Sheila Cassidy
Queens,NY
Summary
Versatile Special Education Teacher with focus on individual student needs across academia and emotional development. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons, catering to diverse learning abilities. Proficient in employing constant communication, patience and positive reinforcement in team efforts to deliver exceptional educational tools, fostering academic achievement.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher
NYC Department of Education
09.2021 - Current
- Prepare culturally responsive and diverse lesson planning according to New York State Next Generation Standards
- Differentiate grade level instruction to support individualized academic and behavioral goals (IEP’)
- Serve as long term Substitute Teacher for D75 and Chapter 683 (Creative Arts/ Music/ Art/ Drama)
- Utilize Instructional Technology to provide multiple means of representation in lessons
- Ensure physical and emotional safety of students at all times
- Direct student performances and assemblies
- Accompany students on guitar for performances and assemblies
- Writes Adaptive Plays to include students of all abilities.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
Recreation Therapist
Live through Rec./ Adaptive Programming
10.2022 - Current
- Provide individual and group play therapy for persons with developmental disabilities through active leisure
- Utilize Music, Arts and Crafts, and Games, according to self-direction interest and IEP goals to support leisure, educational, and behavioral goals
- Facilitate Sing a Longs and Drum Circles for socialization and leisure.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
Vocalist / Leader of Song / Cantor
Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens, New York
01.1993 - 04.2023
- Enhanced liturgical celebrations by selecting and performing appropriate music
- Provided grieving families support through bereavement ministry, assisting families in selecting appropriate music and readings for funerals, memorials, and prayer vigils.
- Performed at high-profile events, showcasing versatility and professionalism in diverse settings.
Center Director and Music Teacher
Music Together of the Rockaways, Rockaway Beach, New York
01.2003 - 02.2020
- Directed, taught, and executed internationally-accredited early childhood music program
- Provided interactive group musical activities for children and their parents
- Accommodated children with special needs and medical conditions in mainstream music class
- Managed all marketing activities, including website development
- Developed strong community relationships to support center programs and initiatives.
- Cultivated and strengthened relationships with children and families.
- Promoted positive company image and established reputation as provider of choice for educational programs in greater community.
Director of Recreation and Volunteer Services
Beacon Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center
10.2012 - 08.2018
- Created, planned, and implemented therapeutic recreation care plans to benefit psychological, social, spiritual, emotional, and cognitive needs of patients in skilled nursing and rehabilitation center
- Participated in resident conferences with clinical and social work staff in planning individualized, patient-centered therapeutic recreation activities and special events
- Planned, scheduled, implemented patient-related individual and group activity programs
- Managed departmental budget related to monthly calendar of events and necessary staffing
- Moderated Office of Volunteer Resources
- Created volunteer programs that generated community involvement through internal and external networks
- Promoted positive public relations and inter-generational programming with community-based organizations, schools, and youth groups
- Recruited, trained, and supervised therapeutic recreation departmental staff, volunteers, and consultants
- Facilitated professional development of recreation staff, promoted customer service, leadership, and teamwork.
Family Associate Worker
New York City Department of Education
09.2008 - 10.2012
- Provided administrative and clerical support to School Based Support Team (SBST) of elementary, intermediate, and high schools within District 27 of NYC Department of Education
- Assisted school psychologists, social workers, and families in case management, through procurement of time sensitive, confidential testing, medical records, and educational reports as required for English Language Learners (ELL) and Special Education Students requiring Individual Education Plans (IEP) and 504 accommodations
- Communicated NYC Department of Education IEP evaluation process to families of students referred to Special Education, ensuring understanding of students’ rights
- Interfaced with Office of Student Enrollment (OSE) in securing placement for students in Special Education and/or related services.
Education
Master of Science - Special Education D75 (7-12)
Touro University
Manhattan, NY05.2026
Bachelor of Arts - Theater Arts, Musical Theater
Niagara University
Niagara Falls, NY05.1993
Music Together Level I Certification
Skills
- Culturally Responsive Lesson Planning
- Differentiated Instruction
- Classroom Management
- Individual Education Plans IEP
- Relationship Building
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Autism Spectrum Knowledge
- Creative Arts Specialist CST in Theater
Timeline
Recreation Therapist
Live through Rec./ Adaptive Programming
10.2022 - Current
Substitute Teacher
NYC Department of Education
09.2021 - Current
Director of Recreation and Volunteer Services
Beacon Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center
10.2012 - 08.2018
Family Associate Worker
New York City Department of Education
09.2008 - 10.2012
Center Director and Music Teacher
Music Together of the Rockaways, Rockaway Beach, New York
01.2003 - 02.2020
Vocalist / Leader of Song / Cantor
Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens, New York
01.1993 - 04.2023
Master of Science - Special Education D75 (7-12)
Touro University
Bachelor of Arts - Theater Arts, Musical Theater
Niagara University
Music Together Level I Certification
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