Cynthia Rae

Cynthia Rae is a dedicated Special Education Teaching Assistant at the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), where she plays a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for students with developmental disabilities. With her NYS Teaching Assistant 3 certification, Cynthia has demonstrated her commitment to professional excellence in instruction, assessment, and ongoing professional development. Her expertise extends to implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) that cater to the unique needs of each student, ensuring they can achieve their academic and social goals.

At DDI, Cynthia is actively involved in key projects that focus on enhancing the educational experience for students with diverse learning needs. She utilizes her skills in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to empower non-verbal students, enabling them to express their thoughts and engage more fully with their peers and educators. Additionally, her background in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) allows her to effectively support students in developing essential social-emotional skills, fostering resilience and independence.

Cynthia’s experience as a 1:1 Aide further enriches her ability to provide personalized attention and tailored support, ensuring that each student receives the guidance they need to thrive. Her proficiency in lesson planning and child development, combined with her understanding of Deaf culture, positions her as a versatile and empathetic educator. Beyond her technical skills, Cynthia is passionate about creating a nurturing atmosphere that celebrates diversity and promotes the holistic development of every student, making her an invaluable asset to the DDI community.