Summary

Overview

Work History

Education

Skills

Licenses And Endorsements

Certification

Timeline

Monica Allen

Blue Ash,OH

Summary

To empower students with essential financial knowledge and practical life skills by combining social-emotional learning, culturally responsive teaching, and lived financial experience. My mission is to equip students—especially those in underserved communities—with the tools to achieve financial independence and make informed, life-affirming decisions. My approach is driven by the 'Three A's': Acquisition of Knowledge, Access to Knowledge, and Application of Knowledge.

Overview

years of professional experience

Certification

Work History

Licensed Life Insurance Agent

Primerica

01.2023 - Current

Guide clients through assessments, budgeting strategies, and legacy planning.
Help families conduct financial analyses to determine their financial independence, enabling retirement planning.
Promote awareness of financial empowerment in at-risk and low-income communities.
Offer diverse financial services: term insurance, mortgage insurance, financial education and planning, auto and home insurance, prepaid legal services, and investments.
Currently pursuing Series 6 securities license.

Licensed Life Insurance Agent

Primerica

01.2023 - Current

Guide clients through assessments, budgeting strategies, and legacy planning.
Help families conduct financial analyses to determine their financial independence, enabling retirement planning.
Promote awareness of financial empowerment in at-risk and low-income communities.
Offer diverse financial services: term insurance, mortgage insurance, financial education and planning, auto and home insurance, prepaid legal services, and investments.
Currently pursuing Series 6 securities license.

Special Education Teacher (Multi-Disability Autism Unit)

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2022 - Current

Instruct students with significant cognitive and behavioral needs using evidence-based, individualized strategies.
Monitor student growth and communicate regularly with families and related service providers.
Incorporate life skills, social-emotional regulation, and financial basics into daily routines to promote independence.
Assist students and families in accessing housing, food, and community support services to address basic needs and prevent crises.
Help families apply for community resources to ensure stability and long-term self-sufficiency.

Special Education Teacher (Multi-Disability Autism Unit)

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2022 - Current

Instruct students with significant cognitive and behavioral needs using evidence-based, individualized strategies.
Monitor student growth and communicate regularly with families and related service providers.
Incorporate life skills, social-emotional regulation, and financial basics into daily routines to promote independence.
Assist students and families in accessing housing, food, and community support services to address basic needs and prevent crises.
Help families apply for community resources to ensure stability and long-term self-sufficiency.

Financial Literacy Advocate & Mentor

Independent Consultant

01.2015 - Current

Conduct workshops and coaching sessions on budgeting, saving, credit management, and goal-setting.
Utilize SEL-informed approaches to explore how identity and emotions influence financial decisions.
Provide relatable, real-life examples of financial success while living on a modest income.
Guide families and individuals in applying for essential community resources (housing, utilities, food support) to prevent homelessness.
Advocate for long-term planning, generational wealth, and informed financial decision-making in underserved communities.
Assist families in identifying and applying for community programs to support long-term self-sufficiency.

Financial Literacy Advocate & Mentor

Independent Consultant

01.2015 - Current

Conduct workshops and coaching sessions on budgeting, saving, credit management, and goal-setting.
Utilize SEL-informed approaches to explore how identity and emotions influence financial decisions.
Provide relatable, real-life examples of financial success while living on a modest income.
Guide families and individuals in applying for essential community resources (housing, utilities, food support) to prevent homelessness.
Advocate for long-term planning, generational wealth, and informed financial decision-making in underserved communities.
Assist families in identifying and applying for community programs to support long-term self-sufficiency.

Woodward Summer School Paraprofessional

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2011 - 01.2023

Provided academic and behavioral support to students during summer school sessions.
Assisted teachers with lesson delivery and classroom management.
Supported individualized learning needs and helped maintain a positive learning environment.
Managed summer school registration and conducted comprehensive graduation audits in collaboration with counselors to verify credit completion.
Scheduled classes, reviewed transcripts, and maintained accurate enrollment and audit records in collaboration with counselors to keep students on track for graduation.
Communicated schedules and academic updates to students and families, and resolved scheduling conflicts in collaboration with counselors.
Provided essential administrative and clerical support to the counseling team.

Woodward Summer School Paraprofessional

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2011 - 01.2023

Provided academic and behavioral support to students during summer school sessions.
Assisted teachers with lesson delivery and classroom management.
Supported individualized learning needs and helped maintain a positive learning environment.
Managed summer school registration and conducted comprehensive graduation audits in collaboration with counselors to verify credit completion.
Scheduled classes, reviewed transcripts, and maintained accurate enrollment and audit records in collaboration with counselors to keep students on track for graduation.
Communicated schedules and academic updates to students and families, and resolved scheduling conflicts in collaboration with counselors.
Provided essential administrative and clerical support to the counseling team.

Woodward Senior Graduation Mentor

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2020 - 01.2022

Analyzed student grades during the pandemic to prioritize assignments and maximize academic achievement.
Provided focused mentorship and performed graduation audits to ensure senior students remained on track for graduation, empowering them to communicate and advocate their needs effectively with teachers for academic success.
Supported students in Edgenuity classes by prioritizing coursework and ensuring appropriate accommodations.
Ensured students completed free and reduced-price meal applications to reduce graduation fees and access other benefits (e.g., college applications, AP exams, and national assessments); successfully secured fee waivers for all seniors, covering current and previous year's student fees and saving each student $60.

Woodward Senior Graduation Mentor

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2020 - 01.2022

Analyzed student grades during the pandemic to prioritize assignments and maximize academic achievement.
Provided focused mentorship and performed graduation audits to ensure senior students remained on track for graduation, empowering them to communicate and advocate their needs effectively with teachers for academic success.
Supported students in Edgenuity classes by prioritizing coursework and ensuring appropriate accommodations.
Ensured students completed free and reduced-price meal applications to reduce graduation fees and access other benefits (e.g., college applications, AP exams, and national assessments); successfully secured fee waivers for all seniors, covering current and previous year's student fees and saving each student $60.

Woodward Virtual Learning Liaison

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2020 - 01.2022

Supported special education students during the pandemic by coordinating online accommodations and instructional support.
Maintained strong communication with families, ensuring continued access to education and community resources.
Trained fellow senior mentors on web applications (Google Drive, Zoom, Schoology, PowerSchool) to facilitate effective online instruction and support.
Supported parents and alumni in enrolling in Ohio's IMAP free program at the University of Cincinnati, enabling them to earn various industry-recognized credentials including CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+), Google IT Support, ITIL Framework, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, Microsoft Excel Certification, Cybersecurity Bootcamp, Electronic Health Records Specialist, Microsoft Office Specialist, Nurse Educator Micro-Credential, Systems Leadership Micro-Credential, Computer Support Specialist, Programming Primer, Spreadsheet Applications Specialist, and Word Processing Applications Specialist.

Woodward Virtual Learning Liaison

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2020 - 01.2022

Supported special education students during the pandemic by coordinating online accommodations and instructional support.
Maintained strong communication with families, ensuring continued access to education and community resources.
Trained fellow senior mentors on web applications (Google Drive, Zoom, Schoology, PowerSchool) to facilitate effective online instruction and support.
Supported parents and alumni in enrolling in Ohio's IMAP free program at the University of Cincinnati, enabling them to earn various industry-recognized credentials including CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+), Google IT Support, ITIL Framework, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, Microsoft Excel Certification, Cybersecurity Bootcamp, Electronic Health Records Specialist, Microsoft Office Specialist, Nurse Educator Micro-Credential, Systems Leadership Micro-Credential, Computer Support Specialist, Programming Primer, Spreadsheet Applications Specialist, and Word Processing Applications Specialist.

Woodward Career Tech Paraprofessional

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2019 - 01.2020

Proctored WorkKeys, FEMA, and NCCER tests, ensuring compliance with testing accommodations for students with disabilities.
Provided specialized support to students in manufacturing and phlebotomy departments, assisting them in meeting vocational goals.
Taught foundational math skills essential for success in WorkKeys testing.
Collaborated with career tech instructors and counselors to align assessments with student alternative pathways, supporting the achievement of state-defined Ohio seals.
Assisted with Woodward's Project Blue Legal Clinic to help students overcome legal barriers to employment.
Assisted with Woodward's Sticks For Kicks and MAC’s Adult Phlebotomy program, partnering to address financial disparities and economic barriers to program retention.

Woodward Career Tech Paraprofessional

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2019 - 01.2020

Proctored WorkKeys, FEMA, and NCCER tests, ensuring compliance with testing accommodations for students with disabilities.
Provided specialized support to students in manufacturing and phlebotomy departments, assisting them in meeting vocational goals.
Taught foundational math skills essential for success in WorkKeys testing.
Collaborated with career tech instructors and counselors to align assessments with student alternative pathways, supporting the achievement of state-defined Ohio seals.
Assisted with Woodward's Project Blue Legal Clinic to help students overcome legal barriers to employment.
Assisted with Woodward's Sticks For Kicks and MAC’s Adult Phlebotomy program, partnering to address financial disparities and economic barriers to program retention.

Woodward In-School Suspension Paraprofessional

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2012 - 01.2019

Developed individualized behavior intervention plans for students facing disciplinary actions.
Facilitated conflict resolution and reintegration into academic settings.
Trained intervention specialists on properly conducting manifestation determination hearings in alignment with IDEA compliance.
Conducted peer mediation to resolve student conflicts.
Assisted with Woodward Project Blue, helping students overcome legal barriers to employment.
Supported students with learning modules in Edgenuity.

Woodward In-School Suspension Paraprofessional

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2012 - 01.2019

Developed individualized behavior intervention plans for students facing disciplinary actions.
Facilitated conflict resolution and reintegration into academic settings.
Trained intervention specialists on properly conducting manifestation determination hearings in alignment with IDEA compliance.
Conducted peer mediation to resolve student conflicts.
Assisted with Woodward Project Blue, helping students overcome legal barriers to employment.
Supported students with learning modules in Edgenuity.

Career Pathway Teacher/Student Teaching

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2011 - 01.2012

Explored Labor Bureau statistics and job market trends with students.
Developed career exploration activities and connected them to academic content.
Guided students in identifying their interests, skills, and values in relation to career options.
Facilitated discussions on various career clusters and pathways.
Taught practical skills for job applications, interviews, and workplace readiness.
Connected students with resources for internships, apprenticeships, and post-secondary education.
Integrated employability skills throughout the curriculum.

Career Pathway Teacher/Student Teaching

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2011 - 01.2012

Explored Labor Bureau statistics and job market trends with students.
Developed career exploration activities and connected them to academic content.
Guided students in identifying their interests, skills, and values in relation to career options.
Facilitated discussions on various career clusters and pathways.
Taught practical skills for job applications, interviews, and workplace readiness.
Connected students with resources for internships, apprenticeships, and post-secondary education.
Integrated employability skills throughout the curriculum.

Itinerant Paraprofessional

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2010 - 01.2011

Provided flexible, in-classroom support to teachers managing large student IEP and 504 caseloads.
Assisted in maintaining a safe and organized school environment, ensuring students transition smoothly between classes and activities.
Supported school-wide operations including attendance tracking, hallway monitoring, and student supervision.
Acted as a liaison between administration and students to support positive behavior and consistent routines.
Helped identify and resolve barriers to student engagement and participation.
Ran 'Girls Internalizing Greatness (GIG)' program in 2010 for students with behavioral issues and at-risk girls.

Itinerant Paraprofessional

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2010 - 01.2011

Provided flexible, in-classroom support to teachers managing large student IEP and 504 caseloads.
Assisted in maintaining a safe and organized school environment, ensuring students transition smoothly between classes and activities.
Supported school-wide operations including attendance tracking, hallway monitoring, and student supervision.
Acted as a liaison between administration and students to support positive behavior and consistent routines.
Helped identify and resolve barriers to student engagement and participation.
Ran 'Girls Internalizing Greatness (GIG)' program in 2010 for students with behavioral issues and at-risk girls.

Woodward Paraprofessional, Multi-Disability Classroom

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2009 - 01.2010

Provided highly specialized, individualized support to students, all of whom were wheelchair-bound with low cognitive functioning.
Developed and implemented IEPs, monitoring growth and communicating with families and service providers.
Delivered functional academic, daily living, and social skills instruction.
Supported transition planning (community access, job readiness, self-advocacy), including DDS agency navigation.
Managed personal care, mobility support, and adaptive equipment for all students.

Woodward Paraprofessional, Multi-Disability Classroom

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2009 - 01.2010

Provided highly specialized, individualized support to students, all of whom were wheelchair-bound with low cognitive functioning.
Developed and implemented IEPs, monitoring growth and communicating with families and service providers.
Delivered functional academic, daily living, and social skills instruction.
Supported transition planning (community access, job readiness, self-advocacy), including DDS agency navigation.
Managed personal care, mobility support, and adaptive equipment for all students.

Education

Master of Arts - Special Education

Grand Canyon University

01.2012

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

University of Cincinnati

01.2007

Associate of Arts - undefined

Cincinnati State

01.2003

Skills

IEP Development
Special Education Compliance
Culturally Responsive Instruction
Trauma-Informed Instruction
SEL Integration
Behavior Management
Community Resource Navigation
Family Advocacy
Financial Coaching
Real-Life Application
Crisis Prevention
Support Services
Collaboration
Assessment Administration
Data Tracking
Manifestation Determination Hearing Training
IDEA Compliance
Peer Mediation
Conflict Resolution
Daily Living Skills
Transitional Needs Support

Legal Barrier Support
Community Program Facilitation
Graduation Auditing
Scheduling
Career Development
Job Market Exploration
Student Fee Reduction
Benefit Access
Learning Support
Technical Support
Virtual Learning Liaison
Foster Care Liaison
Kinship Care Liaison
Social Services Expertise
Juvenile Support Expertise
Career Pathways Familiarity
Child Protection Protocols
Investigation Protocols
Forensic Interview Processes
Reporting Child Abuse

Licenses And Endorsements

State of Ohio Resident Educator License (Special Education)
Financial Literacy Endorsement
State of Ohio Life Insurance License, 2023-01-01
Ohio Foster Care License
Domestic Violence Certificate, University of Cincinnati, 2007-01-01
Child Abuse Certificate, University of Cincinnati, 2007-01-01

Certification

[Area of certification] Training - [Timeframe]

01.2010 - 01.2011

Woodward Paraprofessional, Multi-Disability Classroom

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2009 - 01.2010

Woodward Paraprofessional, Multi-Disability Classroom

Cincinnati Public Schools

01.2009 - 01.2010

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

University of Cincinnati

Associate of Arts - undefined

Cincinnati State

Master of Arts - Special Education

Grand Canyon University

Summary

Overview

Work History

Licensed Life Insurance Agent

Licensed Life Insurance Agent

Special Education Teacher (Multi-Disability Autism Unit)

Special Education Teacher (Multi-Disability Autism Unit)

Financial Literacy Advocate & Mentor

Financial Literacy Advocate & Mentor

Woodward Summer School Paraprofessional

Woodward Summer School Paraprofessional

Woodward Senior Graduation Mentor

Woodward Senior Graduation Mentor

Woodward Virtual Learning Liaison

Woodward Virtual Learning Liaison

Woodward Career Tech Paraprofessional

Woodward Career Tech Paraprofessional

Woodward In-School Suspension Paraprofessional

Woodward In-School Suspension Paraprofessional

Career Pathway Teacher/Student Teaching

Career Pathway Teacher/Student Teaching

Itinerant Paraprofessional

Itinerant Paraprofessional

Woodward Paraprofessional, Multi-Disability Classroom

Woodward Paraprofessional, Multi-Disability Classroom

Education

Master of Arts - Special Education

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

Associate of Arts - undefined

Skills

Licenses And Endorsements

Certification

Timeline

Licensed Life Insurance Agent

Licensed Life Insurance Agent

Special Education Teacher (Multi-Disability Autism Unit)

Special Education Teacher (Multi-Disability Autism Unit)

Woodward Senior Graduation Mentor

Woodward Senior Graduation Mentor

Woodward Virtual Learning Liaison

Woodward Virtual Learning Liaison

Woodward Career Tech Paraprofessional

Woodward Career Tech Paraprofessional

Financial Literacy Advocate & Mentor

Financial Literacy Advocate & Mentor

Woodward In-School Suspension Paraprofessional

Woodward In-School Suspension Paraprofessional

Woodward Summer School Paraprofessional

Woodward Summer School Paraprofessional

Career Pathway Teacher/Student Teaching

Career Pathway Teacher/Student Teaching

Itinerant Paraprofessional

Itinerant Paraprofessional

Woodward Paraprofessional, Multi-Disability Classroom

Woodward Paraprofessional, Multi-Disability Classroom

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

Associate of Arts - undefined

Master of Arts - Special Education

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