Tiara Cross
Caledonia,MI
Summary
Dedicated Human Services professional with a B.S. in Psychology and an A.A.S. in Human Services, currently pursuing an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Over 5 years of experience in educational and social service settings, specializing in behavioral intervention, crisis de-escalation, and family advocacy. Proven ability to manage complex cases and provide empathetic, evidence-based support. Seeking a professional role in case management or student advocacy to utilize advanced clinical training.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
Endeavor Elementary (Kentwood Public Schools)
Kentwood, MI
08.2024 - Current
- Implement specialized Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs) for students with high-acuity needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Utilize trauma-informed care and CPI de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe, productive learning environment.
- Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of Social Workers, Speech Pathologists, and Lead Teachers to track IEP goal progress.
Substitute Teacher | Glenwood Elementary
Kentwood Public Schools
Kentwood, MI
08.2023 - 06.2024
- Managed diverse classrooms of 25+ students, ensuring continuity of instruction and adherence to district curriculum standards.
- Adapted teaching methods to meet the unique learning needs of students across various grade levels.
- Maintained detailed reports for permanent teaching staff regarding student behavior and academic achievements.
Academic and Behavior Interventionist
Southwood Elementary Kentwood Public Schools
Kentwood, MI
08.2021 - 06.2023
- Identified and supported "at-risk" students through targeted 1-on-1 and small-group academic coaching.
- Analyzed student data to monitor progress and adjusted intervention strategies to close achievement gaps in literacy and math.
- Acted as a bridge between faculty and families to communicate student needs and celebrate growth milestones
Education
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Cornerstone Unversity
1001 E Beltline Ave NEAssociate of Science - Human Services
Cornerstone University
1001 E Beltline Ave Ne12-2022
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Cornerstone Unversity
1001 E Beltline Ave NE12-2024
Skills
- IEP compliance
- Interpersonal: Empathetic Communication, Collaborative Problem Solving, Conflict Resolution
- Learning disabilities support
- Classroom organization
- Parent & Family Advocacy: Case Management, Family Resource Coordination, IEP/504 Compliance
- Confidentiality (HIPAA/FERPA)Professional: Privacy Standards, Technical Report Writing, Data Analysis
- Clinical: Crisis De-escalation (CPI), Behavioral Intervention (BIP), Trauma-Informed Care
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
Endeavor Elementary (Kentwood Public Schools)
08.2024 - Current
Substitute Teacher | Glenwood Elementary
Kentwood Public Schools
08.2023 - 06.2024
Academic and Behavior Interventionist
Southwood Elementary Kentwood Public Schools
08.2021 - 06.2023
Master of Arts - Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Cornerstone Unversity
Associate of Science - Human Services
Cornerstone University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Cornerstone Unversity