MAYRA J. LOPEZ-CARDONA
Los Angeles
Summary
Bilingual (English/Spanish) professional with a Master's degree in Special Education, Autism Specialist Certified by IBCCES, DIR Floortime Play Therapy and ABA certifications, and over 14 years of experience as a Behavior Therapist and Classroom Paraprofessional/BII in different special education settings. Seeking a position as a Special Education Teacher in a K-2 Autism program as Intern program candidate for LAUSD.
Overview
1
1
Certification
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional/BII
Los Angeles Unified School District
Los Angeles, CA
08.2014 - Current
- Support teachers by providing individualized instruction, managing classroom behavior, and addressing the physical/emotional needs of students. Assist with lesson implementation, supervise students, and provide personal care for special needs students, including feeding and toileting. Assist with data collection and the achievement of behavior intervention goals.
- Collaborated with special education staff to adapt instructional materials for accessibility.
- Monitored student progress and behavior, providing feedback to educators for instructional adjustments.
- Provided one-on-one support to students during classroom activities, promoting skill development and independence.
- Built trust and rapport with students through positive reinforcement and strong communication skills.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by creating visual supports, sensory accommodations, and structured routines.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
Behavior Technician
My Aba Services
Los Angeles, CA
11.2021 - 08.2023
- Conducted ABA therapy sessions via telehealth, supporting student developmental goals with a 25% increase in skill acquisition.
- Optimized behavioral outcomes through evidence-based modeling and role-playing strategies.
- Delivered individualized support to clients with autism spectrum disorders, focusing on unique behavioral needs.
- Encouraged positive behaviors through reinforcement of desired actions and effective resolution of challenging issues.
- Tracked and recorded detailed client behaviors and interventions, facilitating accurate monitoring of developmental progress over time.
- Adapted therapy materials as needed to meet the unique needs of each individual client, ensuring optimal engagement during sessions.
- Worked as part of collaborative team to address changing needs of children and families.
- Developed strong rapport with clients and their families, fostering trust and open communication throughout the therapeutic process.
Behavior Therapist (Part-time)
Quantum Behavioral Solutions, Inc
Los Angeles, CA
06.2018 - 04.2019
- Implemented individualized programs for children and teenagers based on behavioral analysis principles, enhancing communication and social skills.
- Managed inappropriate behaviors through the implementation of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) with support from the clinical team.
- Collected data using mobile devices to track children's progress effectively.
- Increased student motivation by implementing tailored reinforcement systems.
- Delivered services in home and community settings as required.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
Santa Monica, CA
01.2011 - 07.2014
- Set up visual aids and classroom displays to support teachers in lesson delivery.
- Managed student behavior in classrooms and common areas, enforcing school rules effectively.
- Provided one-on-one support to students during academic activities, fostering engagement and participation.
- Supported individualized education plans (IEPs) by implementing specific learning strategies and accommodations.
- Implemented behavior management techniques that improved classroom dynamics and student engagement.
- Prepared instructional materials for group and one-on-one use to comply with established curriculum.
- Aided elementary school special education teachers in reinforcing efforts for children with various learning and behavioral needs.
- Created positive and inclusive classroom environment by helping students develop social skills and relationships.
Community Facilitator- Tutoring
Jay Nolan Community Services Inc
North Hollywood, CA
03.2007 - 01.2011
- Provided comprehensive instructional support for students unable to attend regular classes.
- Worked with students in various environments to offer educational support tailored to individual needs.
- Participated in training classes to enhance tutoring practices and learn new techniques.
- Maintained accurate logs and documentation to ensure compliance with educational standards.
- Developed handouts and assessments to evaluate and improve student knowledge.
- Coached students to complete homework and identify areas for improvement.
Education
AUTISM SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE - AUTISM- SPECIAL EDUCATION
International Board of Credentialing And Cont. (IBCCES)
FLORIDA05-2026
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of Catalonia Vic
Barcelona, Spain09-2022
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT10-2020
PROFICIENT DIR FLOORTIME - Early Childhood Special Education
Interdisciplinary Council On Development And Learning (ICDL)
Bethesda, MD10-2017
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Los Angeles City College
Los Angeles, CA06-2010
Skills
- Data Collection
- Welligent data enty
- Virtual Learning (Zoom, Google Classroom, n2y, IXL)
- Technologically Literate
- Organizational Skills
- Bilingual Spanish/English
- Classroom Experience
- Special Needs
- Experience Working with Students
- Computer Skills
Certification
- First Aid Certification American Red Cross
- CPR Certification American Red Cross
- DIR Floortime Certifications 201 and 202-ICDL (Interdisciplinary Council on Development and Learning)
- Autism Specialist Certification-International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)
- Graduate Autism Certificate National Technological University of Argentina 2017-11-23
Timeline
Behavior Technician
My Aba Services
11.2021 - 08.2023
Behavior Therapist (Part-time)
Quantum Behavioral Solutions, Inc
06.2018 - 04.2019
Special Education Paraprofessional/BII
Los Angeles Unified School District
08.2014 - Current
Special Education Paraprofessional
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
01.2011 - 07.2014
Community Facilitator- Tutoring
Jay Nolan Community Services Inc
03.2007 - 01.2011
Associate of Arts - Business Administration
Los Angeles City College
AUTISM SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE - AUTISM- SPECIAL EDUCATION
International Board of Credentialing And Cont. (IBCCES)
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of Catalonia Vic
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
Western Governors University
PROFICIENT DIR FLOORTIME - Early Childhood Special Education
Interdisciplinary Council On Development And Learning (ICDL)