I am a seasoned special education professional with nearly a quarter-century of experience in the field. My journey into this rewarding career began serendipitously during my senior year at Washington University in St. Louis, where I worked with a child with autism. This pivotal experience ignited a passion that has since defined my professional trajectory.
Professional Evolution
After graduating with a B.A. in Psychology in 2001, I embarked on my career in New York City, initially as a resource room teacher in an under-resourced public school in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. This formative experience catalyzed my transition into specialized education and behavior therapy, which has remained my primary focus.
Throughout my career, I’ve consistently pursued advanced qualifications to enhance my expertise:
- M.S.Ed in Early Childhood Special Education
- Professional Certification in Special and General Education, Birth through Grade 2
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification
- New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA)
- International Behavioral Therapist (IBA) degree
- ABA Parent Training Certification
Comprehensive Experience
My professional journey spans over two decades in New York City’s special education sector, encompassing roles such as Board Certified Behavioral Therapist, Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT), BCBA Supervisor, and Applied Behavior Analysis Lead Teacher. This multifaceted experience has allowed me to work with a diverse range of children, from toddlers to early adolescents, fostering their academic and social development across various educational settings.
I’ve honed my expertise in crafting individualized education programs, implementing cutting-edge assessment tools, and orchestrating collaborative team meetings to ensure holistic support for each child. My approach involves close collaboration with parents, general education teachers, and related service providers to develop and implement comprehensive, tailored curricula for students with special needs.
For the past decade, I’ve also taken on the role of mentor, supervising aspiring professionals in their journey towards BCBA certification, thereby contributing to the growth and development of our field.
Professional Focus and Methodology
My work is centered on empowering children with special needs and their families, advocating for inclusive educational environments, equipping general education teachers with effective behavior management strategies, and guiding parents through the complexities of their children’s behavioral and developmental challenges.
I employ a range of evidence-based practices and assessment tools to provide comprehensive support, including:
- Functional Behavioral Assessments
- Social skills building programs
- Data-driven treatment programs
- Individualized behavioral modification plans
- Parent empowerment and training programs
- Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence data analysis
- Direct observations and rating scales
- School collaboration and support
- Classroom management techniques
My methodology involves crafting bespoke behavioral modification programs; developing intervention plans that address academic, social, and behavioral needs; and implementing positive reinforcement strategies to cultivate appropriate behaviors.
Collaborative Approach
Throughout my career, I’ve recognized the critical importance of collaboration in special education. I am dedicated to:
- Empowering parents with knowledge and practical strategies to support their child’s development at home.
- Collaborating closely with general education teachers to foster inclusive learning environments and implement effective behavior management strategies.
- Providing mentorship and supervision for aspiring BCBAs, sharing my extensive experience and insights to nurture the next generation of professionals in our field.
–
Current Chapter: A New Horizon in Barcelona
In August 2024, I embarked on a new professional adventure, relocating with my family to the vibrant city of Barcelona. This transition represents not just a geographical shift, but an opportunity to bring my expertise to a new cultural context and educational system.
In Barcelona, I am eager to:
- Contribute to the local special education landscape, bringing innovative practices and methodologies from my extensive experience in New York City.
- Collaborate with international schools to promote inclusive education and effective behavior management strategies.
- Offer my services to the expatriate community, providing a bridge between American and European approaches to special education.
- Explore opportunities for cross-cultural research and collaboration in the field of behavior analysis and special education.
- Continue my professional development by engaging with local experts and institutions, further enriching my practice with diverse perspectives and methodologies.
This new chapter allows me to apply my skills in a global context, fostering international dialogue and exchange in the field of special education. Whether you’re a parent navigating the complexities of raising a child with special needs in a new country, an educator seeking to enhance your inclusive teaching practices, or an aspiring behavior analyst looking for mentorship, I am committed to leveraging my expertise to support the Barcelona community and beyond.
BEHAVIOR BREAKTHROUGHS 