Amanda Deni
Abu Dhabi
Summary
Dedicated and empathetic educator and mental health professional with extensive experience supporting children, youth, and adults in educational and residential care settings. Expertise in developing inclusive learning environments, managing multidisciplinary teams, and implementing effective behavioural and mental health strategies. A strong commitment to promoting emotional well-being, fostering academic growth, and encouraging lifelong learning drives a passion for creating positive impacts in the lives of individuals. Proven ability to adapt approaches to meet diverse needs, ensuring every learner feels valued and supported.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Primary Teacher
International School of Abu Dhabi
01.2024 - Current
- Deliver engaging, inquiry-based lessons aligned with international curriculum standards.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Integrate social-emotional learning, well-being practices, and positive behaviour strategies into daily routines.
- Collaborate with families, specialists, and colleagues to support holistic student development in a multicultural environment.
Program Manager
Sudbury Developmental Services
01.2018 - 01.2024
- Oversaw 24/7 operations of a residential group home supporting adults with developmental disabilities and complex behavioural needs.
- Ensured full regulatory and ministry compliance, leading inspections, audits, and documentation.
- Supervised, coached, and performance-managed staff to strengthen team capacity.
- Coordinated individualized support plans and behavioural intervention strategies.
- Managed scheduling, budgeting, and day-to-day operational logistics.
Behaviour Therapy and Well-being Manager
Sudbury Developmental Services
- Designed and delivered behavioural support programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs.
- Conducted functional behavioural assessments and progress evaluations.
- Provided direct counselling, crisis stabilization, and emotional regulation coaching.
- Trained staff in trauma-informed care, mental health awareness, and positive behaviour support.
- Collaborated with families, clinicians, and community partners to ensure person-centred care.
Teacher & Early Childhood Educator
Rainbow District School Board
01.2012 - 01.2018
- Taught Primary, Junior, and Intermediate students using differentiated, student-centered strategies.
- Fostered social-emotional learning, positive behaviour, and individualized academic goals.
- Collaborated with parents and multidisciplinary teams to support student achievement.
- Created safe, inclusive classroom environments promoting developmental growth.
Part-Time Professor
Canadore College
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Delivered courses in Communications, Human Development, and Child Development.
- Supported diverse learners through academic guidance and individualized instruction.
- Designed curriculum connecting theoretical learning with real-world practice.
- Evaluated student performance and provided constructive feedback.
Child Protection Worker
Children’s Aid Society of Sudbury and Manitoulin
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Performed risk assessments and safety planning in situations involving neglect or abuse.
- Provided crisis intervention during high-risk and after-hours cases.
- Prepared court documentation and delivered testimony in Family Court.
- Conducted family assessments and case management services.
- Collaborated with community partners to support reunification and coordinated service plans.
Child Life Intern
St. Joseph’s Hospital
01.2010 - 2011
- Supported children and families through therapeutic play and emotional coping strategies in palliative and end-of-life settings.
- Assisted Child Life Specialists with individualized care plans and child-centered education.
- Provided compassionate family support and preparation for medical or emotional transitions.
Residential Youth Worker
Summit Human Services
01.2009 - 2010
- Provided daily supervision, emotional support, and guidance to at-risk youth in residential care, promoting safety, stability, and positive behaviour.
- Facilitated life skills, social development to encourage personal growth and healthy peer relationships.
- Documented incident reports, and behavioural observations in compliance with agency and legal requirements.
- Responded effectively to crises and de-escalated challenging situations using trauma-informed and restorative approaches.
Education
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University
Fredericton, NB01.2023
Bachelor of Education - Primary/Junior Division
Nipissing University
North Bay, Ontario, Canada01.2012
Child And Youth Worker/Child Life Specialist -
Cambrian College
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada06-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology (Honours)
Laurentian University
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada01.2007
Early Childhood Education -
Cambrian College
Sudbury, Ontario, CanadaSkills
- Mental Health & Counselling Support
- Behavioural Assessment & Intervention
- Inclusive & Inquiry-Based Teaching
- Crisis & Grief Counselling
- Multicultural Collaboration
- Psychoeducation & Staff Training
- Program & Compliance Management
- Family and Community Partnership Building
Certification
- Mental Health First Aid – Facilitator Course
- Grief and Crisis Counselling Certificate
- Workplace Mental Health Leadership Certificate
- Skills System (DBT) Instructor Training Certificate
- Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) Training
- Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices – Trainer Certificate
- ECHO Ontario Mental Health Sessions: OCD, Long COVID, Integrated Mental & Physical Health, Adult Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Timeline
Primary Teacher
International School of Abu Dhabi
01.2024 - Current
Program Manager
Sudbury Developmental Services
01.2018 - 01.2024
Teacher & Early Childhood Educator
Rainbow District School Board
01.2012 - 01.2018
Part-Time Professor
Canadore College
01.2012 - 01.2014
Child Protection Worker
Children’s Aid Society of Sudbury and Manitoulin
01.2011 - 01.2012
Child Life Intern
St. Joseph’s Hospital
01.2010 - 2011
Residential Youth Worker
Summit Human Services
01.2009 - 2010
Bachelor of Education - Primary/Junior Division
Nipissing University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology (Honours)
Laurentian University
Behaviour Therapy and Well-being Manager
Sudbury Developmental Services
Master of Arts - Counselling Psychology
Yorkville University
Child And Youth Worker/Child Life Specialist -
Cambrian College
Early Childhood Education -
Cambrian College
Community Service & Volunteer Work
Maison Vale Hospice, Direct Volunteer, Sudbury, Canada, Provided companionship, active listening, and comfort measures to residents and families. Offered respite support and emotional presence during end-of-life care. Developed and delivered training workshops for hospice volunteers, including spiritual care topics.
Interests
Fitness and wellbeing. Completed various training activities at competitive level.
Love to read non-fiction.
Outdoor activities along with spending time with friends and family.