Heather Howard
Poway
Summary
Dynamic education leader with 12+ years of experience designing and implementing research-based trainings systems across educational and healthcare settings. Expertise in applied behavior analysis (ABA), instructional design, leadership coaching, compliance governance, and cross-district partnership management. Proven ability to align workforce development strategies with performance improvement, organizational growth, and measurable outcomes.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Special Education Services
Verbal Behavior Associates
Poway, CA
01.2013 - Current
- Lead behavioral evaluations and intervention strategy across multiple school districts throughout San Diego county.
- Design and deliver research-based professional development programs for educators, para-educators, principals and school psychologists.
- Develop scalable training systems grounded in applied behavior analysis (ABA).
- Ensure compliance with ethical and professional standards established by the Behavioral Analyst Certification Board.
- Maintain and oversee district contracts, strengthen long-term partnerships and expand organizational reach.
- Provide executive-level coaching and performance feedback to employees, managers, regional managers and assistant directors.
- Align learning initiatives with strategic growth, performance metrics and service expansion objectives.
Inclusion Teacher (Pre-K)
Alexa's Playc (Rady's Children's Hospital)
San Diego, CA
07.2011 - 01.2013
- Design and implement standards-based curriculum serving neurotypical students and students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Conduct biannual developmental assessments to inform individualized curriculum plans.
- Applied evidence-based behavioral interventions to improve communication and social engagement outcomes.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to align therapeutic and educational strategies.
Pre-K Teacher
Community Community Christian Preshool
Poway, CA
08.2007 - 06.2008
- Delivered early childhood curriculum aligned with Poway Unified School District standards.
- Prepared students academically and socially for successful transition to Kindergarten
- Managed classroom instruction, parent communication, lesson planning, and student assessment
Education
Master of Science - Applied Behavior Analysis
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FL08-2015
Masters in Psychology - Psychology
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN03-2009
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Early Childhood Education
National University
San Diego, CA01-2006
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA05-2004
Skills
- Enterprise Learning Strategies
- Evidence-Based Training Design
- Organizational Development
- Leadership Development and Coaching
- Performance Management
- Compliance and Ethical Governance
Timeline
Director of Special Education Services
Verbal Behavior Associates
01.2013 - Current
Inclusion Teacher (Pre-K)
Alexa's Playc (Rady's Children's Hospital)
07.2011 - 01.2013
Pre-K Teacher
Community Community Christian Preshool
08.2007 - 06.2008
Master of Science - Applied Behavior Analysis
Florida Institute of Technology
Masters in Psychology - Psychology
Walden University
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Early Childhood Education
National University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Point Loma Nazarene University