Marlyn Casillas
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated child development professional with a Master of Science in Child Life and over 10 years of experience supporting children, families, and individuals with developmental disabilities in educational, behavioral, and healthcare settings. Skilled in patient support, behavior management, family-centered care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and crisis intervention. Passionate about improving patient experiences and seeking opportunities within pediatric and hospital environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL
Los Angeles Unified School District
Mission Hills
01.2023 - Current
- Provided individualized support to students with disabilities, addressing academic and behavioral needs.
- Collaborated with teachers and support staff to implement individualized education plans (IEPs).
- Facilitated small group instruction to reinforce core academic concepts and skills.
- Monitored student behavior and guided students to maintain positive learning environments.
- Documented student progress and communicated insights to teachers, specialists, and families to inform support strategies.
- Fostered independent thinking to enhance students' critical thinking and decision-making skills., problem-solving, and self-advocacy skills.
- Supported students in their daily activities, helping them to achieve greater independence and confidence. with daily living skills, including self-care tasks and mobility support.
- Implemented targeted strategies to support emotional regulation and enhance communication skills.Provide one-on-one support to students with developmental, behavioral, and physical disabilities.
- Assisted students with feeding, toileting, mobility, and personal hygiene.
- Collaborate with teachers, therapists, nurses, and support staff to implement individualized education plans (IEPs).
- Monitor student behavior and utilize positive behavior support strategies to promote learning and independence.
- Maintain accurate documentation of student progress and communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and families.
BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION IMPLEMENTATION
360 Behavioral Health
Chatsworth
01.2016 - Current
- Implement individualized behavior intervention plans for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities.
- Collect behavioral data and document client progress to support treatment planning.
- Collaborate with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and families to achieve therapy goals.
- Build trusting relationships with children and caregivers while promoting communication, independence, and emotional regulation.
- Maintain client confidentiality while following HIPAA and organizational policies.
Education
M.S. - Child Life
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA09-2025
B.S. - Child And Adolescent Development/Applied Developmental Science
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CA01-2016
Skills
- Pediatric Patient Support
- Child Life Services
- Family-Centered Care
- Therapeutic Play
- Behavioral Health
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Crisis Prevention & Intervention
- Patient Advocacy
- Patient Safety
- Documentation
- HIPAA Awareness
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Excellent Communication
- Bilingual: English & Spanish
Healthcare Experience
Child Life Volunteer
Valley Presbyterian Hospital | 2020–2022
- Supported pediatric patients and families by providing therapeutic play and emotional support during hospitalization.
- Assisted Child Life Specialists with bedside interventions to reduce anxiety before medical procedures.
- Facilitated arts and crafts, board games, and interactive activities to encourage normal childhood experiences in the hospital.
- Collaborated with healthcare staff to improve patient comfort and family satisfaction.
- Assisted families by providing compassionate support throughout hospitalization.
Dr. Seuss Day - Valley Presbyterian Hospital | 2020
- Organized therapeutic recreational activities for hospitalized children.
- Encouraged participation through music, movement, and age-appropriate activities.
- Promoted positive coping and emotional well-being during hospitalization.
Ahead With Horses
Shadow Hills, CA | 2011–2012
- Assisted instructors in providing therapeutic horseback riding sessions for children with physical, developmental, and special needs.
- Ensured participant safety by walking alongside horses, assisting with positioning, and monitoring riders throughout therapy sessions.
- Provided individualized support and encouragement to help children build confidence, independence, and motor skills.
- Collaborated with instructors and volunteers to create a safe, positive, and supportive therapeutic environment.
Certification
- Board-Certified Autism Technician
- Adult CPR/ AED, Pediatric CPR, and FIRST AID (Expires July 2027)
- Marcus Crisis Prevention Program (Expires July 2027)
Timeline
SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAPROFESSIONAL
Los Angeles Unified School District
01.2023 - Current
BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION IMPLEMENTATION
360 Behavioral Health
01.2016 - Current
M.S. - Child Life
University of La Verne
B.S. - Child And Adolescent Development/Applied Developmental Science
California State University, Northridge