Transition Special Educator - Hamilton Career and Technology Center
(2007-08 - 2026-03)
- Developed an individualized curriculum aligned with students' unique learning needs and post-secondary transition goals.
- Drafted, wrote, and facilitated Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings in collaboration with students, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Implemented lessons that encouraged parental involvement, including organizing parent appreciation events and family engagement activities.
- Scaffolded instruction to increase academic progress for each student while differentiating learning through the use of choice boards and individualized supports.
- Integrated technology into instruction to provide students with a competitive advantage in applying for employment and post-secondary opportunities.
- Secured multiple grants to support the purchase of iPads, technology integration, an on-campus job training site Considerate Café, and instructional materials designed to strengthen job readiness skills.
- Led an on-site training program (Considerate Cafe) that provided students with opportunities to develop daily living skills, practice social and workplace skills, and build financial literacy.
- Facilitated student networking opportunities with school staff, peers, and community members to promote confidence and career readiness and job placement.
- Successfully transitioned classroom instruction to an online format during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing Canvas and Google Classroom to develop lessons, manage coursework, assess student progress, with a diverse group of learners and maintain effective communication with students and families.
- Coordinated community-based learning experiences, including therapeutic activities to support social-emotional development and create job opportunities.
- Maintained consistent communication with parents and guardians regarding student progress, achievements, and areas for continued growth.
- Empowered students to lead their own IEP meetings, fostering self-advocacy, goal setting, and independent progress monitoring.
Recreational Therapist/Special Educator - Walhalla Middle School
(2005-11 - 2007-05)
- Led recreational therapy services to students with emotional disabilities who required alternative learning environments outside of the traditional classroom setting.
- Delivered instruction in science and mathematics while integrating social-emotional learning, coping strategies, and collaborative skill-building, working closely with a multidisciplinary team that included a counselor, special educator, and instructional assistant.
Special Educator - School DIstrict of Oconee County - James M. Brown Elementary
(2005-08 - 2005-11)
- Provided instruction in an emotionally disabled classroom setting, utilizing strong behavior management techniques and engaging strategies tailored to meet each child's individual learning needs. Delivered differentiated instruction across core subject areas to support academic and social-emotional development.
3k lead teacher - Clemson Child Development Center - Clemson, SC
(2000-08 - 2005-07)
- Successfully wrote and secured grants to develop an educational garden program that supported hands-on learning and outdoor exploration.
- Developed and managed a parent resource lending program through grant funding, providing families access to developmentally appropriate activities and educational toys.
- Organized and led fundraising initiatives to support teacher training and professional development opportunities.
- Conducted ongoing child observations and maintained accurate developmental and progress documentation. through pre and post assessments including standardized and screening assessments, checklists, rubrics and portfolios
- Fostered a safe, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment that supports diverse learners.
- Promoted early literacy, language development, and school readiness skills.
- Managed classroom routines and behavior guidance using positive reinforcement and developmentally appropriate practices.
- Designed engaging, play-based lessons that supported early literacy, math readiness, science and social development. Established interactive classroom centers that enhanced learning through play, exploration, direct instruction, modeling, guided instruction and independent practice.
