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Mrs. Nicole Soudah Maldonado » About Mrs. Maldonado

About Mrs. Maldonado

Hello, my name is Nicole Soudah Maldonado. I was raised in the San Fernando Valley. I am a first-generation American, Jordanian woman who has enjoyed growing up in one of the largest melting pots of The United States of America. I've been gifted my last name from my wonderful husband of 11 years. 
 
VAAS: My journey at VAAS began as a Special Education Assistant in Spring 2015. I have learned tremendously by working hands-on, in the various programs of the Special Education Department offered on campus at VAAS: Resource, Special Day Class, Moderate-Severe (ID), and Low Incidence Learning Center for the Visually Impaired and Blind. I began working as a SPED Teacher at VAAS in Spring 2018. I have taught English and History in a self-contained classroom, within the Special Day Program for 5 years. I have been working as a Resource Specialist Teacher since Fall 2023.  Additionally, I have been the Earth Guardians Club Sponsor since Spring 2023. We tend to the school garden boxes and manage the recyclables from our school campus. 
 
Educational Background: I attended Los Angeles Valley College, where I completed my undergraduate coursework and obtained my AA degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences. That is where I discovered my love for working with diverse groups of people. Simultaneously, I worked on campus in Allied Health Sciences; Nursing Department. I conducted advisement sessions, enrolled incoming nursing students and supported faculty in the skills lab.
I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes experience at community college functions. I hope to one day return to the community college setting, as a transition counselor for adult students with learning differences and disabilities. 
 
I transferred to California State University of Northridge where I completed my Special Education Credential in 2020 and Masters Degree in 2023.  
 
Additionally, I became a boy mom in 2022 and am loving every minute of it! 
 
My background, my education, my hands-on-experiences and now my journey as a mother to a child of my own with special needs, impacts every decision I make for the students I serve at Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences. I strive to continuously work with integrity, through collaboration with all stakeholders and incorporate data analysis, to make informed decisions for all my students. 
 
My professional journey is uniquely shaped by my personal experience as a mother to a child with special needs. This perspective, combined with my educational background and hands-on experience, informs every decision I make for the students I serve at Valley Academy of Arts and Sciences.I am committed to working with integrity and fostering collaboration with all stakeholders. I use data analysis to make informed decisions, but my lived experience adds a vital layer of empathy and insight to that process. This holistic approach allows me to serve all students with a unique blend of professional expertise and personal understanding. 
 
Food for Thought and Inspirational Words
 
  • Be who you needed when you were younger. 
  • All behavior is communication.
  • "The magic you are looking for is in the work you're avoiding."  - Chris Williamson 
  • “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities."  - Luke 16:10, NLT
  • When all else fails, go back to the basics. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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