Sonjua Deason
Lufkin,Texas
Summary
Experienced special education counselor with a strong background in developing individualized education plans and facilitating multidisciplinary team meetings. Known for emotional regulation strategies, advocacy for diverse learners, and effective collaboration with families to enhance student success.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Counselor
Lufkin Independent School District
08.2005 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans to address student needs and enhance academic performance.
- Provided counseling support to students with disabilities, fostering social-emotional development and resilience.
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to create supportive learning environments for diverse learners.
- Conducted assessments to identify learning challenges and recommend appropriate interventions.
- Conducted all ARD meetings for Lufkin Middle School and served as the District Rep Administrator.
- Trained staff on special education policies and best practices to ensure compliance and effective support.
- Led multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss student progress and adjust educational strategies as needed.
- Provided crisis intervention support during critical incidents, utilizing de-escalation techniques and collaborating with mental health professionals as needed.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive evaluations for students referred to special education services.
- Established strong rapport with families through open communication lines, bolstering trust between home and school environments.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using appropriate assessment tools, adjusting instructional strategies accordingly for optimal results.
- Developed behavioral intervention plans to reduce challenging behaviors and promote positive interactions among peers.
- Assisted in the successful transition of students from special education programs to mainstream classrooms, providing ongoing support as needed.
- Led professional development workshops on effective strategies for working with students with disabilities, enhancing staff knowledge and expertise.
- Enhanced student learning outcomes by implementing individualized education plans tailored to each student''s needs.
- Facilitated IEP meetings by using family-centered, strength-based approach.
Education
Master of Science - Counseling
Prairie View A&M University
Prairie View, TX08-2008
Skills
- Classroom accommodations
- Inclusion strategies
- Collaborative Problem-solving
- Emotional regulation
- Special needs advocacy
- Social skills training
- Communication strategies
- Behavior modification
- Functional behavior assessments
- Individualized education plans
- Assistive technology
- Autism spectrum
- Transition planning
- IEP goal development
- Social skills development
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
Affiliations
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
First Missionary Baptist Church
Certified School Counselor
Certified Special Education Teacher
Degree in Social Work
Certification
- Certified [Job Title], [Company Name] - [Timeframe]
- [Area of expertise] License - [Timeframe]
Timeline
Special Education Counselor
Lufkin Independent School District
08.2005 - Current
Master of Science - Counseling
Prairie View A&M University