DANA GOSS, M.A.
*** ****** ***., ******, ** ***** • 973-***-**** • acrze4@r.postjobfree.com mailto:acrze4@r.postjobfree.com mailto:acrze4@r.postjobfree.com mailto:acrze4@r.postjobfree.com
BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST
Produces key measurable advancements client-centered, integrative approaches to treatment.
A passionate, committed, multi-talented and accomplished professional who experience in individual, group, and family counseling and ABA therapy. Significant expertise and dedication in understanding complex mental health and psycho-social issues and family dynamics and contribution in diverse, challenging environments. Able to provide guidance to children and adults regarding behavior management within an empathic, respectful climate that supports clients’ strengths and abilities. Lifelong passion for education – committed to the concept that every person deserves an education that will enhance social, cognitive, emotional and academic abilities to his/her fullest potential. Excellent academic preparation and record.
CERTIFICATIONS
BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) Eligible
NJ Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (C.E.A.S)
NJ Certificate of Teacher of Student with Disabilities
SCIP-R Certified
CPI Certified/CPI Trainer Certification (NJ)
CPR Certification and CPI1and 2 (Choking Prevention NY)
CORE COMPETENCIES
Counseling
Case Management
Program Development
Multi-disciplinary Treatment
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Mentor/Peer Coaching
Skill Assessment/Evaluation
Data Collection/Analysis
Staff Collaboration/Training
WORK EXPERIENCE
QSAC-New York, New York 2014-Present
Behavior Intervention Specialist- Oversee seventy four adults diagnosed with Autism and/or psychiatric disorders, conduct functional assessments, develop behavior plans, Day Hab plans, HRC packets, Intakes, monthly Progress Notes, tracking sheets and curriculum materials. Supervise & train support staff, maintain clinical records completely and accurately, conduct semi and annual ISP meetings for each individual. Develop, monitor and implement individual goals and objectives to be included in the habilitation plan. Conduct and oversee the provision of training (to staff, TEAM members), in behavioral interventions and Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Proactive Prevention/ABA strategies: Implement proactive strategies (antecedent manipulations) in preventing crisis situations, implementing least restrictive intervention prior to SCIP-R procedures.
• Crisis Management- Communication and collaboration as a team in managing maladaptive behaviors including but not limited to Self Injurious Behaviors (SIB), aggression, elopement, pica.
• Organize and Create Individual Treatment Packages-Volunteer Training Sites, functional goals and objectives, increasing functioning and independence, adaptive and daily living skills, social skills and communication, money management, travel training, vocational skills, recreation and community integration/generalization.
ORANGE BOARD OF EDUCATION – Orange, New Jersey 2012-2014
District Behavioral Specialist – Design and direct behavior modification and management through implementation of individual and group intervention plans to 175 students, ranging in age from three to twenty one, for 11 schools in the Orange, NJ district. Provide in-class support and behavior management in BD (ED), LLD, MD, ASD, Cognitively Impaired Resource, Inclusion, and Self-contained classrooms. Collaborate with all members of staff to integrate a behavior modification plan that will meet the needs of the individual. Provide counseling, collect data, create and upgrade graphs, checklists (QABF, FAST, MAS, and PBQ) questionnaires (standardized assessment tools), FBA materials, analyze data, provide reports and anecdotal records, implement and train for classroom management/strategies, and modify interventions (BIPs). Coordinate instruction, mediation, and feedback to other members of the treatment team (i.e. teachers, teacher's aides, administration, parent, family members, Child Study team, Speech and Occupational Therapists, Social Workers) in their roles and responsibilities. Advocate on behalf of the individual in order to secure all entitlement and to remove barriers to needed services. Certified to train staff in CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention).
Multiple Disorders and Classifications: Selective Mutism, ASD, Down’s Syndrome, Emotionally Disturbed, OHI, Communication Impaired, Visual/Auditory Impairments, Developmentally Delayed, Oppositional Defiance, ADD and ADHD
Expert in Three Parts of FBA: Functional Analysis, Direct Observations in various settings and Indirect Assessment-information obtained from teacher, administration, CST, therapists, other students, student him/herself, parents
Crisis Prevention: Integral member of the Response Team regarding immediate and critical situations
School and Community Resource: Active participant in HIB (Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying) and I&RS teams as well as support and speak on trending topics such as pregnancy, abortion, abuse, gang violence (urban district)
Support Group Lead: Conducted comprehensive support groups specializing in social skills and life skills for adolescent and high school students.
APPLIED BEHAVIOR AND LEARNING ENTERPRISES (ABLE) – Van Nuys, California 2011-2012
Program Supervisor – Ensured that the overall coordination of health services provided to all patients is delivered according to acceptable standards of practice – overseeing 10 therapists and 15 clients ranging from 3-30 years old with various disabilities and psychiatric disorders including but not limited to Schizophrenia, Bi-Polar 1 and 2, Borderline, OCD, Anxiety/Depression, Sociopathic. Contributed to the overall company success by effectively facilitating the relationship between therapists, referral sources, patients, caregivers and employees to manage the efficiency of the program. Conducted in/direct observations, functional assessments, data analysis, monthly and annual progress reports and clinical meetings for each client.
Data Integration: Continual modification of treatment goals and objectives based on data collected by therapists.
Subject Matter Expert: Provided parent/family training course and certification of Behavior Analytic concepts and principles.
Staff Training: Extensive training of Behavior Analytic concepts and strategies prior to and throughout implementation, included modeling, providing feedback and support, role playing and monitoring treatment integrity.
INTERCARE THERAPY-Los Angeles, CA 2009-2011
Case Manager-Provided behavior support in schools, in homes and within the community for adolescents and young adults with disabilities and their families. In serving various individuals with extensive needs, flexible and innovative support was provided as an active employee and asset to this agency.
● Parent/sibling training/ support : Conducted within homes and on site in order to increase independence, generalization and overall functioning within the community and as a member of society.
● Skill Acquisition: Specifically, Social, Adaptive (self-help) and Vocational skills were targeted across all settings.
● One to one support: Provided for a nonverbal student diagnosed with challenging maladaptive behaviors including high frequency Self Injurious Behaviors (SIB) and Physical Aggression.
RYERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-Wayne, NJ 2007-2009
Pre School Disabled Classroom Teacher-Special Education teacher of a classroom with students of various impairments and disabilities.
Implemented Differential Instruction: Modified and Individualized lessons within the curriculum to accommodate students' various needs and innovative and creative approaches to encourage engagement.
ABA based teaching approach: Incorporated Discrete Trial Teaching and Verbal Behavior to facilitate skill acquisition and academic growth.
Behavior Management: Effectively managing challenging behaviors and implementing behavior plans consistently every day.
EDUCATION
THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY – Los Angeles, California
Master of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Clinical Psychology, 2011 GPA: 3.9
BLOOMFIELD COLLEGE-Bloomfield, New Jersey
NJ Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Standing (C.E.A.S) Preschool-Third Grade
NJ Certificate of Teacher of Students with Disabilities GPA: 3.8
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NJ- New Brunswick, NJ
Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communication, Minor Degree in French GPA: 3.65
ASSOCIATIONS
Member/Attendee: California Association for Behavior Analysis (CalABA) (2009-Current)
Member: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) (2009-Current)