Michael is highly motivated, compassionate, responsible, and is exceedingly passionate about the work he does. Michael takes every opportunity to improve his practice. Melissa Ahlstrand Program Manager
As a Regional Support Specialist, Michael provides side by side coaching and training for paraprofessionals and teachers within the middle school region; conducts observations and collects behavioral data; and supports students with a variety of needs in variety of settings. Melissa Ahlstrand Program Manager Professional Profile Eager to bring positive change to minority and at-risk students by using a unique combination of eight years of special education experience coupled with firsthand knowledge of their experiences, with a lot of empathy mixed in. Currently attending UNC Lowry to obtain a degree and licensure as a Special Education Generalist. Experience employing Restorative Justice and Restorative Justice Approaches in a variety of special education classrooms and schools. Dedicated to ensuring the education and social emotional growth of students.
Education, Honors, and Certifications Special Education Generalist Degree and Licensure, Currently Acquiring University of Northern Colorado, Greeley-Lowery Campus, CO Environmental Architecture Western State University, Gunnison, CO Associate of Arts, 1999 Otero Junior College, La Junta, CO Deans List- 1998,1999, and 2000 Academic All-American Trained in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention May 2014 Trained trainer of Para-Academies November 2012 Certified in Restorative Justice Approaches P.E.P. (Parents Encouraging Parents) Facilitator
Key Qualifications ~Experience with training educators on behavior management strategies and empowering educators by giving them the tools and strategies to work with challenging students. ~Experience Adapting restorative justice approaches to fit individual needs of special education students. ~Experience planning and instructing social skills curriculum from grades 3 through 8. ~Experience planning and implementing behavior plans and interventions in Affective Needs, Multi-Intensive, Multi-Intensive Autism, and Multi-Intensive Severe classrooms in multiple school settings. Michael has devoted himself to working with students with a variety of needs, taking a no holds barred approach to ensuring that every step taken is truly in the best interests of the student and their family. Michael is currently attending school to become a special educator, and I have no doubts in my mind that he will grow to be one of those remarkable individuals known for improving the face of special education for students, their families, and for the professionals who dedicate themselves to improving outcomes for exceptional learners. Kindra Cook Regional Support Specialist Teacher
~Experience implementing a wide variety of teaching aids and motivational strategies to encourage behavioral change in students. ~Experience incorporating real life experiences and moral reasoning into classroom and individual instruction. ~Successfully managed and promoted behavioral growth in students of different cultural backgrounds, races, genders, and ability levels. ~Experienced Behavior Specialist: Collected baseline data for F.B.A., part of the team who helped design the Behavior intervention plan, and helped implement the plan and collect intervention data.
Skills Able to work in a variety of settings and to work collaboratively with adults and students to accomplish a common goal. Able to stay calm in hostile environments and crisis situations. Able to successfully communicate with parents, staff and students. Experience trainer of paraprofessionals in behavior management and challenging and significant behavior, in large group, small group, and individual settings.
Employment History Regional Support Specialist, August 2010-present Denver Public Schools Supervisor Melissa Ahlstrand Special Education Affective Needs Paraprofessional, October 2005-2010 Denver Public School Supervisor Ms. Abernathy Pawn Clerk, June 2009-present Fast Cash Pawn Supervisor Deandre Hobbs Recreation Instructor, May 2003-August 2007 Denver Parks and Recreation Supervisor David Hallman