TAYONNA SMITH
Pelahatchie,MS
Summary
Emerging BCBA candidate with hands-on experience managing individualized cases in clinical, school, and residential settings. Expertise in implementing VB-MAPP and PEAK curricula while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to enhance skill generalization and client outcomes through effective function-based interventions.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Canopy Children’s Solutions
, MS
06.2023 - Current
- Implemented individualized ABA programs across clinic and school settings for clients with varying behavioral and adaptive needs
- Supported severe behavior reduction plans targeting aggression, self-injurious behavior, and noncompliance using function-based interventions
- Implemented and probed skill acquisition programs derived from VB-MAPP and PEAK curricula, targeting language, cognition, and relational responding
- Managed 1–2 client cases under BCBA supervision, driving assessment-informed programming and treatment adjustments
- Collected and analyzed behavioral data using Motivity to enhance prompting strategies, reinforcement systems, and mastery criteria
- Collaborated with BCBAs, teachers, and caregivers to ensure effective generalization of skills across environments
- Participated in weekly clinical meetings to review caseloads and inform treatment planning
Special Needs Early Intervention Aide
First Baptist Weekday Education
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Modified classroom activities to align with IEP objectives, fostering engagement for students with developmental and physical disabilities
- Collaborated with occupational and speech-language therapists to enhance individualized student goal achievement
- Maintained consistent communication with caregivers to facilitate skill generalization across home and school environments
- Collected and documented data on student progress related to fine motor, communication, and adaptive skills
Assistant Teacher
First Baptist Weekday Education
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Supported individualized learning through play-based instruction and small group activities, enhancing student engagement and behavior management
- Implemented structured classroom routines and reinforcement strategies, fostering social, emotional, and behavioral development
- Collaborated with lead teacher to maintain a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning environment
- Trained and mentored substitute staff on classroom expectations and student support strategies, ensuring consistent student support
Education
Master of Science - Educational Psychology (ABA Concentration)
Mississippi State University
Starkville, MS05-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Mississippi
Oxford, MS05-2023
Skills
- Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) & BIP Development
- Severe Behavior Reduction (Aggression, SIB, Elopement)
- Verbal Behavior Programming (VB-MAPP)
- Natural Environment Teaching (NET) & DTT Integration
- Relational Frame Theory-Based Programming (PEAK Curriculum)
- RBT, Teacher, & Stakeholder Training
- School, Residential, & Clinic-Based Consultation
- Data Analysis & Clinical Decision-Making (Motivity)
- Data Visualization & Reporting
- Implementation Fidelity & Systems Design
- Microsoft Office / Google Workspace
- Canva (Training Materials & Visual Systems)
- ACT-Informed Social & Flexibility Programming
Certification
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
- BCBA– June 2026
- CPR Certification
- MAB (Managing Aggressive Behavior) Certification
Fieldwork Highlights
- Accrued concentrated supervised fieldwork hours across clinic, school, and residential environments.
- Experience with assessments including MSWO, preference assessments, and skill-based evaluations.
- Active participation in supervision, case conceptualization, and clinical decision-making.
- Experience with VB-MAPP and PEAK assessment-informed programming and progression tracking.
Clinical Projects And Leadership
- ACT-Informed Peer Interaction Intervention (Clinic → School Generalization), Designed and implemented a multi-setting intervention targeting social awareness, flexibility, and peer engagement.
- Brain Break Systems Development (School Consultation Initiative), Designed structured classroom interventions aligned with behavioral function to improve engagement and reduce disruptive behavior.
- Antecedent–Precursor Behavior–Consequence (APBC) Intervention for Crisis Reduction, Designed and implemented a function-based intervention targeting precursor behaviors to reduce escalation to crisis-level responses and restrictive procedures.
- Behavioral Systems & Training Development, Developed guided compliance flowcharts and trainee binders to improve implementation fidelity.
Timeline
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
Canopy Children’s Solutions
06.2023 - Current
Special Needs Early Intervention Aide
First Baptist Weekday Education
01.2022 - 01.2023
Assistant Teacher
First Baptist Weekday Education
01.2022 - 12.2022
Master of Science - Educational Psychology (ABA Concentration)
Mississippi State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Mississippi