Open To Work
Cynthia M. Wood
Richmond
Work Preference
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with extensive experience at Richmond City Public Schools, specializing in IEP development and compliance. Proven ability to enhance student outcomes through effective collaboration and behavior modification plans. Skilled in data analysis and fostering team education approaches, driving significant improvements in instructional alignment and compliance readiness.
Overview
1
1
Certification
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Compliance Coordinator
Richmond City Public Schools
Richmond
01.2023 - 01.2026
- Monitor and support IEP implementation to ensure compliance with IDEA, VDOE, and Section 504 requirements
- Coached and assisted teachers and administrators in IEP development, documentation, and assessment readiness to enhance compliance and instructional quality
- Collaborated with administrators, clinicians, and instructional teams to ensure seamless academic, behavioral, and related service delivery
- Review assessment data, progress monitoring, and instructional documentation to guide remediation and instructional alignment
- Supported compliance preparations for audits, timelines, and assessment documentation to uphold regulatory standards
Coordinator of Special Education
Chesterfield County Public Schools
Chesterfield
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Coordinated special education services across elementary and high school programs, including therapeutic and intensive settings
- Served as LEA representative for eligibility, IEP, placement, and manifestation determination meetings
- Coordinated assessment processes and ensured compliance documentation with school testing personnel
- Facilitated VAAP/VGLA assessment administration and managed corresponding documentation and reporting
- Collaborated with psychologists, BCBAs, OTs, and SLPs to align academic, behavioral, and functional programming
- Conducted Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and contributed to development and implementation of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
- Delivered professional development on compliance, differentiated instruction, assessment alignment, and instructional remediation
Special Education Teacher
O.B. Gates Elementary – Intensive Day Program
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Designed and implemented individualized, data-driven academic and social-emotional instruction aligned to IEP goals
- Implemented trauma-informed behavior supports and coordinated behavior intervention plans to enhance student outcomes
- Established structured classroom environments that fostered emotional regulation, engagement, and student independence
- Managed VAAP/VGLA assessment administration, data collection, and reporting to ensure compliance and accurate student progress tracking
Lead instructor
FRESH START ACADEMY
Chesterfield
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Led development and implementation of experiential learning programs for adolescent females, promoting receptive learning and engagement.
- Adapted lesson plans to align with individual student learning needs and goals identified through assessment results.
- Established and enforced behavior policies to clarify class expectations and foster a positive learning environment.
- Recognized for creativity in classroom instruction and instructional techniques.
- Provided support to youth through community service programs.
Special Education Teacher
PYGMALION SCHOOL
Staunton
01.2004 - 01.2013
- Essential in organization, implementation, and instruction for special education students (K-12) in areas of day placement, case management, and Individual Education Plans
- Crafted individual IEPs to enhance educational, emotional, and social development for students in the foster care system.
- Implemented classroom management strategies, including setting expectations and developing Behavior Intervention Plans, while providing transitional support for students entering middle and high school.
- Coordinated scheduled testing for Virginia Alternative Assessment Plans, Virginia Grade Level Assessments, Brigance, Woodcock-Johnson, and Wilson Reading to ensure compliance and support student learning.
- Compiled quarterly reports on student progress and challenges, establishing targeted goals aligned with student abilities to inform instructional strategies and support planning.
- Organized educational field trips to parks, civic institutions, and zoos for student engagement.
- Trained and certified staff on Red Cross CPR and First Aid, and Handle with Care restraint techniques.
Regional Program Manager
REGION TEN COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD
City
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Oversaw operations of residential group home for intellectually challenged adults, ensuring quality care and compliance with regulations.
- Managed personnel, fiscal, and administrative duties to maintain policy compliance and streamline service delivery.
- Monitored ethical standards in the delivery and evaluation of treatment programs and services on-site through case management and performance reviews.
- Handled employee relations, addressing scheduling and issue resolution to support staff effectiveness and care standards.
House Supervisor
BROWN SCHOOLS OF VIRGINIA
City
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Oversaw 64-bed residential facility for adolescents with diagnosed psychiatric disorders, ensuring adherence to safety and therapeutic standards.
- Provided oversight for individual case management according to therapeutic services and activities, to meet compliance in Federal, State, and JACHO standards.
- Supervised staff and conducted training to enhance service delivery and treatment effectiveness.
- Coordinated group activities tailored to patients' needs and abilities, promoting therapeutic engagement and skill development.
Admission Director
BROWN SCHOOLS OF VIRGINIA
City
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Recruited and assessed referrals by educating sources on funding, services, and staffing skills, improving alignment with individual patient needs.
- Managed referral relations as Public Relations ambassador during tours and program reviews, enhancing stakeholder engagement and program visibility.
- Performed administrative duties including policy review and departmental goal reporting, ensuring compliance and effectiveness in operations.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Mental Health And Human Services
Blue Ridge Community College
Weyers Cave, VA06-1998
M.A. - Special Education
Mary Baldwin College
Staunton, VAB.A. - Management & Organizational Development
Eastern Mennonite University
Harrisonburg, VASkills
- IEP Compliance Monitoring
- IEP Implementation
- Compliance management
- Compliance Reporting
- Risk assessment
- Legal & Regulatory Research
- Project and Process Management
- Teacher Coaching
- Behavior Support Strategies
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Critical thinking
Certification
- Virginia Teaching License (K–12), Emotional Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities
- Certified Mandt System Trainer
- Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT)
- CPR / First Aid
Key Skills Assessment
Develop and implement individual experiential instruction plans adaptable to various levels of intellectual capabilities., Experience in supervision of staff, case management, and policy review for residential adolescent, adult, and psychiatric facilities.
Military Service
United States Army, 01/01/92, 01/01/95, Combat Medic, Telecommunications Operator, Training Office Coordinator
Timeline
Instructional Compliance Coordinator
Richmond City Public Schools
01.2023 - 01.2026
Coordinator of Special Education
Chesterfield County Public Schools
01.2017 - 01.2023
Special Education Teacher
O.B. Gates Elementary – Intensive Day Program
01.2014 - 01.2017
Lead instructor
FRESH START ACADEMY
01.2013 - 01.2014
Special Education Teacher
PYGMALION SCHOOL
01.2004 - 01.2013
Regional Program Manager
REGION TEN COMMUNITY SERVICES BOARD
01.2003 - 01.2004
House Supervisor
BROWN SCHOOLS OF VIRGINIA
01.2001 - 01.2002
Admission Director
BROWN SCHOOLS OF VIRGINIA
01.2001 - 01.2002
Associate of Applied Science - Mental Health And Human Services
Blue Ridge Community College
M.A. - Special Education
Mary Baldwin College
B.A. - Management & Organizational Development
Eastern Mennonite University