Sonja Thompson
New Ringgold,PA
Summary
Professional with developed behavioral programs and intervention experience. Friendly and motivated individual adept at observing student behavior and implementing corresponding corrective techniques. Praised for collaborative nature and consulting skills.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Behavioral Specialist
Arts Academy Elementary Charter School
Allentown, Pennsylvania
05.2023 - Current
- Implemented de-escalation techniques during times of emotional distress or conflict.
- Advised teachers on classroom management techniques that promote positive learning environments.
- Monitored progress of students using data collection methods and documented results in a timely manner.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed to ensure safety of staff and students.
- Attended professional development workshops related to behavioral health topics.
- Developed and implemented behavior plans to address challenging behaviors in children with disabilities.
- Coached students in developing adaptive coping skills to manage stressors in their lives.
- Utilized positive reinforcement strategies such as verbal praise and reward systems to increase desired behaviors.
Therapeutic Staff Support
Epic Developmental Services (Aveanna)
Allentown, PA
06.2018 - 08.2023
- Work one on one with client in home or at school
- Handle and document all behaviors according to ABA guidelines
- Teach coping strategies and life skills
- Facilitate intensive teaching time
- Transfer behavior modification skills
- Provide emotional support and reinforcement
- Meet with parents, teachers, and all therapists to adjust client goals as needed
Assistant Program Director/Assistant Instructor
Lehigh Valley Martial Arts
Emmaus, PA
07.2015 - 12.2022
- Teach introductory class to all new students
- Give school tour and history to all new students/families
- Teach or assist in martial arts classes
- Lesson plan weekly to prepare for classes
- Fill in for childcare portion of the business as needed
- Find and/or organize events to bring in new clientele
- Handle billing with QuickBooks or AMS
- Create and update customer files
- Oversee in school maintenance
Learning Coach
Connecting The Pieces LLC
Lancaster, PA
11.2016 - 07.2018
- Create in home classroom setting for student
- Aide in daily online learning
- Further instruct on any misunderstood online class information
- Handle and document all behaviors according to ABA guidelines
- Meet with student's guardian daily to assess student behaviors and to plan the next school day
- Meet with student's BCBA and TSS weekly to asses behaviors and adjust student goals as needed
ABA Specialist
Keepley Behavioral Consulting
Blandon, PA
02.2015 - 02.2016
- Work in a classroom setting with multiple students at a time
- Implement curriculum
- Document progress of students
- Handle and document any behaviors according to ABA guidelines
- Graphing and charting data
Employment Specialist
Via of the Lehigh Valley
Bethlehem, PA
10.2014 - 02.2015
- Meet with clients to evaluate skills/capabilities
- Aid in job discovery
- Perform job assessments
- Assist in job searchPrepare for interview
- Job coach
- Job carve (if necessary)
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Kutztown University
Kutztown, PA05-2013
Lehigh Carbon Community College
Schnecksville, PA05.2011
Diploma -
Southern Lehigh High School
Center Valley, PA06.2009
Skills
- Proficient with multiple computer programs
- Indisputable interest in the community served
- Crisis intervention
- Data collection
- Verbal and written communication
- Team collaboration
- Positive reinforcement
- Emotional support
- Progress monitoring
Certification
- RBT certified
- CPR certified (adult and child)
- First aid certified
- ASD certified
- Several Better Kid Care certificates
- Medication administration certified
References
Available Upon Request
Timeline
Behavioral Specialist
Arts Academy Elementary Charter School
05.2023 - Current
Therapeutic Staff Support
Epic Developmental Services (Aveanna)
06.2018 - 08.2023
Learning Coach
Connecting The Pieces LLC
11.2016 - 07.2018
Assistant Program Director/Assistant Instructor
Lehigh Valley Martial Arts
07.2015 - 12.2022
ABA Specialist
Keepley Behavioral Consulting
02.2015 - 02.2016
Employment Specialist
Via of the Lehigh Valley
10.2014 - 02.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Kutztown University
Lehigh Carbon Community College
Diploma -
Southern Lehigh High School