About
Hi, my name's Katherine! I'm currently a student at UAB working on a Master's in Early Childhood Special Education. I have a Master's degree from UAH in Applied Behavior Analysis and a Bachelor's degr... ee in Music Therapy from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!). I love to learn and help students find a way to ignite their love for learning, too.
I began teaching in 2016 by teaching music lessons to neurotypical students and students with disabilities and delays. Lessons were provided in either a one-on-one or small group format, and instruments taught included voice, guitar, piano, and ukulele. While working as a music therapist, I also completed Music Together training. Using Music Together curriculum, I facilitated group music sessions for young children and their families, group drum lessons for children in kindergarten/1st Grade, and group guitar lessons to Music Together parents. One of my main priorities as a teacher is to take time to adapt my lessons to meet the interests and needs of each student in a way that teaches them core concepts but also fosters an intrinsic desire to continue learning on their own, regardless of age or ability level.
In 2022 I graduated from UAH, and since then I have focused on creating individualized curriculum for children diagnosed with autism. I currently work as a BCBA and prioritize assent-based, naturalistic, and neurodiversity affirming teaching practices. When working with a client/student, I aim to contrive learning opportunities that are functional, natural, and empowering for the child. I utilize evidence-based strategies and rely on data to guide decisions on how to modify teaching strategies in a way that best support my clients/students.read more
Education
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
Alternative Master of Education, Early Childhood Special Education
2023 - 2025
University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH)
Master of Science, Applied Behavior Analysis
2019 - 2021
University of Alabama
Bachelor of Music, Music Therapy
2011 - 2016
Experience
BCBA
The Autism Clinic at Hope
Jul 2022 - present
I create curriculum for skill acquisition and behavior reduction for young children (2-8) with autis... m. I provide services using a neurodiversity affirming, trauma-informed, and assent based approach. Skills are developmentally appropriate and presented naturalistically.read more
Ballet Instructor
Adonai School of Ballet
Aug 2017 - May 2023
I taught group ballet lessons to neurotypical students and students with delays and disabilities. Le... ssons followed an technique-based syllabus and were provided weekly based on class skills, interests, and motivations. I also choreographed danced for an annual recital for each class. Classes taught included Special Needs (3 different classes ages preschool - adult), Teen Ballet, Teen Tap, Preschool, and Pre-Ballet.read more
RBT
Inquiring Minds
Jul 2020 - May 2022
I worked as a direct service provider at an autism clinic running daily programs for skill acquisiti... on and behavior reduction. I provided services using Naturalistic Environment Teaching (NET) and assent-based practices.read more
Music Instructor
Independent/Contract & Music Together
Aug 2018 - Mar 2020
I provided one-on-one and small group music lessons to neurotypical students and students with delay... s and disabilities. Instruments taught included voice, guitar, and piano. I also provided group music classes and music lessons using the Music Together curriculum. Classes included early childhood music and movement, Rhythm Kids (drumming classes for 6-7 year olds), and Guitar for Grown Ups (group guitar for adults).read more
Music Therapist
Music Therapy Milestones
Apr 2016 - Dec 2018
Provided one-on-one, small group, and classroom-based music therapy sessions. Sessions were designed... to address non-music goals based on participant's current strengths and needs. Services were provided in homes and in preschool classrooms.read more
