Tonia Weichmann
Alden,NY
Summary
Experienced professional with a deep understanding of systems supporting individuals with disabilities and their families during the transition to adulthood. Skilled in navigating educational and vocational services to ensure smooth and successful transitions. Adaptable professional with a quick-learning ability and a talent for adjusting to new environments. Skilled in rapidly acquiring new knowledge and applying it effectively. Driven by a passion for continuous learning and successfully navigating change.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Transition Coordinator/Trainer
Parent Network of Western New York
01.2013 - Current
- Educate families on special education laws and post-secondary specific information
- Support individuals with disabilities to make the best-informed decision
- Connect individuals with disabilities and families to support services
- Empower individuals with disabilities and families to advocate
- Develop and implement staff development
- Work with students to develop skills needed to attend college and/or work
- Collect data
- Grant reporting
- Report writing
- Curriculum development and Implementation
- Working knowledge of support systems including eligibility process and services
- Adult Career and Continuing Education Services (ACCES-VR) Orientation Facilitator and Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) provider
- Provide support to families and individuals in the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
- Facilitator of Support Decision Making New York (SDMNY)
- Collaborated with community organizations and schools to promote awareness and understanding of disability-related issues
- Delivered engaging and informative presentations on topics related to transition planning and disability awareness to diverse audiences including students, parents, and educators
- Collaborate with local agencies, school districts, and state agencies to develop and implement programs for individuals with disabilities
Behavior Specialist
Erie 1 BOCES
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Observation and plan development
- Consultation with school staff
- Functional Behavioral Assessments/Behavior Intervention Plans
- Collect Data and Analyze Data
- Report Writing
- Counsel staff on interventions
- Teaching coping skills
- Plan, coordinate, and present staff development
- Understanding of different disabilities
Transition Coordinator
Amherst High School
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Developed programming for students with disabilities to better understand the world of work.
- Developed work-based learning opportunities for students with disabilities.
- Taught career exploration, job readiness, and employability skills.
- Managed contracts and MOUs with employers, with placements.
- Job carving.
- Collaborated with employers within the local community about potential job opportunities for transitioning students.
- Participated in local Chambers of Commerce.
Transition Specialist
Erie 1 BOCES
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Provided guidance counseling services related to career exploration options available after high school graduation.
- Conferred with parents, teachers and administrators to discuss children's progress and resolve behavioral and academic problems.
- Monitored progress of transitioning students through data collection activities such as surveys or interviews with family members or caregivers.
- Instructed individuals in job search and application strategies, resume writing and interview skills.
- Assisted in creating an environment where all stakeholders are included and respected throughout the transition process.
- Established contacts with employers to create internship and employment opportunities for students.
- Coordinated meetings between schools and community agencies to discuss potential placements for transitioning students.
- Supported efforts aimed at increasing access points into postsecondary education systems such as college application assistance programs.
- Maintained contact with outside agencies providing services to transitioning students throughout the duration of their program placement.
- Maintained accurate and complete student records required by laws, district policies and administrative regulations.
- Compiled and studied educational and economic information to assist individuals in determining vocational and educational objectives.
- Assisted in the development of a variety of strategies that can be used by teachers, counselors, and other personnel in order to facilitate successful transitions.
- Created resources for parents related to their child's transition process including information about available services and supports in the community.
- Attended IEP meetings when necessary to provide input regarding transition planning decisions related to coursework selection, postsecondary goals and plans.
- Conducted assessments of student strengths and weaknesses to assist in developing appropriate transition plans.
- Developed individualized transition plans for students with special needs or disabilities.
- Facilitated collaboration among staff, students, parents, and administrators to ensure successful transitions.
- Provided assistance in identifying vocational goals for transitioning students based on their individual needs and interests.
- Interviewed clients to obtain information about employment history, educational background, and career goals, identifying barriers to employment.
- Taught classes and presented self-help or information sessions on subjects related to education and career planning.
- Participated in professional development activities related to best practices associated with student transitions.
- Organized workshops on topics such as self-advocacy, self-determination skills, independent living skills. for transitioning students.
- Observed students during classroom activities to evaluate students' performance, behavior and social development.
- Planned and promoted career and employment-related programs and events, fully coordinating job fairs and career workshops.
- Developed relationships with local employers who may offer internships or job shadowing opportunities for transitioning students with an interest in entering the workforce upon graduation from high school.
Education
Master of Science - Adult Education
Buffalo State College
NY12.2025
Bachelor of Science - Rehabilitation Services
Hilbert College
NYSkills
- Transition planning
- Services oversight
- Written communication
- Effective communication
- Program development
- Time management abilities
- Professional ethics
- Relationship building
- Organizational skills
- Community resources
- Disability rights
- Documentation proficiency
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Adaptability and flexibility
Affiliations
- Associate of People for Supported Employment (APSE)
- Developmental Disability Association of Western New York (DDAWNY)
- New York Mental Health Counselor Association (NYMHCA)
- College Consortium of Disability Advocates (CCDA)
- Villa Maria College Advisory Committee to the ACHIEVE program
- Jamestown Community College Perkins Advisory Counsel
- Navigating Excellence Parent Center Assistance & Collaboration Team (NE-PACT)
- REAL (Reach. Access. Link) Transition Partnership
- ACCES-VR New York State Rehabilitation Counsel
- Advisory Council on Postsecondary Education for Students with Disabilities
Timeline
Transition Coordinator/Trainer
Parent Network of Western New York
01.2013 - Current
Behavior Specialist
Erie 1 BOCES
01.2011 - 01.2013
Transition Coordinator
Amherst High School
01.2011 - 01.2013
Transition Specialist
Erie 1 BOCES
01.2007 - 01.2011
Master of Science - Adult Education
Buffalo State College
Bachelor of Science - Rehabilitation Services
Hilbert College
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