Nadine Zyma
Summary
Experienced Catholic educator with 23 years at HCDSB and 13 years in Special Education. Committed to creating inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments based on dignity, equity, and faith. Skilled in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support student success. Expertise in alternative programming, supporting medically complex and neurodiverse learners, curriculum and board resource development, and student advocacy. Emphasis on team/community collaboration for positive educational outcomes in Special Education.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teacher – Community Living Classroom
HCDSB
09.2022 - Current
- Lead programming for students with complex medical, physical and developmental diversities (FDK–Grade 8)
- Coordinate medical case conferences, IPRCs, and elementary, high school and community living transitions
- Highly trained and specialized in augmentative alternative communication systems (Tobii Eye Gaze, Go Talk, ProLoQuo2Go, Pictello, Bluetooth Ablenet switches, SMART board technology)
- Supervise, coach, and support training Educational Assistants in medical protocols, accessibility, and student safety
- Create medical safety plans and seizure indicator response plans
- Collaborate with board and community partners (SLP, HCDSB EA Manager, BA, BLV, DHH, SBRS, ErinOak Kids, ADRS, , Ontario Health at Home - formerly LHIN, WRoss McDonald School for Blind/Low Vision, community hospitals and rehabilitation hospitals)
- Develop alternative programs in collaboration with parents, specialists and therapists, AFAC, ABLLS, AFLLS, SEAIT, Special Education Connections
- Presenter at board-level CLC training seminars
- Facilitate medical case conferences for students presenting with complex medical needs and work collaboratively with multiple disciplines both at board level (Speech and Language, Blind/Low Vision, Deaf and Hard of Hearing) and within the community (School Health Rehabilitation Support Services – Nursing via Local Health Integration Network, OT and PT via Erin Oak Kids, W. Ross Mc Donald)
Itinerant Special Education Resource Teacher (ISERT)
HCDSB
01.2019 - 09.2022
- Supported Life Skills, Structured Teaching, and CLC classrooms across multiple schools
- Led Tier 3 interventions, alternative program planning (A4), SIP development, and high-needs transitions
- Supported schools with various literacy and numeracy interventions and assessments (GATE, Class Act, KTEA, Fly Leaf, UFLI Foundations)
- Chaired complex case conferences and coordinated planning with agencies and health professionals
- Coached SERTs, EAs, and administrators on inclusion, regulation, policy and IEP development
- Supported distance learning for high-needs students during COVID through virtual coaching and tools
- Delivered ABA, FASD, and trauma-informed training (DBT) in collaboration with BAs and CYCs
- Presented at “ABA for All” and other board initiatives
- Liaised between schools and consultants to ensure continuity of supports
- Actively supported roll out for Right to Read Pilot in Oakville and Milton schools
- Collaboration with outside agencies such as Woodview, ROCK, Nelson Youth Centre, ErinOakKids, ADAPT
- Worked in collaboration with high schools and psych services to provide diagnostic documents and guide families through the transition planning by connecting with them with DSO (Disability Services Ontario) to plan effectively for post 21 pathways, ensuring students are connected with appropriate funding (ODSP, Passport Funding) and community supports (e.g. Community Living, Respite) upon completion of year 7.
- Work in liaison with families, students, SETs and Special Education Department Heads to transition Life Skills Students into Co-Op Placements as well as post-secondary CICE (Community Integration Co-Op Education) Programs in community colleges
- Facilitate medical case conferences for students presenting with complex medical needs and work collaboratively with multiple disciplines both at board level (Speech and Language, Blind/Low Vision, Deaf and Hard of Hearing) and within the community (School Health Rehabilitation Support Services – Nursing via Local Health Integration Network, OT and PT via Erin Oak Kids, W. Ross Mc Donald)
FDK Teacher
HCDSB
09.2006 - 09.2012
- Designed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles and student needs.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to enhance student participation and comprehension.
- Facilitated collaborative learning environments to encourage peer interaction and support.
- Assessed student progress through formative assessments, adapting instruction as needed.
- Primary Junior Special Program Team Leader (2006-2012)
Literacy Intervention Teacher
HCDSB
09.2006 - 06.2007
- Developed individualized intervention plans to address diverse student needs in grades 1-3
- Collaborated with teachers to implement evidence-based strategies for student success
- Assessed student progress using standardized tools and data analysis techniques
- Facilitated professional development workshops focused on effective intervention practices
Grade 5 Classroom Teacher
HCDSB
09.2002 - 06.2006
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans to enhance student understanding of core subjects.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment to promote student collaboration and social-emotional growth.
- Utilized differentiated instruction strategies to meet diverse learning needs and improve academic outcomes.
- Assessed student progress through formative and summative evaluations, adjusting instructional methods accordingly.
- School Program Team Leader for Junior Division (2002-2006)
Education
Master of Science in Education -
Niagara University
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
McMaster University
Skills
- Proficient in educational strategies for diverse learners
- Risk analysis expertise
- Complex case management expertise
- Extensive background in trauma and neurodiversity care
- Skilled in communication and teamwork
- Committed to culturally responsive, inclusive, and faith-based education
- Expert in analyzing psycho-educational and medical reports
- Interdisciplinary cooperation
- Expertise in assistive technology solutions
- Crisis management expertise
- Community resource navigation
- Strong verbal and non-verbal communication
Certification
- Special Education Specialist (York/Nipissing)
- Religious Education Specialist (HCDSB)
- Reading Part 1 (York)
- Catholic Leadership Development Certificate, Part 1 & 2 (HCDSB, 2021)
- Intentional Leadership Certificate - with Dr. Brendan Browne, HCDSB 2012
Training
- Anti-Black Racism, Human Rights & Equity Training (2023)
- ABLLS-R, AFLS
- PEERS
- ASIST suicide prevention training
- Seizure Response Training
- 1st Aid
- Trauma-informed practice (DBT)
- FASD Training
- RISE Training
Timeline
Special Education Teacher – Community Living Classroom
HCDSB
09.2022 - Current
Itinerant Special Education Resource Teacher (ISERT)
HCDSB
01.2019 - 09.2022
FDK Teacher
HCDSB
09.2006 - 09.2012
Literacy Intervention Teacher
HCDSB
09.2006 - 06.2007
Grade 5 Classroom Teacher
HCDSB
09.2002 - 06.2006
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
McMaster University
Master of Science in Education -
Niagara University
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