Amanda Ott
Chicago
Summary
Motivated professional transitioning into a structured, operations-focused career with experience in risk assessment, problem-solving, process management, and cross-functional collaboration. Proven ability to analyze information, manage competing priorities, maintain compliance with established procedures, and support effective decision-making in fast-paced environments. Seeking to bring strong communication, organization, and process-management skills to contribute to a team focused on collaboration, accuracy and operational excellence.
Overview
1
1
Certification
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Child Develop Behavioral Specialist
Blue Bird Day School
Chicago, IL
06.2024 - Current
- Provided individualized behavioral and developmental support for children with Autism and developmental delays by leading therapy groups and individualized sessions, facilitating one-on-one interventions, implementing evidence-based treatment plans, and supporting clients in achieving therapeutic goals.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, BCBAs, therapists, and families to monitor client progress, support individualized treatment plans, provide parent education, and ensure consistent, goal-oriented care for clients.
- Developed and implemented therapeutic resources, including visual schedules, social stories, and structured activities, to promote communication, social-emotional development, independence, and skill acquisition.
- Maintained timely and accurate clinical documentation, including treatment notes, data collection, progress reports, and annual evaluations, while adhering to organizational policies and productivity standards.
Service Agent
World Financial Group
Remote
06.2023 - 06.2024
- Advised clients on life insurance options and policy benefits to support informed coverage decisions.
- Assessed customer needs and recommended tailored insurance solutions that improved satisfaction and retention.
- Managed enrollment, policy activation, and documentation processes with accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Partnered with underwriters and delivered responsive customer service to resolve complex policy and coverage issues.
Developmental Specialist
Playtime Developmental Therapy
Chicago, IL
06.2021 - 06.2024
- Provided individualized developmental and behavioral interventions for children with Autism, developmental delays, and social-emotional challenges, promoting communication, emotional regulation, peer engagement, and school readiness.
- Collaborated with parents, teachers, and multidisciplinary professionals to develop and implement individualized support strategies, monitor progress, and foster consistent, goal-oriented care across home and classroom environments.
- Facilitated social-emotional learning and positive peer interactions by modeling effective communication, conflict resolution, emotional expression, and age-appropriate social skills in both structured and unstructured settings.
- Supported classroom success by promoting sensory regulation, guiding children through daily routines and transitions, encouraging independent decision-making and play, and adapting interventions to meet each child's unique developmental needs.
Assistant Teacher
UIC Children’s Center, Park West Cooperative Nursery School, Lincoln Park Cooperative Nursery School
Chicago, IL
08.2015 - 05.2021
- Supported children’s social-emotional development and independence by fostering a safe, nurturing classroom environment that encouraged exploration, self-expression, positive classroom behavior, and emotional regulation while establishing predictable routines and expectations.
- Facilitated engaging learning experiences through structured activities and play-based opportunities that promoted curiosity, creativity, self-control, collaboration, self-advocacy, and problem-solving.
- Partnered with teachers to design enriching curriculum experiences and create intentional learning environments that promoted exploration, critical thinking, communication, conflict resolution, and developmental growth.
- Collaborated with lead teachers and families to support individualized child needs, participate in progress meetings with families, and maintain consistent strategies across different school settings.
Education
Master of Education - Early Childhood
University of Illinois
Chicago, IL05-2021
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Elementary Education
Knox College
Galesburg, IL12-2014
Skills
- Risk Assessment & Decision Support
- Collaboration & Problem Solving
- Client & Relationship Management
- Time Management & Prioritization
- Compliance & Process Management
Certification
Licenses
- IL Professional Educator - Elementary Education, Current, Self-Contained, K-Grade 9
- IL Professional Educator – Early Childhood Special Education, Current, Self-Contained & Special Education, Birth-Grade 2
- IL Insurance License - Lines of Authority, Current, Life & Health
Certifications
- CPI Blue Card - Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
- DCFS Mandated Reporter
Timeline
Child Develop Behavioral Specialist
Blue Bird Day School
06.2024 - Current
Service Agent
World Financial Group
06.2023 - 06.2024
Developmental Specialist
Playtime Developmental Therapy
06.2021 - 06.2024
Assistant Teacher
UIC Children’s Center, Park West Cooperative Nursery School, Lincoln Park Cooperative Nursery School
08.2015 - 05.2021
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Elementary Education
Knox College
Master of Education - Early Childhood
University of Illinois