Marilyn Lai
Glen Waverley,VIC
Summary
With over 10 years’ experience in special education, I have witnessed how quality early intervention can transform children and families. I bring compassion, patience, and structure to help individuals reach their full potential. My background spans classroom teaching, behavioural therapy and family engagement, enabling me to recognize strengths and guide each learner on their path to growth.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early Intervention Therapist
Self-employed
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Delivered one-on-one therapy sessions for individuals ranging from 2 years old to 21 years old with a variety of neurodevelopmental needs (autism, ADHD, ADD, GDD etc)
- Created personalised intervention plans tailored to each individual’s strengths and challenges.
- Designed and implemented intervention programs with a strong focus on life skills development, including self-care, communication, social interaction, and daily living activities (taking the bus, paying for meals)
- School shadowing: Reinforce positive behaviours, manage triggers, and help the students self-regulate in a mainstream school environment.
- Performed the role of a liaison between teachers, therapists, and parents about progress and challenges of each student.
Case Manager – ABA-VB Therapy
AutismSTEP
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Developed individualised behavioural management strategies and IEPs.
- Conducted intake assessments and program planning for new clients.
- Supervised therapists and provided parent training on ABA principles.
- Provided school shadowing support for students in mainstream environments, facilitated classroom participation by adapting lessons, managing behaviours, and promoting peer interaction
Special Needs Senior Teacher
Kits4Kids Special School
01.2009 - 01.2016
- Design and implement Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) in collaboration with psychologists, therapists, and families.
- Regularly monitor progress and adjust strategies to support learning outcomes
- Worked in small, therapy-integrated classes to support holistic development (up to a class ratio of 1:6)
- Organised and supervised excursions and field trips to encourage social interaction and community participation
- Served as Chairperson for event planning committees, successfully leading Family Day, Sports Carnivals and school-wide community events.
Patient Service Associate
National University Hospital (NUH)
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Delivered front-line service in a high-pressure healthcare environment.
- Managed patient registration, scheduling, and billing processes accurately.
- Applied multilingual skills (English, Mandarin, Cantonese) to bridge communication gaps by translating medical advice and/or outcomes to patients directly
- Clear and empathetic communication with patients and families from diverse backgrounds (from children to senior citizens)
Education
Certificate IV - School Based Education Support
Foundation Education
01.2025
A-Levels - undefined
Anglo-Chinese Junior College
GCE O-Levels - undefined
Jurong Secondary School
PSLE - undefined
Shuqun Primary School
Skills
- Early intervention and ABA-VB therapy for children with developmental delays (autism, ADHD, ADD, GDD)
- Designing and implementing Individualised Education Plans (IEPs)
- Customizing lessons for diverse learning styles
- Years of experience of strong collaboration with families, teachers, and allied health professionals from different backgrounds
- Familiarity with assistive technologies (prologuetogo) and visual supports such as PECs system
- Knowledge of Victorian Child Safe Standards and mandatory reporting
Certification
- Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (CHC40221) – Foundation Education, [2025 / In Progress]
- Working With Children Check (VIC) – Current
- National Police Check – Current
- RRHAN-EC Masterclass Workshop (Responding to Risks of Harm, Abuse and Neglect in Education and Care) – Completed [2025]
- First Aid (HLTAID012), CPR, and Anaphylaxis – In Progress
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Mandarin
Native or Bilingual
Cantonese
Limited Working
Interests
- Travel & Culture: Solo backpacking across Asia, Europe and North Africa, embracing new cultures and perspectives
- Culinary Arts: Cooking and baking a variety of cuisines (from Asian to Middle Eastern)
- Sports & Outdoors: Hiking, swimming, wakesurfing, beach volleyball
Timeline
Early Intervention Therapist
Self-employed
01.2020 - 01.2024
Case Manager – ABA-VB Therapy
AutismSTEP
01.2016 - 01.2020
Special Needs Senior Teacher
Kits4Kids Special School
01.2009 - 01.2016
Patient Service Associate
National University Hospital (NUH)
01.2006 - 01.2008
A-Levels - undefined
Anglo-Chinese Junior College
GCE O-Levels - undefined
Jurong Secondary School
PSLE - undefined
Shuqun Primary School
Certificate IV - School Based Education Support
Foundation Education