Serena L. Chambers
Crowley,TX
Summary
Dynamic and compassionate educator with a strong foundation in student development, counseling, and academic instruction. Experienced in supporting the holistic growth of diverse student populations through individualized guidance, social-emotional learning, and evidence-based teaching practices. Adept at creating inclusive, student-centered environments that promote academic success, personal growth, and well-being. Proven ability to collaborate with faculty, families, and support services to address student needs and foster a positive school culture grounded in equity and empathy.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health/Disabilities Specialist
Child Care Associates
Ft. Worth, TX
08.2023 - Current
- Assists parents with researching and providing enrolled families with community partners to address disabilities needs.
- Communicates with the teaching team and program staff regarding individual development goals and in setting objectives.
- Coordinate individualized strategies to affect positive behavioral changes for identified children
- Work with all staff in an inter-disciplinary approach to support and enhance the mental health of all children and families with social-emotional difficulties in providing and or obtaining services
- Participates on team staffing of children, schedule and facilitate any special meetings related to child staffing, as necessary to support participation in the classroom.
- Provide assistance in recruitment and enrollment of all eligible children including children with special needs.
- Ensure that assessments are followed up on by LEA, performed within appropriate timelines consistent with Head Start requirements.
- Collaborate with staff in identifying and referring students with suspected delays.
- Work with all staff in an inter-disciplinary approach to support and enhance the mental health of all children and families with social-emotional difficulties in providing and or obtaining services
- Maintain a collaborative relationship between Head Start, LEA, and other community agencies to facilitate comprehensive program services to disabled children and their families.
- Coordinate schedules and ensure the delivery of services to children, including those with special needs from community agencies and school districts.
- Participates in meetings with the classroom teachers, outside agency service provider, consultants, and families to monitor progress of the implementation of the IEP or other support plans.
- Plans and designs training(s) to support staff training needs and regulatory requirements.
- Responsible for accurate documentation and data entry including recordkeeping in ChildPlus
- Arrange services for children with special needs through the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs.
- Schedule and attend parent conferences/ARD meetings and maintain contact with parents of children with disabilities and/or suspected disabilities during referral, evaluation, and treatment.
- Support partner sites through regular contact directly and electronically to address questions or concerns regarding social emotional development of CCA children.
- Provide staff and parent training on topics related to the Disabilities Services Content Area.
- Effectively utilizes the ChildPlus data management system to run reports and to enter case notes.
- Create and model the implantation of Conscious Discipline Behavior Plans
- Conducts general developmental observations of individual children, group interactions, and behavior trends.
- Work with staff from other content areas and staff to ensure all appropriate services are provided to all enrolled children.
- Collaborates and maintains positive working relationships with fellow CCA employees and with partner community organizations.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Instructor
My Possibilities
Plano, TX
09.2021 - 08.2023
- Used learning assessments to regularly monitor student understanding of class concepts and materials.
- Applied various teaching aids to minimize learning gaps and instruct and motivate students.
- Improved student performance by defining clear goals and communicating performance metrics.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
Guest Educator
Northwest Independent School District Texas
, TX
01.2017 - 09.2021
- Built relationships and communicated with parents to provide best learning environment for children.
- Assumed leadership roles in classes and summer activities.
- Differentiated instruction to meet needs of diverse learners.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
Paraprofessional
St. Louis County Special School District
Richardson, TX
01.2007 - 01.2016
- Assisted classroom teacher with implementing Individualized Education Plans, 9-12 grade.
- Supervised and managed classroom student behavior and Collaborated on a variety of school committees.
- Designed lessons in communication arts/language arts for the department.
- Created activities, and lessons to meet the diverse learning styles of students.
Youth Advisor
Epworth Children's Home Youth Emergency Services
Richardson, TX
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Provided direct care to youth in crisis, Offered counseling and support in social-emotional development.
- Taught life skills to youth-in-need.
- Completed intake and discharge summaries.
- Provided information to homeless youth in crisis, Connected youth to community resources.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
University of Arkansas
12.2021
Master of Arts - Teaching Degree
Fontbonne University
St. Louis, MO05.2015
Bachelor of Science - Bible and Christian Ministry
St. Louis Christian College
05.2009
Bachelor of Science - Child/Family Development
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
05.1995
Associates of Arts - General Studies
East Arkansas Community College
05.1993
Skills
- Cognitive Disabilities Knowledge
- Educational assistance
- Course planning and organization
- Higher education practices
- Academic counseling
- Administrative abilities
Certification
Special Education, 3.98/4.0, MO IPC: Special Education, Mild-Moderate Disabilities (K-12)
Timeline
Mental Health/Disabilities Specialist
Child Care Associates
08.2023 - Current
Instructor
My Possibilities
09.2021 - 08.2023
Guest Educator
Northwest Independent School District Texas
01.2017 - 09.2021
Youth Advisor
Epworth Children's Home Youth Emergency Services
01.2012 - 01.2014
Paraprofessional
St. Louis County Special School District
01.2007 - 01.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
University of Arkansas
Master of Arts - Teaching Degree
Fontbonne University
Bachelor of Science - Bible and Christian Ministry
St. Louis Christian College
Bachelor of Science - Child/Family Development
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Associates of Arts - General Studies
East Arkansas Community College
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