Micahla Downey
Rock Springs,WY
Summary
Dedicated education professional seeking an Adjunct role to leverage extensive classroom experience in Wyoming schools, effectively preparing future teachers for the realities of the classroom environment. Committed to enhancing teacher preparation by integrating behavior management competencies through practical training, hands-on practice, and proactive strategies. Passionate about equipping aspiring educators with the confidence and skills necessary to facilitate their own classrooms successfully. A collaborative approach ensures that future teachers are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern education.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Psychologist & Behavioral Specialist
Peak Behavioral Services, LLC
Wyoming
08.2024 - Current
- Conducts psychoeducational and behavioral assessments that teams report are clear and actionable, ensuring effective intervention planning.
- Develops and implements individualized interventions addressing academic and behavioral challenges.
- Coaches other professionals on best practices for supporting students' academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs.
- Collaborates with teachers, administrators, and families to create effective behavior intervention plans (BIPs) utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles.
- Provides professional development workshops on research-based behavioral strategies and positive behavior interventions and supports, giving educator’s hands on practice and feedback following direct instruction (PBIS).
- Develops and delivers training and follow up coaching for educators to improve their fluency of behavior management skills, addressing skill gaps identified by administrators.
- Analyzes data to monitor student progress and make data-driven decisions regarding interventions and support plans.
- Participates in school meetings (MTSS, IEP, 504) to provide expert recommendations for student success.
School Psychologist
Kalispell School District 5
Kalispell, MT
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Conducted and reported cognitive, academic, social-emotional, and behavioral assessments for 82 cases.
- Collaborated with administrators, teachers, and families to develop multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS).
- Served on the district-wide Systems of Support Committee (MTSS).
- Developed and led professional development sessions on MTSS and behavioral interventions.
- Completed 6 Functional Behavioral Assessments, resulting in 4 students transitioning to less restrictive environments.
School Psychology Intern
BOCES 5
Wyoming
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Provided academic and behavioral interventions for K-12 students in public and day school settings.
- Conducted cognitive, academic, and social-emotional assessments both in person and virtually.
- Implemented Check-In/Check-Out interventions and tracked student progress.
K-4 Resource Teacher
Sweetwater County School District #1
Rock Springs, WY
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Case-managed 42 students with academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
- Designed and implemented individualized instruction plans in multiple subjects.
- Supervised schedules and responsibilities of 5 paraeducators.
- Led professional development on collaboration and behavioral data analysis.
Special Education Teacher / Autism Specialist (7-12)
Sidney Middle & High School
Sidney, NE
08.2017 - 05.2020
- Developed and implemented specialized social learning curricula.
- Designed and taught English lessons for ELL students.
- Supervised 10 paraeducators across two school buildings.
- Initiated and facilitated peer-mediated Circle of Friends groups.
Education
Education Specialist Degree - School Psychology (Applied Behavior Analysis)
University of Northern Colorado Extended Campus
Denver, CO05.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education (K-12) & English as a Second Language Endorsement
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT07.2020
Master of Science - Special Education (Autism Specialist)
Saint Joseph’s University
Philadelphia, PA09.2018
Skills
- Positive behavior supports
- Functional behavior assessments
- Academic intervention strategies
- Solutions-focused
- Behavioral assessment
- Data collection
- Evidence-based practices
- Behavior modification
Affiliations
- National Association of School Psychologists (3 years)
- Wyoming School Psychologist Association (2 years)
Certification
- Wyoming: Special Education Generalist K-12, General Education K-6, School Psychologist
- Nationally Certified School Psychologist
- PREPaRE | Youth Mental Health First Aid | CBITS (Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools) | HEARTS (Healthy Environments and Response to Trauma in Schools)
Honors & Awards
Building-Level Lighthouse Award (2021) – Recognized for collaboration, leadership, and positive attitude., ServeNebraska Step Forward Award Finalist (2016), Segal Education Award (2016)
Timeline
School Psychologist & Behavioral Specialist
Peak Behavioral Services, LLC
08.2024 - Current
School Psychologist
Kalispell School District 5
08.2023 - 06.2024
School Psychology Intern
BOCES 5
08.2022 - 05.2023
K-4 Resource Teacher
Sweetwater County School District #1
08.2020 - 05.2021
Special Education Teacher / Autism Specialist (7-12)
Sidney Middle & High School
08.2017 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Special Education (K-12) & English as a Second Language Endorsement
Western Governors University
Master of Science - Special Education (Autism Specialist)
Saint Joseph’s University
Education Specialist Degree - School Psychology (Applied Behavior Analysis)
University of Northern Colorado Extended Campus