Shannon C. Lucas
Emerson,NJ
Summary
Dedicated and versatile Child Study Team member with over 16 years of experience in public education. Expertise in special education law, behavior management, IEP development and implementation, curriculum adaptation, data analysis and interpretation, and collaboration with parents and teachers. Proven ability to resolve problems and advocate for the rights of students with disabilities. Strong background in mental health, counseling, and linkage to community resources.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
School Social Worker
Wood-Ridge Child Study Team
03.2022 - Current
- Designed, coordinated and implemented parent support group for district parents
- Serve as Field Liaison for Ramapo College and Montclair State University MSW students
- Co-led Crisis Prevention Institute training sessions for district staff
- Presented professional development workshops to district staff on topics including Behavior Threat Assessment and Nurturing Behavioral Health
- Active participant in schedule and course planning for classified students
- Facilitated CST meetings
- Supervised CST evaluation and caseload allocation
- Administer risk and behavior threat assessments for students in all district buildings
- Enhance student well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions to address various social, emotional and behavioral issues
- Perform functional student/classroom observations and provide feedback to teachers
- Provide individual teacher coaching meetings
- Co-facilitated interviews for Child Study Team/related services personnel
School Social Worker
Elmwood Park Child Study Team
09.2009 - 03.2022
- Lead Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) meetings for both in-district and out-of-district students
- Establish IEPs for classified students in the district
- Experience managing cases for up to 85 students ranging from pre-school to high school level
- Conduct social assessments as part of the evaluation process
- Provide individual and group counseling services to meet the developmental, preventive, and remedial needs of students
- Pilot and create a Preschool SEL Program
- Administer risk assessments
- Collaborate and consult with parents, school staff, and outside agencies to identify barriers to learning and facilitate problem resolution to academic and behavior issues
- Train and certify staff members as Handle With Care / Crisis Prevention Institute instructor
- Supervise and instruct student interns in the Rutgers School of Social Work MSW Program
- Serve the district as a member of several inter-departmental school committees: Intervention & Referral Services Committee, Code of Conduct Committee, Crisis Response Counseling Team, Pandemic Response Team, Districtwide PBSIS Committee
Clinical Intern
Children's Aid & Family Services: Children's Haven Group Home
09.2007 - 05.2008
- Provided individual psychotherapy to adolescents utilizing a combination of theoretical perspectives, including psychoanalytic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and solution focused therapy
- Co-facilitated group therapy sessions for adolescent boys who had endured trauma and loss
- Established Joint Care Review Plans assessing client strengths and weaknesses
- Ran team meetings discussing clients' treatment plan and progress toward goal achievement with agency staff
Education
M.Ed. -
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN03-2025
Master of Social Work -
New York University
New York, NY05.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ05.2007
Skills
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Understanding of Diverse Learning Needs and Disabilities
- Positive Behavioral Supports
- Record Keeping and Compliance with Federal and State Regulations
- Knowledge of NJ Special Education Administrative Code
- Behavior Threat Assessment
- Suicide and Risk Assessment
- Mindfulness and Self-Management
- Crisis Prevention Institute Training Instructor
Professional Development
- Risk Assessment and Self-Injurious Behavior
- Functional Behavioral Assessment
- Transition Planning
- Positive Behavioral Supports
- Differentiating Instruction
- School Avoidance
- Medication Management in Schools
- PLAAFP and Goal & Objective Writing
- Mindfulness and Self-Management
- Special Education Law Compliance
- Crisis Prevention Institute Training
Personal Information
Title: LSW
References
Provided upon request
Licenses/Certifications
- Supervisor Certificate (Pending)
- New Jersey Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
- New Jersey School Social Worker Certificate
- Seminar in Field Instruction (SIFI), Rutgers School of Social Work
- Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Instructor Certification, March 2024
Timeline
School Social Worker
Wood-Ridge Child Study Team
03.2022 - Current
School Social Worker
Elmwood Park Child Study Team
09.2009 - 03.2022
Clinical Intern
Children's Aid & Family Services: Children's Haven Group Home
09.2007 - 05.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
M.Ed. -
American College of Education
Master of Social Work -
New York University