Gregory Merkel

Training and developmental professional with 6+ years of experience instructing, coaching, and mentoring teams in high-accountability environments. Experienced in onboarding new employees, delivering structured training programs, facilitating workshops and improving performance through feedback and data tracking. Proven ability to lead groups of 20-30 staff, create clear procedures, and support continuous learning and engagement.

Seeking a Learning and Development, Corporate Trainer, or Training Coordinator role where instructional and leadership skills support employee growth and organizational success.

Registered Behavior Technician - Action Behavioral Health

(2025-01)

• Provide direct ABA therapy and implement individualized treatment plans under BCBA supervision for children ages 18 months to 8 years old to support client behavioral goals
• Collect and document client data to track progress and improve treatment outcomes
• Use play, movement, reading, and hands-on activities to build communication, social, and independent living skills
• Apply antecedent strategies and reinforcement techniques to support positive behaviors
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized therapy environment
• Collaborate with families and clinicians to reinforce positive behaviors and life skills
• Completed RBT certification and ongoing professional development training
• Support team operations and assist in additional clinic locations as need

Behavior Therapist - Beacon Specialized Living

(2021-01 - 2025-01)

• Provide leadership and clinical oversight for behavioral services supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)
• Lead, supervise, and develop a team of 20-30 direct care professionals, fostering accountability, collaboration, and high-quality service delivery
• Design, implement, and oversee Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) aligned with Individualized Service Plans (ISPs) and organizational objectives
• Analyze behavioral data to guide treatment adjustments, improve outcomes, and ensure regulatory compliance
• Partner with interdisciplinary teams, senior leadership, and families to drive person-centered planning and measurable progress
• Deliver staff training on behavior management, crisis prevention (Handle with Care), and effective communication strategies
• Facilitate case review meetings and behavioral strategy sessions via Microsoft Teams and Zoom to ensure alignment across departments
• Oversee documentation standards, compliance reporting, and audit readiness to maintain state and organizational requirements
• Develop department-wide behavioral support framework to align frontline implementation with strategic goals
• Serve as a liaison between guardians, clinical staff, and executive leadership to ensure transparency and coordinated care
• Promote a culture of safety through participation in high risk management and safety committees
• Mentor emerging staff leaders to strengthen succession planning and team continuity

Teaching Assistant - CPC Behavioral Healthcare

(2018-01 - 2021-01)

• Deliver individualized and small-group instruction to students diagnosed as Emotionally disturbed in both virtual (Zoom, Google Classroom, Google Meet) and in person classrooms
• Implement behavior intervention strategies and supported students in developing coping skills, emotional regulation, and positive decision-making abilities
• Build strong rapport with students to foster trust, engagement, and academic motivation
• Assist in de-escalating behavioral crisis using trauma-informed and evidence-based classroom management techniques
• Collect, document, and analyze behavioral and academic data to monitor student progress and support IEP goals
• Collaborate with teachers, counselors, and multidisciplinary teams to maintain a structured and supportive learning environment
• Support classroom organization, lesson implementation, and daily documentation to ensure compliance with educational and clinical standards
• Promote a safe, respectful classroom culture that encourages accountability, resilience, and social-emotional growth

Bachelor of Science - Learning, Literacy, and Leadership - The University of Arizona (2017-01)