Dorothy E. McDonough

About Dorothy E. McDonough

Accomplished professional with over 25 years of experience in Workforce Development, Educational Advocacy and Human Services. Senior Employment Specialist and OJT Coordinator at SER Jobs for Progress. Design and implement career development programming that provides employment and educational advancement opportunities to individuals with diverse ethnic, education, and socio-economic backgrounds. Educational Advocate Consultant. Advocate for families at 504, IEP, and DOE transition meetings/mediations. Represent families at disciplinary hearings and serve as liaison between parents and local education agency. Support caregivers and students with transitions from high school to work and/or post-secondary education. Provide technical assistance to parents of children with disabilities ensuring unique educational, social and mental health needs are met in educational settings as well as wraparound services in the home. Please feel free to email me at d•••••••@yahoo.com to connect further for employment and networking opportunities.

Experience

1. Education Advocate Consultant

   Partners

   Jan 2000 — Present · Cranston, RI, US

   Serves as a consultant to Attorneys regarding education litigation. Advocate for students and families. Review educational data, assessments and clinical test results,Collaborates with students, parents and school staff in the development of individualized learning goals and instructional/classroom modifications. Make recommendations for assistive technology needs and supportive services. Educate parents to better understand testing information and their parental rights. Provide strategies for navigating the various educational and human services systems. Act as a liaison between parents, administrators and school staff when preparing students and parents for IEP, 504, FBA\'s, Hearings etc. Selected Achievements:• Utilized expertise in Social Security PASS Program and ADA policies to write plans with appropriate supports that enabled college students with disabilities to earn Bachelor Degrees • Engaged Career and Technical Schools, Vendors, Tradespeople, Public Officials, and the community to fundraise for and construct a home addition with an accessible bathroom and bedroom for a high school student who sustained traumatic brain injury, “The Jimmy Williamson Project”.• Successfully advocated for over 125 students with disabilities; obtaining modifications, accommodations, support services, and out of district or out of state placements that ensured each child received a free and appropriate education as guaranteed by law.

Education

• Rhode Island College

  BA, Public Administration/Political Science

  1995 — 1998

Skills

• Leadership Development
• Grant Writing
• Program Management
• Social Networking
• Contract Negotiation
• Staff Development
• Policy
• Non-Profits
• Social Services
• Mental Health
• Mentoring
• Negotiation
• Public Speaking
• Special Education
• Program Development
• Event Planning
• Union Negotiations
• Fundraising
• Problem Solving
• Community Outreach
• Grants
• Strategic Planning
• Nonprofits
• Writing
• Training