Advocate/Behavior Therapist/Technician

Kemberly A. Nelson 860-***-****

Middletown, CT 06457

**************@*****.***

Profile

Seasoned Educational Advocate with more than 10 years of experience in assuring a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities. Demonstrated expertise in the education of students who are involved in the child welfare, mental health, juvenile justice and correctional system. Track record of achieving exceptional results in obtaining appropriate educational and vocational programs for students. Proven ability to work under pressure with attention to details and meeting deadlines.

Experience

Behavior Technician/Therapist for individuals under the autism spectrum disorder ABLE Home Health Care, East Hartford, CT — April 2023 - Present

• Structure therapy sessions and follow the treatment plan developed by the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA);

• Collect data for all programming using automated data collection tools;

• Implement behavior plans to reduce and eliminate targeted problem behaviors;

• Utilize a variety of applied behavioral analysis procedures to teach communication, social skills, daily living, self-care and leisure skills;

• Provide assistance to the client’s family to ensure a high-quality learning and living environment for the learner.

Educational Surrogate Parent and Advocate for students with disabilities, State of Connecticut Department of Education; Hartford, CT — September 2008 - Present

• Managed and organized files for clients during their representation;

• Correspond with teachers and educational leaders to discuss client’s educational goals and needs;

• Review educational history and file special education referral for students;

• Observe students in classroom setting;

• Assist with the transition of kids receiving services from birth to three to special education services;

• Provide special education advocacy for students ranging from the age of 3 to 22 years old with special needs;

• Represent students in PPT (Planning and Placement Team meeting) and 504 team meetings;

• Participation in manifestation determination meetings for suspensions or expulsions;

• Participation in mediations pursuant to the due process proceedings for conflict resolution;

• Review IEP (Individual Education Plan) to ensure it is written as per team meeting and recommendation;

• Provide assistance to students who have completed the educational requirement to earn their high school diploma with vocational training;

• Provide educational consultation to DCF (Department of Children and Families) social workers and foster parents regarding special education process for student;

• Measure financial data per client and submit invoices on their behalf to the billing department.

Paralegal, Safeco Insurance Company, Farmington, CT — January 2008 - June 2008

• Organized, managed and summarized discovery responses from medical providers;

• Maintained case management database;

• Reconciled account payable and receivable on behalf of firm and clients. Legal Intern, Hampden County Juvenile Court and District Court, Springfield, MA — August 2006 - December 2006

• Attended and assisted attorneys in criminal hearings and trials;

• Conducted legal research and prepared legal memoranda in the area of criminal law. Case Manager, Carter Mario Injury Lawyers; Hartford, CT — March 2002 - September 2002

• Conducted interviews for clients involved in worker’s compensation and personal injury cases;

• Performed clerical duties;

• Collected and entered data in their files;

• Provided correspondence to insurance companies and medical providers in a timely manner. Substitute Teacher, Kelly Services; Meriden, CT— October 2001 - March 2002

• Provided classroom assistance to grade 1-12 in various subjects including instruction and classroom management;

• Engaged students in developing team-building activities. Legal Intern, The Law Offices of John A. Santora, Long Island, NY — May 2001 - August 2001

• Assisted attorneys in court proceedings;

• Performed clerical duties;

• Contacted investigators to collect evidence to prepare cases for trial;

• Performed bookkeeping duties.

Education

University of Massachusetts School of Law, formerly known as, Southern New England School of Law, Juris Doctorate, North Dartmouth, MA (2007) Queens College, City University of New York, Bachelor of Arts, Major: Political Science and Government, Queens, NY (2002)

LaGuardia Community College, Associate Degree in Applied Science, Major: Paralegal Studies, Queens, NY (1998)

Harry S. Truman High School, Bronx, NY (1995)

Skills

*Educational Advocacy *Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) *HIPPA: Basics *Sexual Harassment *Abuse and Neglect of Individuals with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

(I/DD) *Vocational Transition Planning *Human Trafficking *Inter-Agency coordination * Mental Illness * National Dean’s list (2002) *Exceptional interpersonal and analytical skills *Founder of a campus club which helped students managed their academics and personal obligations (1998) *Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED (Automated External Defibrillator) certified *Proficient in Microsoft Office, Citrix, Pro Law, Lexis Nexis, West Law and Needles, RethinkBH *Fluent in French and Creole.

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