Natasha Penn
Summary
Experienced with conducting comprehensive psychological assessments to support student development. Utilizes evidence-based interventions to address academic and behavioral challenges. Strong understanding of collaboration with educators and parents to create inclusive learning environments.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
3
3
Certification
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Fresno County Superintendent Of Schools
Fresno County, CA
01.2017 - Current
- Improved student behavior by implementing evidence-based intervention strategies and individualized support plans.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive intervention plans for students with behavioral challenges.
- Increased student engagement by incorporating positive reinforcement strategies into daily routines and interactions.
- Reduced classroom disruptions by providing targeted support and direct instruction in social-emotional learning skills.
- Enhanced communication between teachers, parents, and administrators through regular progress updates and parent-teacher conferences.
- Mentored new Behavior Intervention Specialists, sharing best practices and providing guidance on case management processes.
- Developed strong relationships with students and families, fostering open communication regarding behavioral concerns and progress towards goals.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for school staff on topics related to behavior management, de-escalation techniques, and trauma-informed practices.
- Implemented social skills groups to promote peer-to-peer connections and enhance students'' interpersonal abilities.
- Promoted a school-wide culture of positive behavior support by modeling respectful communication, active listening, and empathy in all interactions with students, staff, and families.
- Served as a resource for teachers seeking guidance on how to best address the unique behavioral needs of their students, offering strategies and tools tailored to specific situations.
- Improved behaviors through modeling, role-playing and other effective strategies.
- Completed observations of students in classroom and social situations.
- Assessed students using effective testing instruments and tools.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
- Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
- Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
Behavior Therapist
Genesis Behavior Center, Inc.
Fresno County, CA
10.2013 - 05.2015
- Functional analysis of maladaptive behaviors
- ABA therapeutic process working with children with ASDs
- Educated parents on skills and prevention strategies
- Individualized programs for each client with focus on life-skills, functional communication, social skills, academic and behavior-related problems
- One-on-one therapy with client in their residence
- Designed and implemented lesson plans
- Built rapport with care givers
- Focused on clients with aggression/non-compliance issues
- Collect data daily on clients behavior patterns
- Trained and supervised other therapists.
Special Education Teacher's Aide
Chapman Hill Elementary SKUSD
Salem, OR
05.2011 - 06.2011
- Assisted children with developmental disabilities in a classroom setting
- One-on-one instruction with students
- Responsible for student academic development
- Monitored attendance records
- Ran discrete trials through DTT
- Charted IEP reports, ran individualized programs
- Monitored daily progress reports
- Directed positive behavior development
- Practiced behavior management techniques
- Reinforced policies and regulations.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Alerted instructor to student behavior or issues requiring intervention.
Applied Behavior Analysis Assistant
Kings Canyon Unified School District
Reedley, CA
10.2009 - 02.2010
- Executed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy in clients home
- Implemented specially designed programs for children from ages 2-6yrs
- Responsible for child's acceleration in the program
- Social skills development and behavior management
- Increased clients' communication skills through the use of visual and verbal prompts.
- Enhanced client progress by implementing individualized treatment plans based on Applied Behavior Analysis principles.
- Reduced challenging behaviors in clients by employing behavior modification techniques, such as reinforcement and extinction.
- Tracked client progress through detailed data collection and analysis, ensuring timely adjustments to interventions as needed.
- Supported clients in achieving self-help goals, including toileting, dressing, and hygiene tasks.
- Created new innovative ways to capitalize the child's learning experience
- Built rapport with caregiver
- Documented child's progression in an organized and efficient manner
- BCBA collaboration
Paraeducator
Sacred Heart Elementary
Fresno, CA
10.2007 - 06.2008
- Coordinated Preschoolers daily activities
- Implemented programs to encourage creative learning including interactive group, hands-on activities, as well as one-one direct instruction.
- Assisted students in achieving academic goals by providing one-on-one tutoring and small group instruction in various subjects.
- Instructed circle time and story time, which provides a controlled learning environment for the children
- Communicated with parents to ensure learning experience was optimal
Education
Ed.S - School Pscyhology
California State University, Fresno
Fresno 08.2024 - Current
Bachelors in Psychology -
California State University of Fresno
Fresno, CA08.2012
References
- Katelyn Kelly (559) 909-2295
- Ashley McCaffery (559) 907-3914
- Allyson Puente (559) 907-1996
Skills
- Trained in ABA therapeutic techniques
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Proficient in written and oral communication
- Excellent problem-solving and critical analysis
- Experience working with culturally diverse population
- Extensive Behavior Modification knowledge
- Family Consultation
- Developmental Disabilities
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Individualized Education Programs
- IFSPs
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Special Education
- Behavioral Intervention Plans
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Emotional Regulation
- Social Skills Training
- Family Engagement
- Positive Behavior Support
- Social Skills Development
- Positive Reinforcement Methods
- Behavior Modification Techniques
- Teacher Support
- Team Collaboration
- Documentation
- Intervention Planning
Certification
- First Aid/CPR Certified
- PrePare
- NCI/CPI
Practicum Experience
I have completed practicum experiences across multiple educational settings, including Clovis Unified School District (August–December 2024), Central Unified School District (January–May 2025), and Fresno County Superintendent of Schools (August–December 2025). Across these placements, I participated in IEP meetings, conducted comprehensive psychoeducational assessments for initial and triennial evaluations, and authored integrated reports synthesizing cognitive, academic, behavioral, and social-emotional data. My experience includes systematic classroom observations, record reviews, and parent, student, and staff interviews to inform eligibility and intervention planning. I have conducted Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), developed and monitored Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), implemented progress monitoring and fidelity checks, and collaborated with teachers and support staff to provide evidence-based behavioral consultation and individualized student supports.
Timeline
Ed.S - School Pscyhology
California State University, Fresno
08.2024 - Current
Behavior Intervention Specialist
Fresno County Superintendent Of Schools
01.2017 - Current
Behavior Therapist
Genesis Behavior Center, Inc.
10.2013 - 05.2015
Special Education Teacher's Aide
Chapman Hill Elementary SKUSD
05.2011 - 06.2011
Applied Behavior Analysis Assistant
Kings Canyon Unified School District
10.2009 - 02.2010
Paraeducator
Sacred Heart Elementary
10.2007 - 06.2008
Bachelors in Psychology -
California State University of Fresno