PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline

SHARNAE KIRKLAND

Peyton Forest Elementary School
Riverdale,GA
1
Certification
14
years of professional experience

Experienced education and behavior-support professional with over 10 years in school and childcare environments, specializing in autism and other disabilities. Expertise in implementing IEP goals, developing behavior intervention strategies, and delivering individualized instruction. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis, focused on enhancing student academic, communication, social, and daily-living skills.

Work History

After School Group Leader

2 Years 3 Months
APEC PREP | 07.2017 - 10.2019
  • Facilitated daily routines, transitions, and learning tasks to support student engagement and understanding.
  • Oversaw student groups during activities, ensuring safety and orderly participation for all involved.
  • Supervised student groups during activities to ensure safety. during activities, ensuring safety and orderly participation for all involved.

Autism / Special Education Paraprofessional

7 Years 10 Months
Peyton Forest Elementary School | 10.2018 - 08.2026
  • Provided one-on-one and small-group academic, behavioral, and classroom support to elementary students, including students with autism and other disabilities.
  • Supported implementation of individualized education program (IEP) goals and behavior intervention strategies, enhancing student engagement and skill development.
  • Collaborated with classroom teachers, special education staff, behavior analysts, and families to ensure consistent and effective support for each student's unique needs.
  • Utilized structured routines, visual supports, and positive behavior strategies to foster engagement, independence, and active participation in classroom activities.
  • Collected, recorded, and monitored academic and behavioral data to help track student progress and inform instructional support.

Assistant Teacher

4 Years 6 Months
Carol’s Daughter Learning Center | 01.2013 - 07.2017
  • Assisted children during activities, reinforcing directions, routines, and positive classroom behavior.
  • Monitored student safety, cleanliness, and transitions throughout classroom and play areas.
  • Supported lead teacher with daily lesson preparation, classroom setup, and instructional materials.
  • Documented observations on student progress, participation, and developmental needs.

Education

Master of Science - Applied Behavior Analysis

Walden University | Minneapolis, MN

In Progress

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Walden University | Minneapolis, MN | 09.2026

Diploma - Early Childhood Education Coursework

Atlanta Technical College | Atlanta

Mary Hicks & Associates | Atlanta
Child Development Associate (CDA)

High School Diploma

Mundy's Mill High School | Jonesboro

Skills

Autism & Special Education Support
Individualized Support
Individual instruction
Behavior management
Data monitoring
Classroom Management
Token systems
Activity Coordination
Documentation
Family & Staff Communication
Communication & Team Collaboration
Collaborative Planning
Adaptability
Child Development

Certification

Child Development Associate (CDA) | Mary Hicks & Associates

Timeline

Autism / Special Education Paraprofessional

Peyton Forest Elementary School
10.2018 - 08.2026Read More

After School Group Leader

APEC PREP
07.2017 - 10.2019Read More

Assistant Teacher

Carol’s Daughter Learning Center
01.2013 - 07.2017Read More

Mundy's Mill High School

High School Diploma
Read More

Mary Hicks & Associates

Read More

Atlanta Technical College

Diploma from Early Childhood Education Coursework
Read More

Walden University

Master of Science from Applied Behavior Analysis
Read More

Walden University

Bachelor of Science from Psychology
Read More
SHARNAE KIRKLAND