Tamara Simmons

Compassionate and dedicated educator and behavioral support professional with over 15 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and families in school and community settings. Skilled in crisis intervention, trauma-informed practices, counseling support, case management, behavioral interventions, and community collaboration. Experienced working with diverse populations in high-stress environments while providing emotional support, resource linkage, and advocacy services.

Strong ability to build rapport, promote resilience, and support recovery efforts through culturally responsive and strengths-based approaches.

Special Education Teacher / Behavioral Support Provider - Kamaile Academy PCS - Waianae, Hawaiʻi

(2013-01)

• Provide daily social-emotional and behavioral support to students and families in diverse educational settings.
• Support students experiencing emotional distress, behavioral challenges, trauma-related concerns, and crisis situations through individualized interventions and counseling support.
• Facilitate small group and individual sessions focused on coping skills, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and resilience building.
• Collaborate with families, counselors, social workers, administrators, and community agencies to coordinate support services and referrals.
• Utilize trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices to build trust and foster safe, supportive learning environments.
• Conduct ongoing behavioral assessments and develop intervention strategies to improve student functioning and emotional well-being.
• Maintain detailed documentation, progress monitoring, and confidential records in compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and provide advocacy for students and families requiring additional mental health or social service support.

Mentor Teacher / Educational Leader - Kamaile Academy PCS - Waianae, Hawaiʻi

(2018-01)

• Mentor and support educators in implementing trauma-informed and behavior-support strategies.
• Provide professional development on classroom management, social-emotional learning, and student support systems.
• Assist in creating collaborative systems of care for students with behavioral and emotional needs.
• Support school-wide initiatives focused on resilience, community engagement, and positive behavioral support.

Special Education Teacher - Kamaile Academy - Waiʻanae, HI

(2020-01)

• Administer criterion-referenced and norm-referenced assessments to determine students' present levels and instructional needs.
• Conduct classroom observations, developmental history reviews, and data analysis for pre-referral and referral processes.
• Interpret assessment data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify strengths, needs, and eligibility considerations.
• Implement academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports for students performing below grade level.
• Coordinate interventions and progress monitoring across classrooms and providers.
• Support crisis situations by applying de-escalation strategies and ensuring student safety.
• Mentor new SPED teachers in documentation, instructional strategies, and compliance.
• Collaborate with administration to implement updated SPED procedures and DOE guidance.
• Assist with transition planning and preparation for post-secondary opportunities.

Master of Education - Special Education - University of Missouri at St. Louis

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville

Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies - Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville