Nikki Williams
Providence,RI
Summary
Special education professional with a comprehensive background in tailored instruction and advocacy. Expertise includes developing individualized education plans, implementing behavioral support strategies, and fostering strong parent collaboration, ensuring compliance with state regulations and enhancing student outcomes across diverse learning environments.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts
Providence, Rhode Island
08.2024 - Current
- Provided specialized instruction in English and math for grades 5 to 9, enhancing student performance and independence.
- Developed and monitored individualized education plans to address unique student needs.
- Facilitated IEP and 504 meetings, advocating for diverse student requirements.
- Established collaborative structures within special education to enhance teacher communication and service delivery.
- Ensured compliance with state and federal regulations regarding special education.
- Cultivated strong relationships with parents to improve home collaboration and create tailored student plans.
- Supported students facing emotional challenges to build classroom confidence.
- Conducted assessments and delivered feedback to parents on student progress.
Teaching Fellow
Excel Academy Charter Schools
East Boston, Massachusetts
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Developed structured, standards-based unit and lesson plans to enhance student learning outcomes
- Modified and accommodated plans based on students' Individual Education Plans
- Collaborated with parents, teachers, and case managers to effectively address student and parent concerns
- Fostered a nurturing atmosphere during exams to enhance student comfort and concentration levels
- Assisted advisees with creating obtainable goals while building organizational skills
- Provided classroom coverage for teachers, maintaining high standards for educational and behavioral expectations
Behavioral Health Case Manager
Clackamas County Health Centers
Oregon City, Oregon
12.2020 - 07.2023
- Delivered comprehensive case management services to adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses, enhancing client support and engagement
- Provided mental health interventions using evidence-based practices
- Facilitated coordination with disability services, hospitals, and care homes to advocate for client care, ensuring continuity and quality of services
- Guided clients in developing skills for self-sufficiency and autonomy, promoting independence and improved quality of life
- Utilized multiple mental health modalities to assist clients in distress
Skills Trainer Supervisor
Trillium Family Services
Portland, Oregon
10.2018 - 11.2020
- Implemented behavior and treatment plans to enhance client outcomes.
- Coordinated educational needs and ensured adherence to IEPs for all clients.
- Supervised teen unit at locked residential mental health facility, enhancing safety and compliance standards.
- Provided care and support to clients, reinforcing behavioral expectations to promote personal development.
- Supported youth in goal achievement for successful discharge to less restrictive environments.
- Managed crises using effective de-escalation techniques to ensure safety.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress and care concerns.
- Cultivated collaborative relationships with mental health professionals, educators, and families, fostering holistic support for clients.
Special Education Paraprofessional
Terrebonne Community School
Terrebonne, Oregon
08.2013 - 06.2016
- Delivered targeted small group instruction in mathematics and reading to enhance comprehension.
- Applied behavior modeling and specialized teaching techniques to strengthen social skills development.
- Facilitated achievement of learning objectives for youth with diverse abilities.
- Assisted in inclusion general education classrooms to enhance collaborative learning.
- Administered assessments to monitor student progress effectively.
Site Director
YMCA
Portland, Oregon
- Developed and facilitated youth-development programming to promote personal growth and engagement.
- Supported youth in managing emotional distress, providing guidance that fostered resilience and coping skills.
- Cultivated an inclusive environment to encourage participant engagement.
- Supervised school-based before and after school programming to ensure effective operation.
- Communicated vital information to guardians, connecting them with community resources to enhance youth support.
- Contributed to positive academic and social tone by demonstrating professionalism and enthusiasm.
Education
Special Education M.Ed - Special Education
Rhode Island College
Providence, RI05-2027
2026-2027 Corps Member - Teach For America
Americorps
Providence06-2027
Bachelor of Arts - English, Writing
Portland State University
Portland, Oregon06-2017
Associate of Arts - Theater Arts, Technical Theater
Foothill College
Los Altos Hills, CaliforniaSkills
- IEP implementation
- Transition planning
- Literacy intervention
- Crisis intervention and de-escalation
- Leadership and supervision
- Instructional planning
- Problem-solving and organization
- Classroom management
- Differentiated instruction
- Parent collaboration
- Behavioral support techniques
- Assessment administration
- Behavior intervention plans
- Scheduling proficiency
- Small group instruction
- Curriculum adjustments
Certification
- Secondary Grades English Teacher, 6-12
- Secondary Grades Special Education Teacher, 6-12
Training
- Seeing the Spectrum: Understanding & Supporting Autistic Learners in Schools; Regional Resource Center Professional Learning
- Bridge RI Trainings: Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Right to Read The Science of Reading and Structured Literacy Awareness
- Iris Center: Family Engagement: Collaborating with Families of Students with Disabilities
- Motivational Interviewing Techniques, Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) programs
- Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)
- Darkness to Light training
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Trinity Academy for the Performing Arts
08.2024 - Current
Teaching Fellow
Excel Academy Charter Schools
08.2023 - 06.2024
Behavioral Health Case Manager
Clackamas County Health Centers
12.2020 - 07.2023
Skills Trainer Supervisor
Trillium Family Services
10.2018 - 11.2020
Special Education Paraprofessional
Terrebonne Community School
08.2013 - 06.2016
Site Director
YMCA
Special Education M.Ed - Special Education
Rhode Island College
2026-2027 Corps Member - Teach For America
Americorps
Bachelor of Arts - English, Writing
Portland State University
Associate of Arts - Theater Arts, Technical Theater
Foothill College