Desiree Blankenberg Email & Phone Number

Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

• Conducted psychological assessments and diagnosed learning and intellectual disabilities; provided expert behavioural and mental health advice to teachers, administrators, and parents.• Led district-wide consultations and facilitated professional development workshops on mental health disorders, executive functioning, and trauma-informed practices, significantly enhancing staff expertise and improving student outcomes.• Created additional coding for provincial ministry compliance, expanding funding opportunities, tailoring developmental action plans, and enhancing support provision.• Built partnerships with healthcare professionals, including pediatricians and psychiatrists, to better align and enhance student support services and optimize educational strategies.

Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada

• Managed accessibility services for three university campuses, aligning services with university strategies and addressing student needs effectively.• Developed and implemented policies, procedures, and educational programs focused on disability support, enhancing campus inclusivity.• Ensured compliance with provincial policies and secured funding through grants, effectively meeting regulatory standards and improving resources and accommodations for students with disabilities.• Managed a $1.5 million budget for special education resources, ensuring efficient allocation.• Supervised staff across various employment types, promoting a collaborative work environment• Facilitated educational workshops and designed a comprehensive disability manual, significantly enhancing awareness and understanding of student disabilities across the university community.• Created individual learning plans for students to promote academic success and integration.• Managed a government-funded initiative that facilitated university practicums for high school trades students, such as airplane mechanics, helping to advance them to college-level career programs.

Burnaby, Canada Area

• Managed a hospital unit for students with schizophrenia and mood disorders.• Developed care plans for discharged students to aid their transition.• Assessed students from across the province and youth at Fraser Park Youth Detention Center.• Provided instructional leadership, parenting sessions, and coordinated Disability Services.

• Promoted from Counselor/Coordinator to Interim Department Head, leading the disability support services department.• Designed mental health support guidelines and enhanced institutional policies and programs in partnership with the Human Rights Office.• Supervised a multidisciplinary team of counselors, disability advisors, academic advisors, and administrative staff, ensuring high-quality service delivery.• Conducted comprehensive research and data collection to inform strategic planning, aligning department goals with academic standards and improving outcomes.• Collaborated with deans and faculty departments to manage caseloads and provide counseling on disabilities and mental health disorders, enhancing student wellness and disciplinary strategies.

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

• Administered comprehensive educational and psychological assessments, guiding students on academic probation and with mental health diagnoses toward success.• Oversaw support staff and learning specialists to ensure effective student support and Participated in disciplinary committees.• Served as an independent contractor to conduct educational and psychological assessments at Aboriginal reserves in Fort McMurray and Grand Prairie, contributing to community well-being.

Master’S Degree, Educational Psychology

Bachelor’S Degree, With Distinction

B Ed Psych, Special Education

with Distinction