For Educators
Working as an educator in secondary, elementary and early childhood settings has shown me that teachers need greater assistance when facing today's increasingly challenging behaviors in school. Training and professional development is necessary for teachers to acquire robust behavior management skills. Effective in-person coaching helps staff feel listened to, respected and supported as they strive to make deeper connections with all students in their classrooms.
My Experience
Following my Masters in Education at the University of Maine, Orono, my work has focused primarily on the inclusion of children with significant behavioral challenges and special educational needs in the general educational setting. I have supported many students excluded from their general classrooms due to challenging behavior, teaching them necessary skills to successfully reintegrate into their peer group communities. I work with teachers and administrators to set up supportive and nurturing environments, ensuring the needs of all students are met and that teachers are able to teach. My experience includes the development and implementation of Functional Behavioral Assessments and Positive Behavior Support Plans, working with education teams, parents and students in accordance with IEP/504 Plan goals.
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​My approach aligns with Collaborative Problem Solving® (CPS) by Think:Kids. This is a program based in the Department of Psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. The Collaborative Problem Solving® approach is a strength-based, neurobiological model that starts with the philosophy that all kids want to do well and will do well if they can - that kids lack skill, not will. CPS® addresses challenging behavior while building skills for success. Additional resources can be found at Think:Kids. With my support, together we will prevent the need for maladaptive behavior, teach the skills necessary to belong to an actively learning community, and reinforce positive behaviors in order to promote social-emotional and academic growth.
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Coaching and Consultation Opportunities
Opportunities for working together include, but are not limited to:​
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Creating a positive physical environment and emotional climate in your childcare center, school or after school space
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Planning intentional schedules and routines to support children navigate their world with confidence and success
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Developing a trauma informed classroom set up
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Discovering effective methods for teaching lagging social-emotional and behavioral skills
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Increasing opportunities for free play, playful learning and authentic choice in your setting
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Examining the function of challenging behavior: employing evidence-based strategies to create data driven positive behavior support plans
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Working closely with parents and families to support positive behavior in school
