Joanna Haas
Belmont
Summary
Compassionate and energetic classroom assistant with over 11 years of experience supporting children and teens with special needs in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) environments. Experienced in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and collaborative team approaches. Known for building strong relationships with students, families, and staff while fostering inclusive, supportive and safe learning spaces.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Classroom Assistant
Esther B. Clark School, Children's Health Council
Palo Alto
02.2025 - Current
- Provide individualized academic and behavioral support in SEL-focused classrooms.
- Implement ABA strategies with students diagnosed with ASD, ED, and OHI.
- Collaborate with therapists and teachers on SEL instruction and IEP implementation.
- Collect and analyze behavioral data (ABC, PBT) to support intervention plans.
Dance Instructor, Choreographer & Theatre Support
Palo Alto Children's Theatre
Palo Alto
08.2019 - Current
- Teach inclusive jazz and hip-hop dance classes.
- Choreograph routines for youth productions and summer camps.
- Support 'Spectrum Friendly' classes for children with disabilities.
- Assist with hair, makeup, and wardrobe for stage productions.
- Serve as on-site aide for neurodiverse actors.
One-to-One Behavior Specialist
Esther B. Clark School, Children's Health Council
Palo Alto
02.2023 - 02.2025
- Developed and implemented individualized goals aligned with IEPs.
- Supported students' behavioral growth through data-driven ABA strategies.
- Presented student progress during IEP meetings and parent conferences.
- Provided guidance for at-home routines to support consistency across settings.
Paraprofessional
The Stepping Stones Group
San Mateo
09.2022 - 02.2023
- Supported students with ASD, CP, and Down Syndrome in inclusive classrooms.
- Assisted with feeding needs (including G-tube) and academic accommodations.
- Documented behavior observations and collaborated with behavior technicians.
Assistant Behavior Specialist
The Burkard School
San Mateo
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Delivered SEL and behavioral support to students with ASD and ED.
- Created visual supports and tracked progress using ABA tools.
- Led after-school enrichment and SEL-focused programs.
One-to-One Behavior Specialist
Esther B. Clark School, Children's Health Council
Palo Alto
01.2020 - 08.2021
- (Same responsibilities as above role.)
Classroom Assistant
Esther B. Clark School, Children's Health Council
Palo Alto
09.2013 - 01.2020
- (Same responsibilities as above role.)
Vitamin Purchaser
Whole Foods Market
San Mateo
11.2003 - 09.2013
- Managed inventory, vendor negotiations, and product orders.
- Provided expert customer service and health supplement recommendations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA01.2011
Associate of Arts -
Cañada College
Redwood City, CA01.2008
High School Diploma -
Carlmont High School
Belmont, CA01.2001
Skills
- Individualized Instruction & Academic Support
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
- Data Collection (ABC, PBT) & Analysis
- IEP Goal Implementation & Progress Monitoring
- SEL Curriculum & Emotional Regulation Strategies
- De-escalation & Conflict Resolution
- Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Parent Communication & Engagement
- Classroom Management
- Proofreading & Editing
- Choreography & Creative Arts Integration
Certification
- CPR / First Aid Certified
- Pro-ACT Training
- Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)
Leadership Experience
- Palo Alto Children's Theatre - Hair/Makeup Staff, Actor Support, Backstage Crew, 2023-Present
- EBC School Talent Show Director - Live, 2018-2019
- EBC School Talent Show Director - Virtual, 2020-2021
Timeline
Classroom Assistant
Esther B. Clark School, Children's Health Council
02.2025 - Current
One-to-One Behavior Specialist
Esther B. Clark School, Children's Health Council
02.2023 - 02.2025
Paraprofessional
The Stepping Stones Group
09.2022 - 02.2023
Assistant Behavior Specialist
The Burkard School
09.2021 - 06.2022
One-to-One Behavior Specialist
Esther B. Clark School, Children's Health Council
01.2020 - 08.2021
Dance Instructor, Choreographer & Theatre Support
Palo Alto Children's Theatre
08.2019 - Current
Classroom Assistant
Esther B. Clark School, Children's Health Council
09.2013 - 01.2020
Vitamin Purchaser
Whole Foods Market
11.2003 - 09.2013
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
San Francisco State University
Associate of Arts -
Cañada College
High School Diploma -
Carlmont High School
Similar Profiles
Garrett NalewajekGarrett Nalewajek
Substitute Teacher at Esther SchoolSubstitute Teacher at Esther School
Ikenna NwachukwuIkenna Nwachukwu
Classroom Teacher at Queen Esther International schoolClassroom Teacher at Queen Esther International school
Ezekiel StewartEzekiel Stewart
Certified Teacher Assistant at Esther SchoolCertified Teacher Assistant at Esther School