Briona Alston
Education and Behavioral Health Professional
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About
Compassionate education and behavioral health professional with experience supporting children and adolescents in school, childcare, and behavioral therapy settings. Skilled in behavior support, classroom management, crisis intervention, documentation, family communication, staff supervision, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and committed to helping children and families build skills, confidence, and positive outcomes.
Experience
State Pre-K Lead Teacher - Tutor Time / Learning Care Group - West Haven, CT
(2025-07)
- Develop and deliver daily hands-on lessons aligned with state early learning standards, with emphasis on early literacy, numeracy, and STEAM.
- Monitor student development through observations and developmental portfolios; supported a reported 95% kindergarten readiness rate.
- Use positive reinforcement, consistent routines, and proactive classroom strategies to reduce behavioral disruptions and maintain an inclusive learning environment.
- Communicate with families through newsletters, progress reports, and conferences regarding student progress, development, and classroom needs.
- Mentor assistant teachers and support staff while maintaining compliance with state health, safety, and licensing requirements.
Behavior Technician (BT) - Kaleidoscope ABA - Bridgeport, CT
(2025-01 - 2025-07)
- Implemented behavior-support interventions and positive reinforcement strategies based on individualized assessments and treatment plans.
- Supported clients in developing communication, social, self-management, and daily living skills.
- Collected and documented behavioral data, interventions, client progress, and significant observations for treatment-team review.
- Applied crisis-intervention and de-escalation strategies while maintaining a safe, supportive, and respectful environment.
- Collaborated with supervisors and treatment-team members to promote consistent implementation of behavioral interventions.
School Social Work Intern - Housatonic Valley Regional High School - Canaan, CT
(2024-08 - 2025-02)
- Co-facilitated psychoeducational and social-emotional groups addressing anxiety, emotional regulation, and peer conflict.
- Provided strength-based, trauma-informed one-on-one support to students using evidence-informed interventions.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents, and administrators on behavioral intervention plans and student support needs.
- Assisted with evaluating social-emotional needs, monitoring progress, and supporting development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Supported crisis intervention, student advocacy, community resource referrals, and multidisciplinary case conferences.
- Maintained confidential student records and session documentation in accordance with FERPA requirements.
Lead Teacher / Third Supervisor in Charge - KinderCare Education - Monroe, CT
(2021-01 - 2025-01)
- Supervised daily childcare-center operations in the absence of the Director and Assistant Director while maintaining licensing and center-policy requirements.
- Led teaching staff through coaching, scheduling, classroom coverage, and performance support to maintain quality programming.
- Coordinated staffing and maintained appropriate staff-to-child ratios; assisted with hiring, onboarding, and training.
- Maintained attendance, enrollment, incident, health, and personnel records with strong attention to accuracy and confidentiality.
- Communicated with families regarding student progress, behavioral concerns, and center policies, resolving concerns professionally.
- Supported purchasing, inventory, invoices, budgeting, health and safety procedures, and continuous program improvement.
Dental Receptionist - Scarsdale Dental Center - Scarsdale, NY
(2020-08 - 2021-02)
- Managed front-office operations, greeted patients, answered multi-line phones, and scheduled appointments.
- Updated patient records, verified insurance benefits, collected payments, and supported accurate administrative processing.
- Provided professional, patient-centered customer service while maintaining confidentiality and attention to detail.
Barista / Shift Supervisor - Starbucks - West Haven, CT
(2019-12 - 2020-08)
- Provided high-quality customer service, answered product questions, and supported daily store operations.
- Maintained inventory and supplies while following established procedures and quality standards.
- Supported team workflow and shift operations in a fast-paced environment.
Cashier / Shift Leader / Assistant Manager - McDonald's - North Haven, CT
(2018-10 - 2019-07)
- Provided efficient customer service and supported accurate checkout and daily restaurant operations.
- Handled multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining professionalism, flexibility, and reliable attendance.
- Supported team members and assumed additional responsibilities as a shift leader and assistant manager.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Social Work - Charter Oak State College (2022-03)
Associate's Degree - Sociology - Charter Oak State College
Associate's Degree - Early Childhood Education
High School Diploma - Poughkeepsie High School (2016-06)
