Mary Kelly
Boston,MA
Summary
Dedicated Special Education Teacher and Strand Specialist with 10+ years of experience serving students ages 3–22 with severe and multiple disabilities. Skilled in differentiated instruction, AAC implementation, inclusion facilitation, IEP development, and MCAS-Alt portfolio management. Committed to fostering independence, meaningful communication, and equitable access to rigorous curriculum for all learners.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Strand Specialist – Multiple Disabilities
The Blackstone Elementary School
Boston, MA
08.2024 - Current
- Provide instructional leadership and daily oversight for four Multiple Disabilities strand classrooms.
- Supervise and support teachers and paraprofessionals; coordinate staffing and provide classroom coverage as needed.
- Lead professional development and coach staff on evidence-based practices, differentiation, and inclusive instruction.
- Collaborate with teams to align curriculum to IEP goals and district frameworks.
- Facilitate meaningful inclusion opportunities to promote student participation in general education settings.
- Serve as a liaison for families by maintaining ongoing communication, facilitating IEP collaboration, and coordinating program tours for prospective students and caregivers.
- Contribute to IEP meetings through data analysis, progress monitoring, and instructional recommendations.
- Support development and submission of MCAS-Alt portfolios in compliance with DESE requirements.
- Evaluate teachers and paraprofessionals through formal and informal observations, offering targeted feedback and coaching to improve instructional practice.
- Assist in implementation of new curriculum initiatives, including Readtopia.
Special Education Teacher – Multiple Disabilities
The Blackstone Elementary School
Boston, MA
08.2017 - 06.2024
- Delivered individualized academic instruction to students with complex cognitive, physical, and communication needs.
- Designed and implemented differentiated, standards-aligned lesson plans using multisensory and assistive technology approaches.
- Developed and managed IEPs; conducted three-year evaluations and facilitated team meetings.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including PT, OT, SLP, TVI, nurses, and ABA specialists.
- Utilized varied assessment methods to ensure equitable access and authentic progress monitoring.
- Completed MCAS-Alt portfolios and maintained compliance with state regulations.
- Fostered strong family partnerships through consistent communication and collaboration.
Teacher’s Assistant
The Campus School at Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA
08.2015 - 08.2017
- Supported instruction in preschool and early high school classrooms serving students with severe disabilities.
- Developed engaging, multisensory lessons to meet diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to implement IEP goals and communication systems.
- Assisted in development of MCAS-Alt portfolios and participated in weekly team meetings.
- Built strong, collaborative relationships with families.
Personal Support Specialist
COR Health Services
Portland, ME
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Provided in-home care for nonverbal children with significant medical and developmental needs.
Behavior Specialist
Bridges of Maine
Gray, ME
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Supported development of communication, social, and life skills for children with severe disabilities.
Education
Master of Education - Severe Special Education
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA08-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Saint Anselm College
Manchester, NH05-2015
Skills
- Differentiated & Multisensory Instruction
- IEP Development, Implementation & Compliance
- MCAS-Alt Portfolio Development
- Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC)
- Curriculum Adaptation & Assistive Technology Integration
- Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Family Engagement & Communication
- Special Education Program Coordination
Certification
- Massachusetts Professional Licensure
- Severe Special Needs & Multiple Disabilities, Grades K–12
- SEI Endorsed (2017)
Timeline
Strand Specialist – Multiple Disabilities
The Blackstone Elementary School
08.2024 - Current
Special Education Teacher – Multiple Disabilities
The Blackstone Elementary School
08.2017 - 06.2024
Teacher’s Assistant
The Campus School at Boston College
08.2015 - 08.2017
Personal Support Specialist
COR Health Services
01.2015 - 01.2017
Behavior Specialist
Bridges of Maine
01.2014 - 01.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Saint Anselm College
Master of Education - Severe Special Education
Boston College