Samantha Castellanos
Summary
Motivated and compassionate School Psychologist with a M.S. PPS from Cal Baptist University, who has a strong core of evidence-based practices to aid student success in and out of the classroom. An advocate for students and their wide-range of capabilities. Can demonstrate the ability to conduct full comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations, functional behavioral assessments/behavior intervention plans, assist staff members for prevention and intervention measures, and collaborate with various teams to understand the needs and implement the necessary supports. Pursuing to learn and gain insightful expertise to apply into the field and school sites to promote positive, safe learning environments.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
School Psychologist
Procare Agency
11.2025 - Current
- Support at multiple schools within Corona-Norco Unified School District including: middle schools (7-8), academies (TK-8), and elementary schools (TK-6)
- Conducted psychological assessments for students with diverse needs, including cognitive (WISC-V, Woodcock Johnson V, KABC-II NU, etc.), academic (Woodcock Johnson V-ACH, WIAT-IV, KTEA-III etc.), processing (CTOPP-2, WRAML-III, TVPS-IV, TAPS-IV, etc.), and behavioral and social-emotional assessments, contributing to accurate special education eligibility determinations
- Developed individualized education plans in collaboration with general education teachers, special education team, and parents
- Implemented behavior intervention strategies that improved student learning environments
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address student challenges effectively
- Developed positive behavior support systems to foster student success within schools
- Monitored student progress over time through regular follow-up visits or phone calls
School Psychology Intern
Corona-Norco Unified School District
Eastvale, CA
08.2024 - 05.2025
- Conducted 20+ full comprehensive psychoeducational assessments including: cognitive (WISC-V, Woodcock Johnson IV, KABC-II), academic (Woodcock Johnson IV- ACH, WIAT-IV), processing (CTOPP-2, WRAML-III, TVPS-IV), and social-emotional assessments that contributed to accurate special education eligibility determinations
- Developed and implemented functional behavior assessments and behavior intervention plans
- Facilitated individualized educational program (IEP) meetings, ensuring collaborative measures for the team to best fit student’s needs
- Provided individual counseling for high school students to address social-emotional and behavioral needs and meet goals
- Assisted in classroom management
- Implemented classroom-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) strategies in elementary classrooms, improving overall classroom management
- Participated in MTSS Tier 2 Academic interventions for parent-student meetings
- Collaborated with educators to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students.
Substitute Teacher K-12
Corona-Norco Unified School District
08.2023 - 08.2024
- Provided instruction and guidance to students in the absence of a regular teacher
- Implemented school policies and procedures in the classroom
- Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and behavior
- Provided feedback on assignments or projects given by the teacher
- Administered tests and assessments according to school guidelines
- Integrated technology into lessons whenever possible
School Psychology Practicum Student
Corona-Norco Unified School District
Corona, CA
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Assisted in the administration of standardized academic and cognitive assessments under supervision
- Observed and participated in IEP meetings and multidisciplinary team consultations.
- Provided English to Spanish Translation during IEP meetings for parents
- Assisted in data collection and progress monitoring for MTSS implementation
- Conducted various observations in multiple settings
Kindergarten Paraeducator
Corona-Norco Unified School District
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Provided instruction to individual or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material or skills initially introduced by a teacher
- Instructed students in basic academic skills such as reading, writing, math, science and social studies
- Supervised and monitored student behavior in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, school yards, and other areas
Tutor
Veronica’s Home (Women and Children Homeless Shelter)
San Bernardino, CA
10.2021 - 06.2022
- Established positive relationships with students, families, teachers, and school administrators
- Motivated struggling students by creating a safe learning environment and utilizing creative approaches
- Adjusted tutoring sessions based on the student’s needs (both social-emotional and academic)
- Worked on social-emotional skills to help them in their daily lives
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Technician
Coyne & Associates
02.2021 - 06.2021
- Attend trainings to learn behavioral techniques to teach young children
- Implement behavior techniques, while fading out as improvements take place
- Collaborate with families
- Teach strategies to the children to facilitate activities themselves
- Implement play therapy
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University, San Bernardino
05-2022
Master of Science - Pupil Personnel Services, School Psychology
California Baptist University
Riverside, CA04-2025
Skills
- FLUENT IN SPANISH (SPEAK, WRITE, READ)
- POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT STRATEGIES
- RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
- CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Timeline
School Psychologist
Procare Agency
11.2025 - Current
School Psychology Intern
Corona-Norco Unified School District
08.2024 - 05.2025
Substitute Teacher K-12
Corona-Norco Unified School District
08.2023 - 08.2024
School Psychology Practicum Student
Corona-Norco Unified School District
08.2023 - 05.2024
Kindergarten Paraeducator
Corona-Norco Unified School District
08.2022 - 05.2023
Tutor
Veronica’s Home (Women and Children Homeless Shelter)
10.2021 - 06.2022
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Technician
Coyne & Associates
02.2021 - 06.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
California State University, San Bernardino
Master of Science - Pupil Personnel Services, School Psychology
California Baptist University