Brief Biography
Kimberly V. Burgan is a special education liaison for the Dekalb County School District and consultant who collaborates with individuals, families, educators, employers and communities who desire to improve upon the life experiences of individuals with disabilities inclusive of education, social skills, life skills and employment skills. Kimberly is a former special education teacher who specialized in working with students with Emotional Behavioral Disorders and Asperger’s Syndrome. In addition to her role of educator, Kimberly concurrently served as a mentor to new teachers and as an Autism Coach. Her current professional interests include social skills development, executive functions and the use of cognitive based interventions with students on the Autism Spectrum. In Kimberly's current role, she consults with teachers and parents on behavior, curriculum, and instruction, and helps them implement strategies in the total school environment. Kimberly is also a certified Nonviolent Crisis Intervention instructor. She has also presented at the local and state level.
Samantha Hebenstreit M.Ed, is an Autism Specialist in the Dekalb County School District in Stone Mountain, Georgia. She has been working with students with autism spectrum disorders since 2001. Samantha received her M.Ed from the University of Georgia. In her current role Samantha collaborates with school staff to provide classroom support , staff training , and supports program implementation of evidence based strategies for teachers with students with autism throughout the county. Samantha is a certified Nonviolent Crisis Intervention instructor and has presented at the local and state level.
Highest Degree of Presenter(s)
Kimberly V. Burgan, M.S.
Samantha J. Hebenstreit, M.Ed
Presentation Abstract
This presentation will define verbal de-escalation and provide participants a rationale for its use. A foundational knowledge of the conflict cycle and the seven stages of behavior escalation will be provided in order for participants to see the value of de-escalation. Participants will gain an understanding of utilizing research-based positive behavior supports and interventions to lessen and alleviate conflict with the goal of returning to a calm state.
Recommended Citation
Burgan, Kimberly V. and Hebenstreit, Samantha J., "Doing the Verbal De-Escalation Dance" (2014). Georgia Association for Positive Behavior Support Conference. 73.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gapbs/2014/2014/73
Doing the Verbal De-Escalation Dance
This presentation will define verbal de-escalation and provide participants a rationale for its use. A foundational knowledge of the conflict cycle and the seven stages of behavior escalation will be provided in order for participants to see the value of de-escalation. Participants will gain an understanding of utilizing research-based positive behavior supports and interventions to lessen and alleviate conflict with the goal of returning to a calm state.
