John F. Costanzo
Pasadena
Summary
Compassionate school psychologist with an emphasis on communication and building relationships between all stakeholders. Specialized in conducting comprehensive psycho-educational assessments, developing intervention and behavior strategies, and counseling for various emotional and behavioral issues. Skilled at collaborating with educators, families, and other school staff to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments. Extensive background in mentoring interns and new teachers, mental health programs and Autism.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
School Psychologist
Alhambra Unified
01.2022 - Current
- Responsibilities include servicing students in TK through 8th grade, with a focus on the district's Autism program by providing support to SDC classes, conducting psycho-educational assessments, report writing, presenting at IEP meetings, SST, IEP, 504 and parent meetings, consultation with teachers and staff. Providing individual/group counseling and social skills training.
Instructor
Education First
Pasadena
07.2024 - 08.2025
- Developed lesson plans for diverse student groups attending summer sessions from Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
- Provided lectures and group activities to enhance learning.
- Facilitated classroom discussions on culture and history to promote English language development.
- Evaluated student learning through classroom assignments, projects, and assessments.
Program Specialist
WSG Valley SELPA
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Responsibilities include supporting School Psychologists, Counselors, Program Specialists and Administrators regarding assessments, placement, behavior and other issues related to Special Education. Provide support, and oversee the GOALS Program Committee for referrals and placement of students in a Behavioral and Therapeutic setting. PENT Cadre Member for the SELPA, receiving and providing training related to functional behavior. Responsibilities also include providing CPI Training as a Certified CPI Trainer for the SELPA. I also provide workshops and trainings on various topics, including: ERMHS Assessment, FBAs, Legally Compliant Psychoeducational Assessments, Disproportionality, and Trauma Informed Teaching Practices.
School Psychologist
Burbank Unified
01.2018 - 01.2022
- Responsibilities include servicing students in 9th through 12th grades conducting psycho-educational assessments, report writing, conducting Functional Behavior Assessments, creating Behavior Intervention Plans, conducting Manifestation Determinations, presenting at IEP meetings, SST, SART, IEP, 504 and parent meetings. Crisis intervention, consultation with teachers and staff. Providing individual/group counseling and social skills training. Determine need for Educational Support Services for students district wide, including Nonpublic Schools and Alternative programs, and oversee implementation of services. Maintain and oversee Residential caseload by referring, monitoring, and visiting sites nationwide.
School Psychologist
Monrovia Unified
Monrovia
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Responsibilities included servicing students in 9th through 12th grades conducting psycho-educational assessments, report writing, conducting Functional Behavior Assessments, creating Behavior Intervention Plans, conducting Manifestation Determinations, presenting at IEP meetings, participation as a member in SST, IEP, 504 and parent meetings. Consultation with teachers and staff, supporting Special Education Department in writing and implementing IEPs and Related Services. Providing individual, group counseling and social skills training. Co-Advisor of campus GSA.
Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator
Burbank Unified School District
Burbank
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Under the direction of the Director of Student Services and the Assistant Superintendent Of Instructional Services, responsibilities include overseeing the implementation of the district's Mental Health Master Plan. Duties include updating the district's Crisis Manual, Suicide Awareness and Prevention policy and developing protocol for responding to 5585's on school campuses. In addition, responsibilities include reducing barriers and creating access to the district's mental health services, data collection including 5585's, implementation of the district's adopted Social Emotional Learning Curriculum (Second Step), leadership position as a District Coach for PBIS, create, organize and facilitate parent and staff information events on Stress and Anxiety, Depression and Bullying. In addition, duties include overseeing 11 Intervention Specialists, attended PTSA and ELAC meetings to share information regarding Mental Health Programs, and acted as a liaison between BUSD and various community agencies including the Burbank Ministerial Association, the Burbank Coordinating Council, and the Family Service Agency of Burbank.
School Psychologist
Burbank Unified
Burbank
01.2005 - 01.2016
- Responsibilities included servicing students in 9th through 12th grades conducting psycho-educational assessments, report writing, conducting Functional Behavior Assessments, creating Behavior Intervention Plans, conducting Manifestation Determinations, presenting at IEP meetings, participation as a member in SST, AST, IEP, 504 and parent meetings. Crisis intervention. Participated in the development of a district Crisis Intervention Manual. Consultation with teachers and staff. Assessing and working with students from Preschool, Community Day School, and several other alternative sites. Providing individual, group counseling and social skills training. Supported site in the implementation of AB1266 and developed a Transgender support group. Staff Development and training for counselors, teachers, aides, and staff on Interventions, working with students with disabilities, self-injurious behaviors, and Differentiated Instruction.
IAS, Second Grade Teacher
Los Angeles Unified School District
Los Angeles
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Planned curriculum and provided general instruction for a group of retained second graders in an Intensive Academic Services (IAS) classroom.
First/Second Grade Teacher
Los Angeles Unified School District
Los Angeles
01.1997 - 01.2002
- Developed curriculum and instruction through Thematic Units for a combined first/second grade classroom. Responsibilities included student assessment, tracked data, and monitored student progress, Student Portfolios, developed Student Learning Centers, and established Student Lead Conferences.
Education
Master of Science - Counseling, Option in School Psychology
California State University Northridge
01.2005
California Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential -
Los Angeles Unified School District
01.1996
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
California State University Los Angeles
01.1994
High School Diploma -
Loyola High School
Los Angeles01.1984
Skills
- Member of the AUSD intern committee
- Member of the school site PBIS team
- Member of the school site MTSS committee
- Intern mentor for practicum and interns from various universities
- Crisis intervention
- Special education compliance
- Program development for the district's Autism Program
- Mental health awareness
Recognition Awards
- Education First Excellence in Teaching Award
- Employee of the Year, Burbank Association of School Administrators
- PTA Honorary Service Award, for Outstanding Administrator
Training
- ADOS Training, 01/2023
- CPI - Trainer Certification, 01/2022
- PENT - Cadre Training, Spring 2023
- Essential 10 For Behavior Intervention Plans, 01/2023
- Stop The Bleed Training, 01/2020
- Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) District Coach Training - LACOE, 01/2016 - 01/2017
- Piecing It Together: Homeless and Foster Care Training, 01/2017
- California Student Mental Wellness Conference - Sacramento, 01/2017
- Critical Mental Health Challenges - Ontario, 01/2017
- Student Attendance Review Board (SARB) Training - LACOE, 01/2016
- Student Discipline and Expulsion Training - LACOE, 01/2016
- Senator Carol Liu Site Visit/Community Schools Forum - Fremont High School, 01/2016
- Gateway to Success School Safety Program, 01/2015
- Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) Crisis Prevention Training, 01/2014
- QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Instructor Certification Program, 01/2013
- Suicide Intervention and Crisis Response Training, 01/2012
- Pathway Charting: Customizing a Behavior Plan for Success, 01/2011
- Aspects of Asperger's Disorder and High Functioning Autism, 01/2011
- Best Practices in Conducting Assessment of Bilingual Student, 01/2011
Credentials Exams
- CPACE-Content, Passed, 01/2019
- Clear Pupil Personnel Services Credential, Renewed, 01/2019
- PRAXIS - National School Psychologist Exam, 01/2004
- Professional Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Renewed, 01/2019
- Multiple Subject Assessment for Teachers (MSAT), 01/1995
Leadership Experience
- Cadre Member, PENT - WSGV SELPA, 01/2022 - 01/2023
- CPI Trainer, WSGV SELPA, 01/2022 - 01/2023
- Committee Leader, GOALS Behavioral Program, 01/2022 - 01/2023
- District Transfer Review Committee Member (DTRC), 01/2016 - 01/2022
- Burbank SART Team Member, 01/2018 - 01/2022
- Co-Advisor, GSA Club MHS, 01/2017 - 01/2018
- PBIS District Coach and Site Team Member, 01/2016 - 01/2017
- Organizer and Member, BUSD Mental Health Advisory Committee, 01/2016 - 01/2017
- BUSD SARB Committee Member, 01/2016 - 01/2017
- Supervisor, 11 Elementary Intervention Specialists and 6 Secondary Specialists
- Member, BUSD Mental Health Task Force, 01/2015 - 01/2016
- PLAG Chapter Burbank Facilitator, 01/2015 - 01/2016
- Co-Supervisor, Psych Club BHS, 01/2014 - 01/2016
- Supported the Development and Opening of Wellness Centers, 01/2016 - 01/2017
- Committee Member, Every 15 Minutes Program - BHS, 01/2014 - 01/2015
Timeline
Instructor
Education First
07.2024 - 08.2025
School Psychologist
Alhambra Unified
01.2022 - Current
Program Specialist
WSG Valley SELPA
01.2022 - 01.2023
School Psychologist
Burbank Unified
01.2018 - 01.2022
School Psychologist
Monrovia Unified
01.2017 - 01.2018
Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator
Burbank Unified School District
01.2016 - 01.2017
School Psychologist
Burbank Unified
01.2005 - 01.2016
IAS, Second Grade Teacher
Los Angeles Unified School District
01.2001 - 01.2002
First/Second Grade Teacher
Los Angeles Unified School District
01.1997 - 01.2002
Master of Science - Counseling, Option in School Psychology
California State University Northridge
California Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential -
Los Angeles Unified School District
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
California State University Los Angeles
High School Diploma -
Loyola High School