Michael Sykes

PO Box 7586, Denver Co, 80207

720-346-3610, Michael_Sykes@dpsk12.org

Michael is highly motivated,
compassionate, responsible, and is
exceedingly passionate about the
work he does. Michael takes every
opportunity to improve his
practice.
Melissa Ahlstrand
Program Manager

As a Regional Support
Specialist, Michael provides side by
side coaching and training for
paraprofessionals and teachers
within the middle school region;
conducts observations and collects
behavioral data; and supports
students with a variety of needs in
variety of settings.
Melissa Ahlstrand
Program Manager
Professional Profile
Eager to bring positive change to minority and at-risk students by using
a unique combination of eight years of special education experience
coupled with firsthand knowledge of their experiences, with a lot of
empathy mixed in.
Currently attending UNC Lowry to obtain a degree and
licensure as a Special Education Generalist.
Experience employing Restorative Justice and Restorative
Justice Approaches in a variety of special education classrooms
and schools.
Dedicated to ensuring the education and social emotional
growth of students.

Education, Honors, and Certifications
Special Education Generalist Degree and Licensure, Currently Acquiring
University of Northern Colorado, Greeley-Lowery Campus, CO
Environmental Architecture
Western State University, Gunnison, CO
Associate of Arts, 1999
Otero Junior College, La Junta, CO
Deans List- 1998,1999, and 2000
Academic All-American
Trained in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention May 2014
Trained trainer of Para-Academies November 2012
Certified in Restorative Justice Approaches
P.E.P. (Parents Encouraging Parents) Facilitator

Key Qualifications
~Experience with training educators on behavior management
strategies and empowering educators by giving them the tools and
strategies to work with challenging students.
~Experience Adapting restorative justice approaches to fit individual
needs of special education students.
~Experience planning and instructing social skills curriculum from
grades 3 through 8.
~Experience planning and implementing behavior plans and
interventions in Affective Needs, Multi-Intensive, Multi-Intensive
Autism, and Multi-Intensive Severe classrooms in multiple school
settings.
Michael has devoted himself to
working with students with a
variety of needs, taking a no holds
barred approach to ensuring that
every step taken is truly in the best
interests of the student and their
family. Michael is currently
attending school to become a special
educator, and I have no doubts in
my mind that he will grow to be
one of those remarkable individuals
known for improving the face of
special education for students, their
families, and for the professionals
who dedicate themselves to
improving outcomes for exceptional
learners.
Kindra Cook
Regional Support Specialist
Teacher

~Experience implementing a wide variety of teaching aids and
motivational strategies to encourage behavioral change in students.
~Experience incorporating real life experiences and moral reasoning
into classroom and individual instruction.
~Successfully managed and promoted behavioral growth in students of
different cultural backgrounds, races, genders, and ability levels.
~Experienced Behavior Specialist: Collected baseline data for F.B.A.,
part of the team who helped design the Behavior intervention plan, and
helped implement the plan and collect intervention data.


Skills
Able to work in a variety of settings and to work collaboratively
with adults and students to accomplish a common goal.
Able to stay calm in hostile environments and crisis situations.
Able to successfully communicate with parents, staff and
students.
Experience trainer of paraprofessionals in behavior management
and challenging and significant behavior, in large group, small
group, and individual settings.

Employment History
Regional Support Specialist, August 2010-present
Denver Public Schools Supervisor Melissa Ahlstrand
Special Education Affective Needs Paraprofessional, October
2005-2010 Denver Public School Supervisor Ms. Abernathy
Pawn Clerk, June 2009-present
Fast Cash Pawn Supervisor Deandre Hobbs
Recreation Instructor, May 2003-August 2007
Denver Parks and Recreation Supervisor David Hallman