Highly-efficient, student and relationship-focused special educator with over five years teaching experience and over ten years in the special education classroom. Organized and proficient in: IDEA and ADA law, educational program assessment and planning, numerous instructional interventions and strategies, and overall positive attitude which enables me to create cohesive, collaborative teams focused on student need and parental input.
Skills
Significant experience in developing and implementing educational and behavior plans. Skilled at setting data-based SMART goals and objectives which align to state standards and/or state alternate standards.
Knowledge and familiarity with several forms of alternative means of communication including: Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), other picture-based communication systems (low and high tech), functional sign language, and augmentative and alternative communication systems, devices and applications
Trained in CPR, Basic Life Support, Universal Precautions
Trained in Google for Education
Experience in delivering multiple assessments: Woodcock Johnson Test of Academic Achievement (WJIV), Hawaii State Alternate Assessments (HSA-Alt), Colorado Alternate Assessments (CoAlt), portfolio based assessments for students with significant impairments
Current and certified in Non-violent Crisis Intervention (CPI)
Trained in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) as well as Restorative Circles
Work History
Cognitive Support Needs Program Director & Teacher, 07/2018 - Current Re-1 Valley School District – Sterling, CO,
Care coordinator for students with a multitude of disabilities in collaboration with all stakeholders: parents, general education teachers, administrators, counselors, speech language pathologists, physical therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, teachers of the deaf, teachers of the visually impaired, assistive technology specialists, adapted physical education teacher.
Experience with the following disabilities: moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders (Levels 1-3), fetal alcohol syndrome, orthopedic impairments, speech and language impairments, deafness, visual impairments, emotional disturbances, selective mutism, specific learning disabilities.
Wide use of, and assistance with, assistive and other technology: FM system, communication devices, cochlear implants, hearing aids, functional sign language, Picture Exchange Communication and other picture-based communication systems [high and low tech], technology to assist with academic skills (DragonSpeak, etc.), as well as mobility equipment (walkers, leg braces, wheelchairs), sensory support tools
Educational and behavioral program planning utilizing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
Curriculum modification and integration of state standards and alternate state standards into student’s educational program
During SY 19/20 I also served as the Site Facilitator at Ridgeview Elementary for the special education department (position cancelled due to COVID funding reduction) as the liaison between the building and the district for our entire team including: psychologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, teacher of the deaf, teacher of the visually impaired, adapted PE teacher, resource teachers, early childhood educators, interpreters, English language learner (ELL) teacher, counselor, nurse, registered behavior technicians and a team of 18-20 paraprofessionals. This role included the oversight of IDEA compliance for all professionals.
Special Education Team Lead (19/20, 20/21).
Improved success of the CSN program by making proactive adjustments to staffing and operations while providing ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
Scheduled and supervised weekly department meetings (PLCs) to discuss student needs, collaboration between stakeholders, and data-driven decision-making sessions.
Provided remote instruction during COVID-19 pandemic during SYs 19/20 and 20/21.
Implemented and organized Special Olympics Unified Basketball team (SY 19/20).
In conjunction with school psychologist and speech pathologist developed and implemented a multi-grade social communication group for students with pragmatic language and social concerns.
Recipient of Ridgeview Elementary Capturing Kids Hearts Staff award SY 19/20 for inclusion and celebration of diversity while building relationships.
English Language Teacher, 12/2017 - 09/2019 VIPKID – City, STATE,
English language instruction to students located overseas.
Online delivery of lessons, extended instruction, assessments, and feedback.
Graded students work based on completion, timeliness and accuracy and kept detailed records of grades.
Delivered instruction in language arts encompassing reading, grammar, composition and literature, working with teachers in other subjects to integrate skills across curriculum.
Created hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.
Successfully improved Chinese-speaking students' English grammar and vocabulary levels through written and interactive activities.
Evaluated student progress to offer recommendations for further development.
Special Education Teacher, 07/2015 - 07/2018 Hawaii Department Of Education – City, STATE,
Care coordination of students with a large range of disabilities including: down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder (Levels 2 and 3), cerebral palsy, significant apraxia of speech and other speech/language impairments, global developmental delays, and intellectual disabilities in a self-contained, severe need classroom.
Educational and behavioral program planning with families of diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds at a Title I school in a low-income rural community on the North Shore of the island of Oahu.
Direct instruction using evidence-based strategies including Orton-Gillingham based reading interventions and curriculums, Sonday, Singapore Math, Star Reading and math, as well as personally created modified curriculum to support individual student needs. Modified curriculum were based on Hawaii State Standards and based on current academic and functional needs of students receiving special education services.
Utilization of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) under the direction of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in order to positively shape and reinforce productive and healthy behaviors while working to extinguish negative behaviors including aggression and self-harming behaviors.
Supervision of 4-7 paraprofessionals who assisted students with severe disabilities with behavior modification and safety protocol.
Excellent classroom management utilizing creative and caring strategies while also delivering effective and differentiated classroom instruction to the range of neurodiverse students entrusted to my care.
Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional, functional, and social growth.
Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
Cultivated relationships with students and parents to foster strong school and community engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents, general education teachers, related service providers, and school administrators.
Worked with students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities: math, language arts, science, social studies, life skills, social communication, alternate communication systems, etc.
Mental Health Worker and Case Manager, 09/2010 - 09/2013 Benchmark Behavioral Health – City, STATE,
Worked in both positions (MHW and CM) within this 10-bed, secured, residential facility for adolescent male sex offenders.
Worked with family members to develop support networks and multifaceted coping techniques focused on client needs in line with treatment and discharge plans.
Verified successful coordination of counseling efforts with mental health professionals, doctors, social workers and other stakeholders.
Recorded patient progress and treatment recommendations in DAP system to be shared with Hawaii Family Court System, medical providers, psychiatric providers and other treatment team members.
Provided comprehensive case management services, including creating treatment plans and connecting clients and families to appropriate community and in-house resources.
Directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent and individualized intakes and assessments.
Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
Education
Doctor of Education: Organizational Leadership- Special Education, Expected in 10/2021 - Grand Canyon University - Phoenix, GPA:
Dissertation: Experiences of minority parents or caregivers of elementary-aged autistic students with the IEP process (In progress)
Master of Arts: Special Education, Expected in 04/2016 - University of Phoenix - Kapolei, GPA:
Awarded University of Phoenix - Hawaii Student of the Year 2016
Bachelor of Arts: Social Sciences – Psychology, Expected in - University of Hawaii – West Oahu - , GPA:
Graduated cum laude
Certifications
Certified in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI), Basic Life Support, CPR, First Aid, and AED, -Present: Track and Field, Basketball
•Special Olympics Hawaii, Head Coach/Assistant Coach, 2015-2018: Bocce, Track and Field, Softball, Basketball
Licensure
•Colorado Professional Teacher License
(English learner designation met)
Special Education Generalist 5-21
#348106 Issued: 5/25/2020 Exp:5/25/2025
Affiliations
Special Olympics Unified Head Coach (2014-2020) - Basketball, softball, bocce, track and field
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School Attended
Grand Canyon University
University of Phoenix
University of Hawaii – West Oahu
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Cognitive Support Needs Program Director & Teacher
