
- Refer eligible students to the Transition Partnership Program
- Collaborated with educators to integrate career readiness into the curriculum.
- Assisted students in identifying career goals and developing individualized employment plans.
- Developed and maintained relationships with local employers to identify job opportunities for students.
Site Administrator/Lead Teacher/Program Coordinator
Kudos After School Program, Redwood Elementary
06.2006 - 06.2013
- Create a learning community focused on global and social awareness through multicultural lessons and service learning projects
- Supervise 6 Credentialed Teachers and 10 Enrichment Instructors
- Collaborate with staff members to plan, create and schedule lessons
- Create systems for reading tutoring and homework assistance
- Recruit and retain students/interns and staff to expand program and meet attendance requirements
- Work collaboratively with a diverse group of students, parents, teachers and administrators
Vocational Services Manager
Parents and Friends INC
01.2005 - 06.2006
- Provide vocational training for adults with developmental disabilities
- Create Individual program plans for 22 clients
- Create specialized trainings and staff development for employees
- Create vocational training projects for students in partnership with MPIC
- Write and Receive a $58,000 grant to create jobs for clients for the State Park Recycling Program
- Conflict resolution
- Implement behavior modification plans and track weekly progress
- Led service operations, ensuring seamless delivery of support to clients and families.
- Developed training programs for staff, enhancing service quality and operational efficiency.
- Managed a team of staff, ensuring timely completion of projects and high-quality workmanship.
Family Worker
Northcoast Children's Services
08.2002 - 02.2004
- Assist and support families to make and achieve goals
- Teach 2nd Step social development curriculum to 3-5 year olds
- Plan and facilitate parent meetings
- Teach parenting classes
- Make routine home visits
- Assist families in locating community resources
- Collaborated with families to assess needs and develop personalized support plans.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions for parents on child development topics.
Spanish Teacher and Teachers Assistant
Trillium Elementary
08.2001 - 09.2002
- Plan and teach Spanish lessons in a combined K-3 classroom
- Facilitate math and reading groups for K-3 classroom
- Assist teacher with lessons and classroom responsibilities
- Developed engaging lesson plans that fostered student participation and enthusiasm for language learning.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects that integrated Spanish language skills across subjects.
- Organized cultural events that promoted awareness and appreciation of Spanish-speaking countries and their traditions.
Behavioral Respite Worker
HCAR
07.2001 - 09.2002
- Provide respite service for developmentally disabled students
- Assist children with behavior goals through positive reinforcement
- Plan activities based on individual needs of each child
Environmental Education Coordinator
Americorps National Service
09.1997 - 09.1998
- Create and teach an organic gardening curriculum for grades 1st-4th
- Provide service learning projects for students in the community garden
- Create 2 after school programs(Fortuna and Rio Dell)
- Tutor students at Eel River Community High School
- Developed and implemented environmental education programs for diverse audiences.
- Coordinated workshops and community events promoting sustainability practices.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through participant feedback and assessments.
- Fostered partnerships with community organizations to enhance resource sharing.
- Strengthened relationships between the organization and key stakeholders such as community leaders, schools, government agencies, and other nonprofits through effective communication strategies.
Education
Credential: Preliminary Administrative Services - School Administration
Humboldt State University
Arcata, CA05-2022
Credential: Educational Specialist - Special Education
Dominican University
Ukiah, CA01-2014
Added Authorization: Early Childhood Special Education - Early Childhood Special Education
Brandman University
Irvine, CA01-2014
Credential: 5th year Clear Credential Program - Elementary Education
University California San Diego Extension
San Diego, CA01-2010
Credential: Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential with Authorization Elementary Spanish - Elementary Education
California State University Monterey Bay
Monterey, CA01-2007
Bachelors of Arts - International Studies Latin American Studies
Humboldt State University
Arcata, CA01-2002
Certificate - Spanish Language and Culture
Universidad Teqnologico Equinoccial
Quito, Ecuador01-2001
Skills
- Effective communication skills
- Community engagement
- Fluent in Spanish
- Special education
- Team leadership
- Relationship building
- Classroom management
- Employee performance evaluations
- Training and mentoring
Languages
Spanish
Timeline
Early Start Teacher (Early Childhood Special Education)
Mendocino County Office of Education
04.2015 - Current
Early Childhood Educational Specialist
Fort Bragg Unified School District
08.2013 - 06.2015
Workability Job Developer
Fort Bragg Unified School District
02.2009 - 06.2013
Site Administrator/Lead Teacher/Program Coordinator
Kudos After School Program, Redwood Elementary
06.2006 - 06.2013
Vocational Services Manager
Parents and Friends INC
01.2005 - 06.2006
Family Worker
Northcoast Children's Services
08.2002 - 02.2004
Spanish Teacher and Teachers Assistant
Trillium Elementary
08.2001 - 09.2002
Behavioral Respite Worker
HCAR
07.2001 - 09.2002
Environmental Education Coordinator
Americorps National Service
09.1997 - 09.1998
Bachelors of Arts - International Studies Latin American Studies
Humboldt State University
Certificate - Spanish Language and Culture
Universidad Teqnologico Equinoccial
Credential: Preliminary Administrative Services - School Administration
Humboldt State University
Credential: Educational Specialist - Special Education
Dominican University
Added Authorization: Early Childhood Special Education - Early Childhood Special Education
Brandman University
Credential: 5th year Clear Credential Program - Elementary Education
University California San Diego Extension
Credential: Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential with Authorization Elementary Spanish - Elementary Education
California State University Monterey Bay
Professional Organizations
Member SEACO(Special Education Administrators for County Offices)
Treasurer and Vice President Mendocino County School Employees Union