Paris Gasque
Baltimore
Summary
Dynamic instructional leader with a track record of implementing successful strategies and programs to enhance academic outcomes. Experienced adjunct professor, mental health practitioner, and program manager leveraging over two decades of education expertise to achieve program goals. Recognized for inspiring colleagues and driving change in alignment with program objectives. Utilizes data-driven techniques to meet diverse student needs and advance high-profile initiatives, while fostering positive relationships with all stakeholders.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Psychologist, Capitol Hill Montessori/Miner Elementary School
- Supported students and educators by facilitating psychological and developmental tests analyzing child behavior and cognitive functioning to identify appropriate psychotherapeutic interventions. Relied upon by administration to develop and implement action plans and programs that addressed the unique needs of each student.
- Key Contributions:
- Selected to provide leadership as Individual Education Program (IEP) Chair. Served as Local Education Agency Representative and Attendance Committee Member.
- Conducted qualitative and quantitative analysis to gauge effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of programs; incorporated outcome measures into psychotherapeutic interventions.
- Independently conceptualized and established methods and techniques for performing impact analyses and complex studies. Interpreted test results during communications with school staff and parents.
Founding CEO
HERU FOUNDATION, INC
12.2020 - Current
- Provide resources and training to aid an academic and social-emotional program that enables students who traditionally have been underserved to thrive holistically. Ensure students are prepared for success outside of the classroom regardless of their race, disability, family income, or circumstance. Provide educators with the theoretical and clinical support needed to obtain the goals of effective teaching and learning for students from diverse backgrounds with a special focus on Black learners with disabilities.
- Key Contributions:
- Educational Consultant for various programs in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
- Special Education Advocate for students and families.
- Implement school-wide MTSS professional development series.
- Wellness Wednesdays.
Adjunct Professor
HOWARD UNIVERSITY
07.2015 - Current
- Achieve educational objectives through effective program management, curriculum design, knowledge management, strategic planning and student performance evaluation. Leverage proficiency as an educational leader while driving adherence to program policies, developing partnerships and resolving problems in a frequently changing environment.
- Key Contributions:
- Established program vision and optimized learning outcomes by managing the planning, preparation, presentation, and evaluation of classroom instruction for graduate courses. Evaluated curriculum and training programs to uncover opportunities for improvement. Coached and guided faculty within an academically and culturally diverse student population on best practices for student-centered learning and improved student retention.
- Revamped graduate course curricula, incorporating new curricular offerings and alternative methods of delivery. Utilized presentations, study guides, and spreadsheets in video, audio, written, and electronic formats for optimal engagement. Designed course syllabuses, activities, presentations, and manuals in coordination with college and department leadership.
- Taught varied courses, such as Legal and Ethical Issues in School Psychology, Learning and African-American Learners to boost capabilities of future educators, as well as Diagnosis and Evaluation of Exceptional Students covering major concepts in educational psychology.
- Enhanced student outcomes by consistently employing best practices in learning management and performance evaluation to provide necessary support and guidance.
Owner
AMACHI FOUNDATION, LLC
10.2010 - Current
- Provide clinical supervision and trusted individual, family and group therapy services to promote emotional adjustment, social competence and psychiatric stability. Conduct varied assessments, such as psychological, educational, and social history to gather pertinent information. Develop treatment and behavior intervention plans with ongoing progress monitoring.
- Key Contributions:
- Serve as Mental Health Consultant for various programs in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
- Cultivate community partnerships to connect families and children to appropriate programs and resources.
- Manage billing and finances, inclusive of securing medical insurance claims, donations and private payments.
Chief of Well Being & Student Supports
MONUMENT ACADEMY
06.2019 - 04.2021
- Played an integral role in the development and implementation of clinical supports throughout all aspects of the school. Managed the special education program’s compliance and service delivery. Supervised the special education manager, clinical manager, and special education teachers. Provided ongoing professional development, progress monitoring, and group clinical supervision for the well-being counselors. Developed a high-quality program that effectively leveraged partnerships with a variety of stakeholders, particularly students’ families and organizations in the neighboring community. Supported knowledge and implementation of Dialectical Behavioral Therapeutic (DBT). Supported the application process and management of federal grants.
- Key Contributions:
- Ensured 100% regulatory compliance by restructuring the Special Education Department.
- Aligned learning and development initiatives with school mission.
- Identified training needs and continually communicated with administrators on status and program progress.
- Developed and improved implementation of evidence-based assessment and evaluation of activities and set specific and measurable performance goals for programs.
- Managed Social Emotional Learning objectives/DBT.
- Critical support for students with severe mental health concerns.
- Responsible for overseeing all psychological, social emotional assessments and all federal records pertaining to IDEA.
- Responsible for making final decisions on CHAMPS calls.
- Provided weekly Clinical Group Supervision.
- Supervised a team that developed, planned, and executed studies and projects that built capability and improved the use, handling, and delivery of federal IDEA records and information in a hybrid records environment (paper and electronic).
- Coordinated with other supervisors and peers to establish team objectives, goals, priorities, and deadlines.
- Served as the subject matter expert for senior and executive leadership on all matters pertaining to the school’s federal IDEA records management program.
- Attended all executive leadership meetings for school with other department leaders.
- Developed PD for special education and wellbeing departments.
- Responsible for administering, organizing, and leading communication during state and federal audit(s).
- Implemented evaluations and supported data initiatives to enhance effectiveness of student supports programs.
Assistant Principal, Eastern Senior High School
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS (DCPS)
01.2013 - 06.2019
- Owned education administration activities for more than 300 students receiving intervention services through 504 plans and special education. Led Special Education Department of 44 employees, including 21 eleventh-grade teachers. Directly supervised 26 teachers, 10 paraprofessionals, 5 service providers, and 3 Local Education Agency representatives. Provided coaching, counseling and discipline, as well as Individual Development Plans. Assigned tasks and monitored outcomes to drive achievement of defined goals. Built trust and productive working relationships to drive achievement of aggressive goals.
- Key Contributions:
- Improved operational efficiency and program effectiveness by analyzing policies and procedures to make any necessary adjustments.
- Excelled in a leadership capacity by directing, coordinating and evaluating staff activities. Assisted teachers with differentiated instruction and support services to meet individual student needs through Response to Intervention (RTI). Recommended solutions for improving school climate with strategies to reduce incidents of violence and suspension. Improved curriculum by analyzing data to modify lesson plans and capture growth opportunities.
- Enhanced program effectiveness through frequent assessment, including classroom observations and evaluations using the Teaching and Learning Framework. Championed productivity goals by implementing best practices.
- Satisfied federal and state regulations and policies (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Article 7, Americans with Disabilities Act and 504 Plans) by analyzing data to ensure program compliance.
- Implemented change initiatives, organizational structure and business process redesign for greater effectiveness.
- Increased student achievement by introducing rigorous instructional practices, data tracking system, and effective pacing charts/assessment calendars with remediation.
- Promoted professional growth and empowered teachers to identify and implement best practices. Provided innovative training, instructional leadership and support to teachers in all content areas.
- Enabled continued program improvement by utilizing inspirational leadership and strong communication skills.
- Met financial goals through budget monitoring and assessment of required resources; made recommendations to senior management on resource allocation.
Coordinator of Inclusive Practices and Co-Teaching
BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS (BCPS)
09.2011 - 01.2013
- Led planning, coordination, and successful implementation of inclusive educational practices in all primary and secondary schools. Actively supported District efforts to increase and maintain best inclusive practices. Championed school vision, mission, and goals, providing an inclusive classroom that fostered development of others and supported constructive resolution of conflict.
- Key Contributions:
- Authored five-year strategic plan encompassing training and support of district staff, school personnel and students to increase district-wide inclusive practices. Implemented values-based strategic roadmaps with continuous process improvement. Aligned projects with mission objectives, instructional strategies and school-wide goals.
- Developed, implemented, managed and evaluated varied organizational programs, including allocation of resources.
- Increased special education compliance and improved instructional rigor for students with disabilities through development and implementation of district-wide plans. Coordinated staff to work effectively with general and special educators to assist in skill development needed to fully include students with disabilities.
- Monitored school-level action plans to ensure support and guidance on addressing the needs of students with disabilities. Developed appropriate feedback model to assess each school’s progress.
- Collaborated and consulted with teachers and staff to design best practices ensuring optimal student achievement and adaptability. Educated, advised, negotiated, collaborated and built support for ideas and initiatives. Worked closely with individuals and groups to resolve problems, analyze alternatives, negotiate differences and make improvements.
- Partnered with related services, networks, teaching and learning, early learning and school leadership teams to establish best inclusive practices to ensure highest level of service delivery to school and students.
Assistant Principal, Ballou Senior High
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS (DCPS)
12.2001 - 08.2010
- Managed program with more than 800 tenth, eleventh and twelfth-grade students, including 363 students receiving special education services. Coordinated Athletic Department and extra-curricular activities. Planned and implemented strategy to achieve key program objectives. Supervised 26 teachers, 19 paraprofessionals, 6 related service providers and 2 coordinators. Developed long- and short-term strategies for completing projects and advancing professional development initiatives.
- Key Contributions:
- Drove 100% regulatory compliance by restructuring the Special Education Department.
- Aligned learning and development initiatives with school mission. Communicated and worked effectively with senior decision-makers to achieve innovative and enterprise-wide changes related to concerns and policies.
- Identified training needs and continually communicated with administrators on status and program progress.
- Made recommendations to teachers on developing and improving implementation of objective-based strategies. Developed long-range plans for achieving district-wide performance targets. Participated in assessment and evaluation of activities and set specific and measurable performance goals for programs.
- Established and communicated clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects. Coordinated and communicated extensively with colleagues to assess and meet organizational and departmental needs effectively and efficiently.
Special Education Specialist/Supervisor
11.2005 - 07.2008
- Increased IEP compliance by 70%.
Special Education Teacher/Department Chair, Eastern Senior High School
12.2001 - 10.2005
Early career experience
01.1996 - 01.2001
- Special Educator in Baltimore City and Baltimore County Public Schools
Education
PhD - Educational Psychology Subspecialty: Administration Leadership
Howard University
Washington, DCAdministration Leadership Certification - undefined
University of Maryland College Park
College Park, MDMaster of Social Work - undefined
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, MDMaster of Education - Special Education
Coppin State College (University)
Baltimore, MDBachelor of Arts - Social Work
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, MDSkills
- Education Administration
- Teacher Performance Management
- Partnerships / Collaboration
- Program Analysis & Management
- Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis
- Evaluation Techniques & Methods
- Instructional / Curriculum Design
- Process & Productivity Improvement
- Data-Driven Decisions / Guidance
- Strategic Operational Planning
- Team Development & Management
- Creative Problem Resolution
- Classroom Teaching Strategies
- Prioritization & Organization / Flexibility
- Regulatory Compliance
Certification
- Licensed Individual Clinical Social Work (District of Columbia)
- Licensed Clinical Social Work (Maryland & Virginia)
- School Administration Certification (New Jersey)
- School Psychology (District of Columbia)
- School Social Work (District of Columbia)
Qualification Highlights
Instructional Leadership
Excelled in leadership roles for District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS), including Assistant Principal (5 years) and Special Education Supervisor (4+ years).
Program Management/Specialist
Managed education programs aimed at improving individual academic outcomes, reducing the achievement gap, revitalizing classrooms and fostering a college-going culture.
Teaching Proficiency
Continually advance educational objectives at Howard University as Adjunct Professor (5+ years) and during early career experience at DCPS as Middle and High School Teacher (9 years).
Business Acumen
Launched and currently operate private practice as Mental Health Practitioner (15 years).
Affiliations
- Council for Exceptional Children National Association of Social Workers
- National Association of School Psychologists
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Diamond Life), April 1993-Present
- Co-Chair of Social Action Committee-Fort Washington Alumnae Chapter (2014-2017)
- Primary Advisor-Lambda Kappa Chapter (2021-Present)
GRANTS & FELLOWSHIPS
- Federal IDEA Compliance & Innovation Initiatives (lead in multiple audits and application processes)
- CityBridge Education 2022 Design Fellow
- Transcend Education: Freedom Dream Lab 2023 Fellow
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Culturally responsive pedagogy in urban schools
- Educational outcomes among Black learners with disabilities
- Intersection of mental health and academic achievement
- Inclusive practices in K-12 and higher education settings
- Attribution Style and Intent to Attend College Among High School Students with Disabilities
- Disparities in Instructional and School Disciplinary Practices
- Education of Diverse Learners in Ancient African Schools
- Remembering, Reconnecting, Recalibrating: Understanding How DNA, Ancient Civilizations Impact Today’s Psychology
- Trauma-Informed Classrooms: Examining “What Happened to You? vs What’s Wrong with You”
- Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Success for All by Any Means Necessary
Skills
Proficient in Microsoft Suite
Timeline
Founding CEO
HERU FOUNDATION, INC
12.2020 - Current
Chief of Well Being & Student Supports
MONUMENT ACADEMY
06.2019 - 04.2021
Adjunct Professor
HOWARD UNIVERSITY
07.2015 - Current
Assistant Principal, Eastern Senior High School
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS (DCPS)
01.2013 - 06.2019
Coordinator of Inclusive Practices and Co-Teaching
BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS (BCPS)
09.2011 - 01.2013
Owner
AMACHI FOUNDATION, LLC
10.2010 - Current
Special Education Specialist/Supervisor
11.2005 - 07.2008
Assistant Principal, Ballou Senior High
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS (DCPS)
12.2001 - 08.2010
Special Education Teacher/Department Chair, Eastern Senior High School
12.2001 - 10.2005
Early career experience
01.1996 - 01.2001
School Psychologist, Capitol Hill Montessori/Miner Elementary School
Administration Leadership Certification - undefined
University of Maryland College Park
Master of Social Work - undefined
University of Maryland Baltimore
Master of Education - Special Education
Coppin State College (University)
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
University of Maryland Baltimore County
PhD - Educational Psychology Subspecialty: Administration Leadership
Howard University
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