SHANNA CHASTAIN
Tonganoxie,KS
Summary
A highly professional U.S. Army Veteran and Certified Educational Advocate with a proven track record of maintaining strong, collaborative relationships across military, educational, and clinical sectors. Expert in navigating IDEA, Medicaid, and FAPE regulations to secure essential services. Possesses a background in high-security environments with a Top Secret Clearance, ensuring the highest standards of confidentiality, ethical record-keeping, and professional conduct.
Experienced with advocating for special education needs, ensuring students receive appropriate services and support. Utilizes strong communication skills to bridge gaps between families, educators, and administrators. Track record of navigating educational policies to secure necessary resources and accommodations.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Advocate
Families Together / Independent
01.2024 - Current
- Maintains professional relationships with school districts and state agencies while managing formal complaints and due process through KSDE.
- Consults with the Disability Rights Center and partners with local Parent Support Groups to provide holistic resources.
- Facilitates the Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) process and assists families in analyzing data for accommodations.
- Analyzed legal documents to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Developed strategic partnerships with community organizations to enhance support services.
- Conducted outreach initiatives to raise awareness about special education resources available to families.
- Evaluated case outcomes to identify areas for process improvement and best practices.
- Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication about student progress, fostering trust and involvement in their child''s educational journey.
- Evaluated students'' performance regularly, identifying areas of improvement and adjusting teaching strategies accordingly.
- Conducted research on evidence-based practices in special education advocacy, using findings to inform instructional approaches.
- Developed data-driven instructional strategies, resulting in improved academic outcomes for students with disabilities.
- Managed caseloads effectively, balancing time spent on direct services, consultation, and advocacy efforts to maximize student outcomes.
- Presented at conferences and workshops on topics related to special education advocacy and inclusion practices in schools.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Completed comprehensive assessments of families to identify needs and develop treatment plans.
- Collaborated with school personnel, parents and mental health providers to maintain comprehensive and integrated approach to student services.
- Conducted outreach to families and other community partners to identify ways to address social, emotional and behavioral needs.
- Used interactive visuals and static worksheets to teach each student algebra and writing techniques.
- Arranged medical and psychiatric tests to identify difficulties and indicate potential remedial approaches.
- Planned, promoted and managed parent workshops on assisting children in attaining academic success.
- Developed and implemented programs to support children's mental health and well-being.
Social-Emotional Paraeducator
Basehor-Linwood High School (USD 458)
09.2022 - Current
- Provides intensive support within the Social-Emotional program, focusing on behavioral regulation and academic dignity.
- Manages sensitive student data and maintains professional boundaries and rapport with multidisciplinary teams.
Interrelated Paraeducator
Tonganoxie Elementary & Middle School (USD 464)
08.2020 - 09.2022
- Provided administrative support and monitored development milestones for students with diverse needs.
- Acted as a reliable liaison between teachers and families to ensure consistent service delivery.
Internment Resettlement Specialist
U.S. Army
08.2009 - 01.2016
- Held Top Secret Clearance while supervising confinement facility operations and prisoner management.
- Demonstrated elite time management and the ability to follow complex federal and military procedures.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Undergraduate Coursework / College Credits
Kansas State University
Certified Educational Advocate -
Families Together
Professional Development - IDD forms, Medicaid eligibility, DME procedures (NuMotion)
Skills
- Case Coordination: IEP/504 Management, IEE Processes, and Vocational Rehabilitation
- Regulatory Expertise: FERPA, Office of Civil Rights (OCR), and KSDE Due Process
- Clinical Knowledge: ABA, OT, Speech services, and Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
- Community Advocacy: Parent support group leadership, local grant procurement, and SOAR camp volunteering
- Systems Navigation: TRICARE ECHO, Medicaid IDD waivers, and Children’s Mercy/KU systems
Timeline
Special Education Advocate
Families Together / Independent
01.2024 - Current
Social-Emotional Paraeducator
Basehor-Linwood High School (USD 458)
09.2022 - Current
Interrelated Paraeducator
Tonganoxie Elementary & Middle School (USD 464)
08.2020 - 09.2022
Internment Resettlement Specialist
U.S. Army
08.2009 - 01.2016
Professional Development - IDD forms, Medicaid eligibility, DME procedures (NuMotion)
Some College (No Degree) - Undergraduate Coursework / College Credits
Kansas State University
Certified Educational Advocate -
Families Together