Michelle W. Christian
**** ****** ***** *******, ** 24018
*******@*****.*** 540-***-****
Professional Summary
Dedicated educator with 18+ years of experience in educational leadership, special education, and trauma-informed practices. Skilled at program design, family engagement, and fostering community partnerships. Proven expertise in behavioral interventions, mindfulness-based education, and equity-focused initiatives that support student growth and well-being. Seeking to leverage transferable skills in leadership, training, and program development beyond the classroom.
Core Skills & Competencies
• Educational Leadership & Team Development
• Behavioral Interventions & Student Support
• Program & Curriculum Design
• Mindfulness Practices & Trauma-Informed Education
• Equity & Inclusion Initiatives
• Community Outreach & Partnership Building
• Family Engagement & Support Services
• Public Speaking & Training Facilitation
• Special Education Case Management
• Data-Driven Planning & Progress Monitoring
Selected Achievements by Skill Area
Leadership & Program Development
• Collaborated with principals to manage school operations and develop inclusive, restorative practices.
• Designed and implemented behavior intervention systems to reduce disciplinary issues and improve school climate.
• Coordinated access to counseling and mental health services, ensuring holistic student support.
Training & Professional Development
• Led faculty workshops on trauma-informed practices, culturally responsive teaching, and classroom management.
• Facilitated restorative circles and peer mediation training, empowering students and staff to resolve conflicts constructively.
• Presented mindfulness and stress management practices across multiple school levels.
Community & Family Engagement
• Organized family engagement nights and parent workshops to strengthen home-school collaboration.
• Built partnerships with local organizations to provide resources addressing academic and behavioral needs.
• Developed outreach initiatives to connect schools with community support systems.
Equity & Student Advocacy
• Advocated for equitable access to educational resources and mental health services.
• Implemented culturally responsive and trauma-sensitive practices to support diverse learners.
• Guided students in recognizing strengths, building resilience, and developing self-esteem.
Professional Experience
Dean of Students – Fairview Elementary 2021–2025
Title I Resource Specialist – Fairview Elementary 2018–2021
Special Education Teacher – Roanoke City Public Schools 2006–2018
Mindfulness Teacher – Roanoke City Public Schools 2013–2019
Education
• Master of Arts, Educational Leadership – Bluefield University, 2023
• Master of Science, Early Childhood Special Education – Radford University, 2010
• Bachelor of Arts, Humanities – Bluefield State College, 2000
Certifications & Professional Development
• Equity and Trauma-Informed Practices (TTAC-Radford, CSU Pueblo)
• Multiple Mindfulness Teacher Trainings (UVA, Radford, CARES, Sharon Salzburg, Jill Loftis)
• Roanoke Mindfulness Conferences (2015 & 2016)