School Psychologist Program Development & Leadership
Resume:
Amy M. Westfall
Home 925-***-****
Email Address: ************@*****.***
OBJECTIVE: To secure a responsible and challenging position that will utilize my management and organizational skills as a school psychologist.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS:
Expertise and experience in all aspects of program development, management, and organization. Skilled in active collaboration with parents, teachers and school personnel. Proficient administration, scoring and interpretation of a wide variety of psychological test batteries for the determination of special education eligibility and/or appropriate educational placement. Expert facilitator of student social skills and support groups. Active participator in Student Study Team and IEP/ARD Team. Exceptional participant of Campus Intervention Teams with excellent practical recommendations. Ability to work and interact effectively with individuals from a wide range of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Knowledgeable in all areas of Special Education Law. Committed to highest standards for care of developmentally and learning disabled students and clients. Authority in supervising and implementing community based training programs. Possesses expert communication/facilitation skills in guiding and person-centered training of students and clients. Experienced with Mayer-Johnson Boardmaker software and PECS system, as well as other areas of assistive technology. Expertise in servicing students/clients with autism, intellectually disabled, other health impairment, traumatic brain injury, and behaviorally disordered as well as the range of disabilities. Proficient and thorough organizational skills with experience in inventory and ordering of all necessary program supplies and directing daily activities. Expert in budgeting needs for a large organization. Proficient in design and implementation of self-contained, resource programs, as well as including lesson plans for a range of ages and disabilities. Expertise in preparation of all necessary documentation such as behavior intervention plans, functional analysis assessments, lesson plans, individual education plans, individual service plans, transition plans, annuals, semi-annuals, quarterly assessments, and behavior management plans as well as other daily documentation. Skilled in all areas of discipline and classroom management. Very patient, caring, and understanding. Encouraging and supportive supervisor. Able to foster excellent rapport with clients and students as well as co-workers. Remarkable ability to work as a team. Proficient computer skills. Exceptionally high energy level. Presents a positive attitude. Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
EDUCATION:
2003 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, LaJolla, CA
MASTERS OF SCIENCE - SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY
2001 NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, LaJolla, CA
SPECIAL EDUCATION CREDENTIAL
1994 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN, Austin, TX
BACHELORS OF SCIENCE – SPEECH COMMUNICATIONS
2007 LICENSED SPECIALIST IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY (LSSP LICENSE #33932)
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:
01/20 to 5/2021 SALINAS UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT/SALINAS HIGH SCHOOL
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST (REMOTE)
●Completed comprehensive psych evaluations for students – record reviews for students as needed.
●Consulted parents, teachers, and staff, principals and community organizations in all areas of behavioral and academic interventions and also concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students for High School Program.
●Student and Parent counseling as required by the IEP for several students per week
●Emergency Pandemic counseling of students, staff and parents as needed.
●Supervised interns for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for professional growth and achieving overall objectives of the school’s curriculum.
12/19 to 4/2020 MAXIM HEALTH CARE/DEL MAR HIGH SCHOOL
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
●Lead the STARS (Emotionally Disturbed students) team consisting of teachers, speech language pathologist, occupational/physical therapists and an (MFT) therapist
●Completed comprehensive psych evaluations for students – record reviews, initials and triennials for students as needed.
●Evaluated students through the Educationally-Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) using a clinical interview.
●Consulted parents, teachers, and staff, principals and community organizations in all areas of behavioral and academic interventions and also concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students for High School Program.
●Student and Parent counseling as required by the IEP for approximately 15-21 students per week
8/19 to 11/19 NOVA HEALTH THERAPY/SEQUOIA HIGH SCHOOL
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST/STARS ED PROGRAM
●Lead the STARS (Emotionally Disturbed students) team consisting of teachers, speech language pathologist, occupational/physical therapists and an (MFT) therapist
●Completed comprehensive psych evaluations for students – record reviews, initials and triennials for students as needed.
●Evaluated students through the Educationally-Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) using a clinical interview.
●Consulted parents, teachers, and staff, principals and community organizations in all areas of behavioral and academic interventions and also concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students for High School Program.
●Student and Parent counseling as required by the IEP for approximately 15-21 students per week
8/18 to 6/19 ATX LEARNING
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
●Knowable about California’s Dyslexia guidelines and has expertise implementing them in other states
●Elementary Preschool Psychologist responsible for assessments/behavior plans/inclusion support for children with autism, behavior and additional concerns for multiple sites
●Psychologist and a leading member on the Autism Team
●Elementary psychologist helped to implement new Response to Intervention policy for preschools and elementary school
●High School Psychologist completed comprehensive psych evaluations for students such as record reviews, initials and triennials for students as needed, as well as counseling for my caseload.
●Consulted parents, teachers, and staff, principals and community organizations in all areas of behavioral and academic interventions and also concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students for Child Find, the preschools and two elementary schools.
●Exceptional case management facilitator of evaluations in all areas.
●K-8 Evaluated the intellectual, emotional, behavioral, and/or adaptive behavior functioning of referred students
12/15 to 6/18 CONTRACT WORK IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS/360 DEGREES THERAPY
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
●Middle School Psychologist responsible for assessments/behavior plans/inclusion support for children with learning disabilities, behavior and additional concerns site-wide.
●Advised students, parents and guardians for the purpose of providing information on student’s progress levels and/or recommendations regarding their successful transition to middle school and or high school.
●Counseled students, parents and guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success in school
●Provided assessments for students for all intellectual and mental functional levels
●Provides development and student placement, develop behavior plans
●Assessed students’ functional capabilities and home and/or classroom environment for the purpose of determining students’ functional level and developing recommendations and/or placement.
●Consulted with teachers, parents, other personnel and/or outside professionals for the purpose of providing requested information, developing plans for services and/or making recommendations.
●Counseled students, parents and guardians for the purpose of enhancing student success in school.
●Facilitated communication between students and/or parents with teachers and/or other personnel for the purpose of evaluating situations, solving problems and/or resolving conflicts.
●Facilitated meetings (i.e., IEP conferences, parent meetings, in-services, etc.) for the purpose of developing plans and/or providing information regarding students’ functional goals.
●Intervened in occurrences of inappropriate behavior of students for the purpose of assisting students in modifying such behavior and developing successful interpersonal skills.
●Managed assigned special grants and/or projects for the purpose of ensuring that specifications (i.e., budget, reports, goals, etc.) are achieved Monitor student records for the purpose of developing plans and/or providing information regarding student’s goals.
●Participated in various meetings (i.e., parent conferences, in-service training, site meetings, etc.) for the purpose of receiving and/or providing information and/or meeting credential requirements.
●Prepared documentation (i.e., evaluations, observations, progress, contacts with parents, teachers and outside professionals, etc.) for the purpose of providing written support, developing recommendations and/or conveying information.
●Presented information on various topics related to area of professional expertise in psychology for the purpose of communicating information and gaining feedback on treatment issues.
●Supervised interns for the purpose of monitoring performance, providing for professional growth and achieving overall objectives of the school’s curriculum.
7/11 to 11/15 Birth of Daughter – Stayed home to care for her.
8/09 to 5/11 MESA COUNTY VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT 51
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
●Drafted and implemented new dyslexia policy and teaching strategy, along with assessment program with district team
●District-wide Preschool Psychologist responsible for assessments/behavior plans/inclusion support for children with autism, behavior and additional concerns for 28 sites
●Psychologist for Child Find team responsible for assessments, behavior plans for children with autism and behavioral concerns, birth to three.
●Psychologist and a leading member on the Autism Team
●Elementary psychologist helped to implement new Response to Intervention policy for preschools and elementary school
●Consulted parents, teachers, and staff, principals and community organizations in all areas of behavioral and academic interventions and also concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students for Child Find, the preschools and two elementary schools.
●Exceptional case management facilitator of evaluations in all areas.
●Evaluated the intellectual, emotional, behavioral, and/or adaptive behavior functioning of referred students
●Determined and utilized appropriate tests for evaluations; accurately scored and interpreted test data; Composed Psychological evaluation reports and behavior management plans.
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8/07 to 6/09 WESTERN BOWIE COUNTY SHARED SERVICES ARRANGEMENT
NEW BOSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOO DISTRICT
LICENSED SPECIALIST IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY (LSSP LICENSE #33932)
●Consulted parents, teachers and staff, principals and community organizations in all areas of behavioral and academic interventions and also concerning intellectual, emotional, and behavioral functioning of referred students when necessary.
●Evaluated students in eight school districts in 27 schools in all areas of disabling conditions.
●Leading member of Autism Team; teaching members of the team new assessment tools
●Exceptional case management facilitator of evaluations in all areas.
●Evaluated the intellectual, emotional, behavioral, and/or adaptive behavior functioning of referred students.
●Determined and utilized appropriate tests for evaluations; accurately scored and interpreted test data; Composed Psychological evaluation reports and behavior management plans.
●Participated as a valuable member of the local Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD also known as IEP) committee as needed and when appropriate.
8/06 to 6/07 RED RIVER COUNTY COOPERATIVE
CLARKSVILLE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
LICENSED SPECIALIST IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY (LSSP LICENSE# 33932)
●Excels in team meetings and staffing, consultation with parents and teachers, observation, and behavior management plans.
●Surpasses expectations with school staff during ARD (or IEP) committee meetings with advocates in attendance
●Evaluated the intellectual, emotional, behavioral, and/or adaptive behavior functioning of referred students.
●Determined and utilized appropriate tests for evaluations; accurately scored and interpreted test data; Composed Psychological evaluation reports and behavior management plans.
●Participated as a valuable member of local Admission, Review, and Dismissal committee as needed and when appropriate; often leading the ARD meetings for the administrators.
●Conducted consultations regarding program/service effectiveness.
●Determined and utilized appropriate tests for evaluations; accurately scored and interpreted test data; Composed Psychological evaluation reports and behavior management plans.
●Consult with school staff and parents regarding children with autism and behavioral problems.
●Participated with school district administrators in the compiling of data and reports for the state and federal accountable reports.
8/04 to 6/05 CAPISTRANO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
LAS FLORES MIDDLE SCHOOL
RESOURCE/AUTISM SPECIALIST
●Expertise in management of caseload including compliance issues, especially with regard to students on the autism on the spectrum.
●Excels in communication with parents, keeping them informed of their child’s progress and helping them to keep the school informed about important concerns.
●Exceptional diplomacy skills when dealing with sensitive parents, students and teachers, including the ability to defuse a grievance before it arises.
●Develops, implements and enforces discipline, including the personalization of behavior plans for students with difficult behavioral issues.
●Knowledgeable in writing and implementing of behavior plans, individual education plans, as well as other daily documentation and developing lesson plans that are centered towards students with learning difficulties.
●Proficient in design and implementation of Resource Specialist programs with lesson plans for a range of ages and disabilities, including implementation of improved collaborative model.
●Obtained grant monies for the purchase of assistive technologies.
●Consult with school staff and parents regarding children with autism and behavioral problems.
11/03 to 06/04 T.E.R.I.
(TRAINING & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE), Oceanside, CA
WEEKEND RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM MANAGER
●Accountable for supervision of staff/clients in nine group homes with behaviorally disordered clients
●Organization/Planning of weekend activities and events
●Authorized PRN medications, schedule changes and behavioral interventions
●Hands-on implementation of sensory and behavioral intervention programs.
●Responsible for responding to scene of all behavioral incidents and getting them under control.
●Responsible for public relations after public behavior incidences for private citizens, as well as police or other municipal officers.
7/02 to 6/04 MURRIETA VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, Murrieta, CA
Alta Murrieta Elementary
SPECIAL DAY CLASS TEACHER – K; 1; 2
●Expertise in management of caseload including compliance issues.
●Excels in communication with parents, keeping them informed of their child’s progress and helping them to keep the school informed about important concerns.
●Exceptional diplomat when dealing with sensitive parents, students and teachers, including the ability to defuse a grievance before it arises
●Implements and enforces discipline as outlined by the school district or school site as well as supervision of students and aides.
●Knowledgeable in writing and implementing of behavior plans, individual education plans, as well as other daily documentation and developing lesson plans that are centered towards students with learning difficulties.
●Proficient in design and implementation of SDC programs, including lesson plans for a range of ages and disabilities.
11/01 to 11/03 MORENO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, Moreno Valley, CA
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST INTERN
●Responsible for assessment and interpretation of psychological assessments for students, Independent assessment of children on the autistic spectrum, as well as all other handicapping conditions.
●Excels in communication with parents and staff for collaboration purposes.
●Expertise in management of IEP/ARD Committee and SST meetings.
●Knowledgeable in writing and implementing of behavior plans, individual education plans, as well as other daily documentation and developing lesson plans that are centered towards students with learning difficulties.
●Exceptional writing skills, especially in regards to Psycho-educational reports
●Skillful in all areas related to School Psychology
●Proficient in design and implementation of SDC programs, including lesson plans for a range of ages and disabilities.
8/99 to 6/02 VISTA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, Vista, CA
Rancho Buena Vista High School 8/99 – 6/00
RESOURCE SPECIALIST – MATH; STUDY SKILLS – 9; 10; 11; 12
Roosevelt Middle School 7/00 – 6/02
SPECIAL DAY CLASS TEACHER – 6; 7; 8
●Expertise in management of caseload including compliance issues.
●Excels in communication with parents, keeping them informed of their child’s progress and helping them to keep the school informed about important concerns.
●Exceptional diplomat when dealing with sensitive parents, students and teachers, including the ability to defuse a problem before it arises.
●Surpassed expectations during task analysis for better understanding by the students
●Knowledgeable in writing and implementing of behavior plans, individual education plans, as well as other daily documentation and developing lesson plans that are centered towards students with learning difficulties.
●Gifted at working under extreme times of stress with ease either alone or as a group
7/96 to 1/98 T.E.R.I.
(TRAINING & EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE), Oceanside, CA
PROGRAM MANAGER – (6/96 to 1/98)
●Responsible for the coordination and supervision of the entire House’s Program including supervision of all staff both on-site and off-site.
●Responsible for the work performance of direct care staff and the health and welfare of the residents as well as the care and maintenance of the community home building and grounds.
●Authority in writing/implementing behavioral programs, daily skills training programs, individual education plans and individual service plans as well as the preparation of person-centered quarterly/semi-annual and annual reports for each client.
●In charge of the organization and planning of the of monthly activities list along with the coordination of Special Olympics program.
●Managed the household account to pay household expenditures as well as the handling of petty cash for minor household amounts.
●In charge of hiring prospective employees, preparing work schedules for staff, and counseling employees and residents as needed.
●Writing/instituting weekly lesson plans and behavior management programs to include the needs of each client.
●Preparation of person centered semi-annual and annual reports along with skills training programs for all clients.
●Possessed sole responsibility for household account including purchasing of household and personal items for the residents along with keeping the clients medications in stock.
●Supervision of all staff working in and around the home during various activities including: medication distribution; assisting with cleaning, cooking and directing care in addition to grounds maintenance.
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