Rachel Zody
San Jose
Summary
Education professional with comprehensive experience in supporting students with diverse needs. Known for impactful contributions to student success and seamless collaboration with educators, families, and service providers. Reliable team player who leads with empathy, adaptability, and effective communication skills.
Overview
1
1
Certification
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Support Specialist
San Jose Unified School District
San Jose, CA
08.2023 - 06.2026
- Supported students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, apraxia, and anxiety across both private preschool and public elementary school settings
- Collaborated daily with multidisciplinary teams including Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs), Occupational Therapists (OTs), Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), general education teachers, RSP teachers, school psychologists, and parents to implement individualized supports that promote student growth and success.
- Designed and implemented a year long transition plan for a student with extensive needs, centered on increasing independence and generalizing support across multiple staff members. I developed accommodations, executive functioning strategies, social-emotional interventions and trained staff members to implement the plan
- Developed meaningful partnerships with students, families, and service providers, always leading with empathy, curiosity, and a strengths based lens
- Regularly attended IEP meetings to advocate for the student, share data on progress toward goals, and collaborate with the educational team to develop, modify, and expand comprehensive support plans tailored to the student’s evolving needs.
Nanny
01.2015 - 01.2024
- Provided child care for numerous families since 2015. Cared for as little as 1, and up to 5, children at a time. Has experience working with children ages 6 months to 15. Remains engaged and is dedicated to being hands-on with the children. Created learning opportunities during activities. Listens to every family’s preferred parenting style, and communicates promptly during work hours.
Community Service Specialist
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
06.2022 - 07.2023
- Supported the Office of Restorative Practices through restorative practice mediation between students, SDSU staff, and community members of all backgrounds.
- Held weekly meetings with department representatives to provide reports on student safety concerns, share resources, plan safety measures for high impact campus events and coordinate restorative support for campus departments as needed
- Assisted in evaluating program effectiveness through surveys and feedback from participants, driving continuous improvement.
- Cultivated relationships and fostered a welcoming environment for the diverse SDSU community
ABA Behavior Therapist
Behavior Frontiers, LLC.
San Diego, CA
05.2021 - 06.2022
- Delivered 1:1 behavioral therapy to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in their home and community environments
- Collaborated with supervisors and case managers, in addition to training family members, to maximize success rates and support for the child.
- Reduced challenging behaviors by implementing evidence-based interventions and monitoring their effectiveness.
- Developed strong rapport with clients, fostering trust and facilitating meaningful therapeutic relationships.
Education
MA - Special Education
San Francisco State University
05-2025
BS - Criminal Justice, Minor in Sociology
San Diego State University
05-2021
Skills
- Attention to detail
- Professional, Reliable, Organized
- Excellent communication and collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Relationship building
- Conflict resolution
- Student support
- Cultural sensitivity
- Creates inclusive environments
- Proficient in Google Suite
- CPR Certified 2021-2026
Certification
CPR and First Aid: 2021, 2023, 2024, 2026
TRAININGS
- Meaningful Collaboration in Early Childhood Education, 2025
- Assessment and Equity in Early Childhood Education, 2024
- IIRP Restorative Practices for Educators, 2022
- IIRP Restorative Justice Conferencing, 2022
- ABA Therapy, 2021
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Special Education Support Specialist
San Jose Unified School District
08.2023 - 06.2026
Community Service Specialist
San Diego State University
06.2022 - 07.2023
ABA Behavior Therapist
Behavior Frontiers, LLC.
05.2021 - 06.2022
Nanny
01.2015 - 01.2024
MA - Special Education
San Francisco State University
BS - Criminal Justice, Minor in Sociology
San Diego State University