Whitney Francis
Prestonsburg
Summary
Educator with extensive experience in student support, specializing in social-emotional well-being and behavior management. Expertise in documentation, assessments, and individualized planning to meet diverse student needs. Collaborates effectively with educators and families to implement initiatives that enhance student success and foster safe learning environments. Strong relationship-building and communication skills facilitate effective guidance and support for students.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Floyd County Schools
Eastern
07.2020 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans for students with diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with staff to implement behavioral interventions and support strategies.
- Adapted instructional materials to meet specific student requirements and learning styles.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted teaching methods accordingly.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student performance and learning outcomes.
- Provided training and support for classroom aides and paraprofessionals.
- Engaged families in the educational process through regular communication and meetings.
- Participated in professional development workshops to enhance teaching practices.
- Created a safe environment conducive to learning for special education students.
- Conducted assessments of student performance and provided feedback to parents.
- Encouraged student empathy of others to build confidence and improve self-image.
- Enhanced students' physical, behavioral and social skills through class activities.
- Offered counseling to students and parents to increase personal growth, self-understanding and behavioral management.
Occupational Therapist
Signature Healthcare
Prestosnburg
04.2014 - 07.2020
- Designed therapeutic activities to improve physical strength, coordination, balance, posture, sensory integration skills.
- Worked with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive treatment and support.
- Performed evaluations of patients to assess their physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial functioning.
- Developed treatment plans based on individual needs and goals.
- Assisted individuals returning from hospitalization in adjusting back into their home environment.
- Applied cognitive-behavioral strategies to support mental health and emotional well-being.
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
ARH
South Williamson
06.2012 - 04.2014
- Facilitated group therapy sessions promoting social skills and peer interaction for children.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions designed to improve self-esteem and peer relationships among children with disabilities.
- Maintained close contact with other healthcare professionals involved in patient care, such as physicians, nurses, psychologists and speech therapists.
- Educated families about developmental milestones and how to promote positive behavior change in children.
- Provided therapeutic interventions, such as sensory integration, fine motor skills development and activities of daily living training.
- Organized recreational activities that promoted physical, social and cognitive development in young patients.
- Created progress reports and documentation for each patient on a regular basis.
- Selected effective treatment plans in line with personal goals for home, school, or work life.
- Assessed physical, mental and vocational statuses of clients to develop rehabilitation plans.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure a holistic approach to patient care.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of The Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KY12-2021
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY05-2012
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Science
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY05-2010
Master of Arts - School Counseling (P-12)
University of The Cumberlands
Williamsburg, KYSkills
- Individualized education plans
- Behavioral interventions
- Student assessments
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Family engagement
- Documentation and reporting
- Emotional support techniques
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Empathy development
- Professional development
- Team building
- Therapeutic activity design
- Instructional adaptation
- Progress monitoring
- Conflict resolution strategies
- Inclusion strategies
- Life skills instruction
- Social integration
- Social skills training
- De-escalation techniques
- Positive role modeling
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Floyd County Schools
07.2020 - Current
Occupational Therapist
Signature Healthcare
04.2014 - 07.2020
Pediatric Occupational Therapist
ARH
06.2012 - 04.2014
Master of Arts - Special Education
University of The Cumberlands
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
Eastern Kentucky University
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Science
Eastern Kentucky University
Master of Arts - School Counseling (P-12)
University of The Cumberlands
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