Title: Special Education Teacher
Company: Optimal Care Services
Location: Queens Village, New York, United States
Shenia Allen, special education teacher at Optimal Care Services, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements, and leadership in special education.
With two decades of experience, Ms. Allen has built a successful career in special education, currently serving as a special education teacher at Optimal Care Services since 2024. In this role, she provides individualized support to students aged three to five, tailoring her approach to the specific goals outlined in each student’s Individualized Education Program. Her responsibilities include helping students integrate into general education classrooms and develop essential skills such as communication and academics. Her previous experience includes serving as a special education teacher at Red Door Therapeutic Services, the Department of Education from 2009 to 2021, and John A. Coleman School, Elizabeth Seton Hall Pediatric Center. Laying an educational foundation, she holds a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from Hunter College, The City University of New York, and a master’s degree in early childhood education and special education from New York University in 2004.
Reflecting on her path, Ms. Allen understands that in education, nothing can be taken for granted, as many students face challenges in meeting standard curriculum goals. To address this, she tailors individualized education program goals to meet each student’s unique needs. Witnessing her students achieve these personalized goals, whether in communication, empathy, or other areas, brings her immense fulfillment. She credits her success to her strong family background, as her parents, immigrants from Jamaica, instilled in her the values of hard work, education, and striving for excellence. Additionally, she attributes her career path to discovering her passion for education, a journey that was shaped by attending a camp that expanded her perspective and solidified her career direction.
Looking to the future, Ms. Allen is deeply committed to her work in special education and dedicated to supporting her students, recognizing the growing need for assistance among them. She firmly believes that every individual deserves access to education and the support necessary to succeed. She envisions further advancing in her field, with potential aspirations for a directorial role. In addition, she is passionate about promoting her daughter’s artistic talents, particularly in light of her autism diagnosis, and plans to use marketing strategies to showcase her daughter’s work, inspiring others, including individuals with disabilities.
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