MARIA GALAVIZ
Paramount
Summary
Dedicated Special Education professional with over 10 years of experience supporting students with disabilities in classroom, vocational, community-based, and transition settings. Skilled in implementing IEP goals, behavior intervention strategies, progress monitoring, vocational training, and transition-focused instruction. Currently pursuing a Master of Education and Education Specialist Credential at National University while serving transition-age students in Santa Ana Unified School District’s Adult Transition Program. Bilingual in English and Spanish, committed to fostering student independence, self-advocacy, inclusion, and successful post-secondary outcomes.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education-Instructional Assistant Severely Disabled
Santa Ana Unified School District
12.2017 - Current
- Support transition-age students (18–22) with disabilities in classroom, vocational, and community-based settings.
- Provided instruction and support in independent living skills, promoting student independence, self-confidence, and successful transition outcomes.
- Supervised and supported students during community-based instruction and vocational activities, fostering social, communication, and workplace readiness skills.
- Facilitated communication between educators and Spanish-speaking families by translating during IEP meetings, parent conferences, and school communications.
- Collected, monitored, and documented student progress and behavioral data to support IEP implementation and instructional decision-making.
- Implemented positive behavior intervention strategies and individualized supports to promote appropriate behavior across school, community, and vocational settings.
- Led recreational and sports activities that encouraged physical wellness, teamwork, social interaction, and student engagement.
Soccer Coach
Santa Ana Unified School District
11.2004 - 03.2019
- Supervised, coached, and mentored high school student-athletes while developing and implementing training programs focused on skill development, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.
- Fostered confidence, resilience, goal setting, and personal growth through individualized support, positive motivation, and consistent mentorship.
- Communicated and collaborated with families, school staff, and community members to support student success and promote a positive team culture.
- Implemented injury prevention strategies and promoted healthy lifestyles to support student-athlete wellness and performance.
- Assisted student-athletes in pursuing college and career opportunities through mentorship, advocacy, and guidance.
Special Education-Paraeducator
Tustin Unified School District
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Provided one-on-one and small-group instructional support to students with disabilities, including students with autism and visual impairments.
- Assisted with Braille-related instructional materials and accommodations to support student access to curriculum.
- Implemented IEP goals, accommodations, and teacher-directed instructional strategies to promote academic success.
- Collected, monitored, and reported student progress data to support instructional planning and goal attainment.
- Reinforced behavioral interventions and positive behavior support to foster social, communication, and academic development.
- Supported students in developing independence, self-advocacy, and daily living skills while collaborating with teachers, specialists, and families.
Special Education- Instructional Assistant
Santa Ana Unified School District
10.2014 - 01.2017
- Provided instructional and behavioral support to students with disabilities in special education classroom settings.
- Assisted with implementation of IEP goals, accommodations, academic instruction, communication development, and self-help skills.
- Supported students with personal care, mobility needs, daily living activities, and classroom participation.
- Implemented behavior intervention strategies and reinforced positive behavior supports to promote student success.
- Prepared instructional materials, maintained student records, and monitored student progress toward educational goals.
- Collaborated with teachers, specialists, and families, including translating and communicating with Spanish-speaking families when needed.
Education
Master of Education - Special Education
National University
La Jolla, CA07-2026
Massage Therapy & Health Educator Certification -
National Holistic Institute
Santa Ana01-2020
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
California State University, Fullerton
Fullerton, CA08-2009
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Santiago Canyon College
Orange, CA05-2005
Skills
IEP Implementation & Progress Monitoring
Behavior Intervention Strategies & Positive Behavior Supports
Classroom Management
Community-Based Instruction
Transition Planning & Vocational Training
Independent Living Skills Instruction
Data Collection & Student Progress Monitoring
Autism Support Strategies
Social Skills & Communication Development
Family Collaboration & Parent Communication
Spanish Translation & Interpretation
Assistive Technology
Crisis Prevention & De-escalation Strategies
Team Collaboration & Multidisciplinary Support
Bilingual: English & Spanish
Credentials And Certifications
- Intern Eligible – Education Specialist (Extensive Support Needs)
- CPR/AED/First Aid Certified
- Subject Matter Competency Requirement Met
- CBEST
- Nonviolent Crisis Prevention & Intervention (NCPI) Certified
- RICA
Timeline
Special Education-Instructional Assistant Severely Disabled
Santa Ana Unified School District
12.2017 - Current
Special Education-Paraeducator
Tustin Unified School District
01.2017 - 12.2017
Special Education- Instructional Assistant
Santa Ana Unified School District
10.2014 - 01.2017
Soccer Coach
Santa Ana Unified School District
11.2004 - 03.2019
Master of Education - Special Education
National University
Massage Therapy & Health Educator Certification -
National Holistic Institute
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
California State University, Fullerton
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Santiago Canyon College