Director of Vision and Hearing Services

• Sep 2021 - Present

Teacher of the Visually Impaired

• Sep 2016 - Sep 2021

Social Worker/Creative Writing Instructor

• Feb 2007 - Jun 2017

Social Worker, Saturday Youth Program (2009 – 2017) • Provide both supportive and psycho-educational group and individual counseling as needed for youth who are blind, visually impaired and/or cognitively impaired. • Consult with staff members, outside agencies and parents as appropriate to resolve any concerns that arise. Creative Writing Instructor, Saturday Youth Program (2007 – 2009) • Taught different styles of writing to students, ages 12 to 21, grouped by different ability levels. • Assisted students to freely express themselves through different styles of writing, including poetry, song, short stories, essays, etc. • Combined music, art and writing with hands-on learning activities which addressed issues affecting youth. • Lessons incorporated discussions of appropriate behaviors and relationships with parents, friends and classmates. o Promoted to Social Worker due to facility with students of varied abilities and extensive experience with teens and blind/visually impaired populations. o Created anthology of student work in 2008, which was printed in Braille and large print and distributed to all students and staff. Show less

Head Teacher

• Sep 2014 - Jun 2015

• Teach ancient history and math in a 12:2 setting. Classes focus on important academic vocabulary, while exposing students to a variety of concepts in history using kinesthetic, auditory and visual modes to support students various learning needs. • Teach literacy in a 4:1 setting, assisting students to transition from learning to read to reading to learn. Classes focus on building students vocabulary, fluency, decoding, comprehension, spelling and writing skills. • Coordinate and manage various homeroom activities, including but not limited to parent contacts, daily student "check-in", lessons designed to foster a sense of community, develop greater social/emotional skills and supporting students adjustment to middle school. • Provide homework help and support recreational activities in after school program one day per week. • Teach chamber chorus with middle school music teacher one day per week. Show less

Assistant Teacher

• Sep 2013 - Jun 2014

• Teach literacy and math to 6th grade students with a variety of language based learning disabilities such as dyslexia, auditory processing and expressive language issues as well as diminished use of executive functions, ADHD and social pragmatic difficulties. • Collaborate with administrators and teaching staff to provide support to students in 6-8th grade in all class settings including science, history, current events, drama, music and foreign language. Also assisted with the school musical, teaching lead actors proper vocal technique. Show less

Functional Family Therapist

• Jul 2010 - Jun 2013

• Provide in-home, evidence based family therapy of usually 3 to 6 months, to assist teens and families to address mental health concerns, improve relationships, increase effective coping skills and reduce risky behaviors (i.e.: truancy, substance use, self-injury, running away etc.). • Provide outreach to community agencies, schools and other CCNY Programs to asses youths progress as well as ensure youth have appropriate vocational/educational and social/emotional support. • Maintain case records and input documentation to PROMIS, CONNECTIONS and FFT client databases. • Consult with referral sources to promote better understanding of FFT treatment model. o Treated approximately 60 clients’ and families since joining Hale I / Intensive Services. Consistently rated 5 or higher (on scale of 1-7) on client end-of-treatment evaluations of objective feelings regarding effectiveness of treatment and comfort with therapist. o Program has achieved 80% success rate, with families reporting improved parenting, communication and relationship building skills, reduction in initial symptoms and linkage to community services. Show less

Social Worker

• May 2008 - Jul 2010

• Created and implemented 18-month comprehensive therapeutic residential program for homeless youth ages 16-21. • Provided individual and group counseling, consultation and support to runaway and homeless youth, to foster and develop coping and independent living skills. • Maintained continuous contact with other Safe Space Programs, as well as outside service providers, to ensure provision of appropriate vocational/educational and social/emotional support. • Coordinated intake, initial assessment, treatment planning and discharge planning with Safe Haven Treatment Team. • Provided task and/or clinical supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s level interns. • Developed programs and workshops with other Safe Space staff, focusing on education, employment and community service, and providing skills to assist adolescents to become self-sufficient, productive adults. o Acted as sole clinician for entire program. o 75-80% of participants were enrolled in school or employed within 3 months of entering program. o Approximately 60-70% of participants exited program successfully after 18 months, either returning to families, living independently or transitioning to less restrictive program. Show less

Assistant Camp Director

• Jun 2006 - May 2008

Assistant Director, Vision Center on Blindness [formerly Vacation Camp for the Blind] (2006 – 2008) • Coordinated OMRDD (OPWDD) funded respite program for adults and children with intellectual disabilities. • Coordinated and implemented therapeutic recreation activities for more than 500 adults, seniors, and children with visual impairments. o Developed and managed relationships with Lions Clubs and other community service organizations all over New York State to raise funds for operation and maintenance of camp facility. o Hired, supervised and trained 65-75 seasonal staff members annually. o Conducted public education and direct volunteer recruitment Supervisor, Vacation Camp for the Blind (Summer 2006) • Supervised camp counselors, program specialists and campers to ensure quality and effectiveness of programming. • Oversaw scheduling of daily camp activities and special events. Show less