Melissa Avina
School Psychologist
Visalia,CA
Summary
Seasoned School Psychologist specializing in developments of IEP's, 504's, BIP's and FBA's. Trained in various SEL counseling curriculums. Experienced in collaboration with outside professional agencies, school districts and families. Trainer of the NASP PREPaRE framework. Experienced in Special Day Classroom educational settings as well as Comprehensive Education settings.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work History
School Psychologist
Tulare County Office Of Education
Visalia, CA
08.2014 - Current
- Met with students to conduct individual assessments and determine academic and mental health needs.
- Collaborated with educators, school administrators and external professionals in development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
- Conducted group and individual counseling sessions for social emotional learning growth.
- Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
- Consulted with teachers, parents and outside professionals to gain in-depth understanding of students.
- Collaborated with social workers to help students grow in social and emotional capacities.
- Regularly collaborated with outside agencies and districts such as: Central Valley Regional Centers, Group Homes, other school districts, Visalia Youth Services, Sequoia Youth Services, and local law enforcement.
- Observed students in classroom and play environments.
- Built positive and productive relationships with students, parents, educators and community resources.
- Utilized formal and established testing protocols to evaluate educational, emotional and behavioral needs of students.
- Implemented prevention-oriented support groups for Special Day Students and General Education students.
- Facilitated SST meetings to assess goals and progress.
- Selected, administered and scored psychological tests.
- Led staff and faculty training and development to support program objectives.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
School Psychologist Intern
Tulare County Office Of Education
Visalia, United States
07.2013 - 06.2014
- Reviewed available educational records and prepared reports outlining findings and recommendations.
- Observed service delivery for counseling and behavior intervention.
- Administered, scored and interpreted psychological tests for IEP's and 504's.
- Shadowed experienced School Psychologist's to gain in-depth knowledge of services, interventions and assessment techniques.
- Assisted with documenting and observing behaviors of individuals with educational and social emotional learning concerns.
- Consulted with teachers and parents to gain in-depth understanding of students.
- Selected, administered and scored psychological tests.
- Collaborated with educators, school administrators and external professionals in development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
Behavior Management Specialist
Tulare County Office Of Education
Visalia, CA
07.2012 - 07.2013
- Worked with students and families to develop and implement behavioral strategies and plans for home.
- Maintained accurate data collection and observations for behavior program updates.
- Maintained specific plans and data collection forms for each student on my caseload.
- Established and maintained relationships with the Central Valley Regional Center and the students school district.
- Provided regular consultation and coaching for families regarding behavioral strategies and in home intervention supports.
- Provided parent trainings on an ongoing basis.
Behavior Tutor
Bright Future Tulare County Office Of Education
Visalia, United States
03.2011 - 06.2012
- Provided In-Home ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) services to students with special needs
- Taught students to use functional communication for requesting daily wants and needs.
- Collaborated with families to encourage and teach students through generalization.
- Used ABLLS curriculum to created tailored plans to teach life skills.
Education
Master of Arts - Education: School Psychology And School Counseling
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA 08.2010 - 12.2013
Credential - Pupil Personal Services Credential
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA 08.2010 - 12.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Business: Organizational Leadership
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA 08.2008 - 12.2009
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Reedley College
Reedley, CA 08.2005 - 05.2007
Skills
Individualized education programs
BIP understanding
Youth and adolescent development
Resource advocacy
Group counseling
Mediation and crisis intervention
Team collaboration and leadership
Verbal and written communication
Diverse groups presentations
Faculty Training
Data-driven decision making
Intervention planning
Classroom observations
Bilingual
PREPaRE Trainer
Timeline
School Psychologist
Tulare County Office Of Education
08.2014 - Current
School Psychologist Intern
Tulare County Office Of Education
07.2013 - 06.2014
Behavior Management Specialist
Tulare County Office Of Education
07.2012 - 07.2013
Behavior Tutor
Bright Future Tulare County Office Of Education
03.2011 - 06.2012
Master of Arts - Education: School Psychology And School Counseling
Fresno Pacific University
08.2010 - 12.2013
Credential - Pupil Personal Services Credential
Fresno Pacific University
08.2010 - 12.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Business: Organizational Leadership
Fresno Pacific University
08.2008 - 12.2009
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And General Studies
Reedley College
08.2005 - 05.2007