Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Specialized Skills And Recent Achievements
References
Timeline
Generic
Valerie Lawson

Valerie Lawson

Kimball Twp.,MI

Summary

To maintain a Clinical Position in human services or the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), where I can continue to make a positive difference with the clients served and work with a team dedicated to achieving the goals of those individuals and their families.

An experienced Qualified Behavior Health Professional (QBHP) who has spent the past 10 years working hands-on in the field of ABA as a behavior therapist/RBT and Clinical supervisor, gaining experience working under Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). In addition, I have 20 years of experience in the Special Education field, primarily in the areas of Autism with five of those years working intensely with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) survivor focusing on Augmentative and Alternative Communications devices (AAC).

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience

Work History

Clinical Supervisor QBHP

Think ABA
09.2023 - Current
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based treatment plans and clinical interventions.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular staff meetings, case conferences, and training sessions.
  • Developed a comprehensive clinical training program for new hires to ensure consistent quality of care.
  • Streamlined documentation processes, reducing administrative workload for clinicians and improving efficiency.
  • Increased client satisfaction by fostering a supportive and empathetic therapeutic environment.
  • Managed caseloads effectively, ensuring timely assessments, treatment planning, and progress monitoring.
  • Facilitated the implementation of new evidence-based practices within the therapeutic team, resulting in improved treatment outcomes.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' needs to develop tailored treatment plans aimed at addressing specific challenges.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care for clients with complex needs, ensuring comprehensive support was provided across all domains of life functioning.
  • Monitored adherence to ethical guidelines among clinical staff members, supporting their ongoing professional growth while maintaining high quality care standards.
  • Liaised with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans and provide highest quality of care.

Clinical Supervisor

BELIEF Eclectic Learning
01.2021 - 09.2023
  • Implement treatment plans with clients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder
  • Train and supervise fellow clinical technicians working with clients within clinical setting.
  • Enhanced client progress by implementing individualized behavior plans and interventions.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment strategies for clients.
  • Reduced challenging behaviors by conducting thorough assessments and creating targeted intervention plans.
  • Trained staff on effective behavior management techniques, improving client outcomes and staff confidence.
  • Collected and analyzed data to monitor client progress and make adjustments to treatment plans as needed.
  • Consulted with families on best practices for supporting their loved ones in achieving behavioral goals.
  • Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and facilitating successful implementation of interventions.
  • Communicated effectively with team members, ensuring consistency in approach and alignment of goals across all providers.
  • Supported clients in meeting their individual objectives through consistent evaluation and tailored interventions.
  • Ensured compliance with ethical guidelines, maintaining highest standards of professionalism in service delivery.
  • Contributed to positive organizational culture by actively participating in team meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
  • Presented findings from assessments at clinical meetings, promoting shared understanding of client needs among team members.
  • Conducted functional behavior assessments to identify underlying causes of challenging behaviors and inform treatment planning.
  • Utilized evidence-based approaches to design effective intervention strategies that met unique needs of each client population served.
  • Coordinated with other professionals such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers to provide holistic approach to care for clients.
  • Assisted schools or organizations in developing policies around behavior management procedures by sharing expertise and providing recommendations.
  • Evaluated effectiveness of implemented behavior plans by conducting IOA data collection and analyzing data to determine areas of improvement or success.
  • Maintained detailed documentation on client progress, treatment adjustments, and other relevant information to ensure continuity of care across all service providers.
  • Lead and directed team of 10 clinical personnel and support staff.

Support Behavioral Services

Blue Water Christian Academy
10.2020 - 09.2021
  • Implement treatment plans with clients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
  • Support students through PBS which enables them to complete work, build self-esteem and gain self-confidence through positive reinforcement and accomplishment in settings that are designed to encourage positive outcomes.
  • Improved student behavior by implementing individualized support plans and monitoring progress.
  • Supported teachers in managing classroom dynamics, resulting in increased focus and productivity for all students.

Behavior Consultant/Qualified Behavior Health Professional/ABA Behavior Therapist

Human Services Solutions
07.2019 - 03.2020
  • Improved client outcomes by designing and implementing customized behavior intervention plans.
  • Reduced instances of maladaptive behaviors in clients by teaching appropriate replacement skills.
  • Provided ongoing support to families, helping them understand and manage their child''s behavior more effectively.
  • Collaborate with parents, child and BCBA to determine dreams and desires for their child's future, and then implement treatment goals that will best help clients achieve these goals to be as independent as possible.
  • Facilitated skill-building groups focused on social skills, emotional regulation, and problem-solving strategies for diverse client populations.

Behavior Consultant/Qualified Behavior Health Professional Developmental Care Network (DCN)

Developmental Care Network
08.2018 - 03.2020
  • Administer ADOS-2 Diagnostic Assessments in order to aide in determination of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis on contract basis.
  • Contracted for Assessment testing and development of treatment plans for clients diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
  • Volunteered expert services which assisted in helping people find resources which are available in community for their needs, with focus on families struggling from being affected by Autism, Depression, Anxiety, and Cancer recovery.
  • Improved client outcomes by designing and implementing customized behavior intervention plans.

Qualified Behavioral Health Professional (QBHP)

Merakey
11.2017 - 08.2018
  • Communicated with technicians, parents and supervisors in order to increase collaborative effort in changing socially significant behaviors for client.
  • Enhanced patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive treatment plans, resulting in improved patient satisfaction.
  • Increased client engagement in therapy sessions by utilizing a person-centered approach tailored to individual needs.
  • Conducted thorough assessments to accurately identify behavioral health needs and develop appropriate treatment plans.
  • Improved communication between patients, families, and care providers by serving as liaison and advocate during treatment process.
  • Promoted safe and supportive environment for patients to explore complex emotions and work towards personal growth.
  • Developed customized behavior modification plans, leading to significant improvements in patients'' daily functioning abilities.

Behavior Consultant/Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

Centria Health Care
09.2016 - 03.2018
  • Implemented treatment plans according to BCBA direction.
  • Provided support to fellow technicians struggling with advanced clients.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills by supporting staff on assessments and behavior reduction techniques.
  • Communicated regularly with BCBA and parents, ensuring appropriate quality therapy.
  • Collected data which resulted in increased skill acquisition for client.

One on One Paraprofessional

Port Huron Area School District
03.2013 - 09.2016
  • Experience working in both school and home based settings
  • Enhanced student learning by implementing individualized support and accommodations.
  • Collaborated with teachers to develop personalized education plans for students with special needs.
  • Gather data and complete progress notes daily, summarizing work completed with clients in order to track progress and confer with supervisor.
  • Assisted in development of social skills through group activities and one-on-one coaching.
  • Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Supported students'' emotional well-being by providing a safe and nurturing environment.
  • Facilitated communication between students, teachers, and parents to ensure a cohesive educational experience.

Health Care Paraprofessional

Port Huron High School
03.2007 - 03.2013
  • Built a positive and esteem building rapport with student.
  • Assisted with physical movement.
  • Carried out academic goals as directed by IEP team.

Conversational English Instructor

Self-employed
01.2002 - 01.2005
  • Served as a conversational English instructor in cities of Zushi and Yokohama, Japan
  • Worked with Native Japanese speaking students, teaching conversational English in both classroom and home settings.
  • Developed student comprehension by incorporating visual aids, multimedia presentations, and group activities.

Special Education Paraprofessional

Department of Defense Schools (DoDS), Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella
12.1999 - 11.2002
  • Preschool: Childhood Development (PSCD) classroom setting
  • Together with Special Education Teacher, we helped children with Developmental Delays and Autism Spectrum Disorder; achieve age appropriate skills.

Education

Master of Science in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis

Capella University
06.2017

Bachelor Degree in Multi-Disciplinary Studies - Psychology and Sociology

Siena Heights University
08.2014

Skills

  • Process Improvements
  • Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
  • Information Protection
  • Patient Assessments
  • Compassion and relatability with stakeholders

Specialized Skills And Recent Achievements

  • Certified and experienced in Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd (ADOS-2), Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP), The Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised (ABLLS-R), The Assessment of Functional Living Skills Series (AFLS), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Assessment, The Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised (ADI-R) and The Formative Assessment Screening Tool (FAST).
  • Strong computer skills with both Mac and Windows operating systems.
  • Extensive training with multiple AAC devices including Vanguard, Minspeak and Apple Communication Applications.
  • Enthusiastic, inventive and adapt to challenging situations in an appropriate manner.
  • I bring with me a strong work ethic along with the patience and determination to help bring out the best in clientele, enabling them to grow and reach their full potential.
  • Currently preparing for BCBA Certification test to be taken in near future.
  • Graduate of Capella University (June 2017) with a Masters Degree in Psychology and specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis.
  • Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certified through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

References

References Furnished Upon Request.

Timeline

Clinical Supervisor QBHP

Think ABA
09.2023 - Current

Clinical Supervisor

BELIEF Eclectic Learning
01.2021 - 09.2023

Support Behavioral Services

Blue Water Christian Academy
10.2020 - 09.2021

Behavior Consultant/Qualified Behavior Health Professional/ABA Behavior Therapist

Human Services Solutions
07.2019 - 03.2020

Behavior Consultant/Qualified Behavior Health Professional Developmental Care Network (DCN)

Developmental Care Network
08.2018 - 03.2020

Qualified Behavioral Health Professional (QBHP)

Merakey
11.2017 - 08.2018

Behavior Consultant/Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

Centria Health Care
09.2016 - 03.2018

One on One Paraprofessional

Port Huron Area School District
03.2013 - 09.2016

Health Care Paraprofessional

Port Huron High School
03.2007 - 03.2013

Conversational English Instructor

Self-employed
01.2002 - 01.2005

Special Education Paraprofessional

Department of Defense Schools (DoDS), Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella
12.1999 - 11.2002

Master of Science in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis

Capella University

Bachelor Degree in Multi-Disciplinary Studies - Psychology and Sociology

Siena Heights University
Valerie Lawson