Megan G. Johnston
Gainesville,FL
Summary
Dynamic ESE Teacher with a proven track record in IEP development and fostering inclusive classrooms. Expert in differentiated instruction and relationship building, enhancing student engagement and success. Committed to collaborative teamwork, I effectively implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved student outcomes and a supportive learning environment.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ESE Teacher - 5th & 6th
Oak View Middle School
07.2024 - Current
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Promoted inclusivity by integrating ESE students into general education classrooms whenever possible while providing necessary supports for their success.
- Improved student understanding of ESE concepts by implementing differentiated instruction methods tailored to individual needs.
- Demonstrated flexibility by adapting teaching methods based on the unique strengths and challenges of each student.
- Provided one-on-one support for students struggling with specific academic or behavioral challenges.
- Evaluated student progress through ongoing assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to maximize achievement.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to maintain a productive and focused learning environment for all students.
- Established a positive classroom environment that fostered mutual respect, trust, and open communication among students.
- Collaborated with other ESE teachers to develop and implement best practices for special education instruction.
Therapist LCSW
High Score Therapeutic Services LLC
01.2021 - 06.2024
- Served Neurodivergent Disorders (ASD, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression etc.)
- Built strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and open communication for effective therapy sessions.
- Owner / Operator
- Provided individual and group therapy sessions to patients suffering from mental health issues.
- Enhanced client well-being through personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs and goals.
- First therapist in Gainesville to use Table Top Role Playing Games in therapeutic sense. (DND)
- Developed strategies to help patients cope with stress and anxiety and build resilience.
- Counseled individuals, groups, and families to bring awareness of problems, deal with crisis situations and develop action plans.
- Delivered brief interventions to help clients develop healthy coping skills.
Autism Specialist
UF Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Co-founder / builder of UF C.A.N., establishing the processes that would become standards.
- Developed visual supports and social stories to enhance communication and understanding for clients with autism spectrum disorders.
- Advised educators on classroom accommodations and modifications to support inclusive learning environments for students with autism spectrum disorders.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions targeting social skills development, fostering peer connections and enhancing selfesteem.
- Observed client behavior and collected, documented and summarized data to formulate treatment plans.
Infant & Toddler Developmental Specialist (ITDS)
UF North Central Early Steps
12.2017 - 01.2019
- Established strong relationships with families, fostering trust and open communication for effective collaboration.
- Promoted family engagement in the early intervention process by providing resources, education, and guidance on supporting their child''s development at home.
- Collaborated with families to develop tailored intervention plans, resulting in improved child outcomes.
- Provided ongoing support to families through home visits, phone calls, and written communication, ensuring consistent progress monitoring.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify children''s strengths and needs, informing the creation of targeted intervention plans.
- Enhanced child development by implementing individualized early intervention strategies and techniques.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes in planning interventions, leading to more effective outcomes for children served.
Social Worker
UF Pediatric Pulmonary Center
05.2015 - 12.2017
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
- Participated in "Streetlight" program which deals in Palliative care for cystic fibrosis patients.
- De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
- Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
- Advocated for clients to assure respected rights and wishes.
- Collaborated with schools to address students'' social-emotional needs, working closely with teachers and administrators to create supportive learning environments.
Education
Master of Developmental Disabilities - Developmental Disabilities, Child Life Focus
Nova Southeastern University
Davie, FL05-2017
Master of Social Work - Clinical Social Work
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL05-2015
Bachelor of Social Work - Family And Child Sciences
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL12-2011
Skills
- Inclusion strategies
- IEP development
- Classroom management
- Group and individual instruction
- Differentiated instruction
- Behavior modification
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Progress monitoring
- Collaborative teamwork
- Relationship building
- Lesson planning
- Reliability
Accomplishments
- Nominated for "Teacher of the Year"
- Original member of UF CAN that helped build program.
- Trained fellow teachers on the procedures for completing Individual Education Plans.
- Acknowledgement from "Streetlight" program for work with Palliative Care patients.
Certification
- K-12 ESE Certification
- K-6 Elementary Education Certification
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Autism Navigator Certification
- ITDS Certification
- Case Management Certification
Timeline
ESE Teacher - 5th & 6th
Oak View Middle School
07.2024 - Current
Therapist LCSW
High Score Therapeutic Services LLC
01.2021 - 06.2024
Autism Specialist
UF Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment
01.2019 - 01.2021
Infant & Toddler Developmental Specialist (ITDS)
UF North Central Early Steps
12.2017 - 01.2019
Social Worker
UF Pediatric Pulmonary Center
05.2015 - 12.2017
Master of Developmental Disabilities - Developmental Disabilities, Child Life Focus
Nova Southeastern University
Master of Social Work - Clinical Social Work
Florida State University
Bachelor of Social Work - Family And Child Sciences
Florida State University
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