James Williamson
Adaptive Skills Coach
James has a natural ability to put himself in the shoes of others and is a true empath. He is highly attuned to what others are feeling, which allows him to problem-solve effectively across a wide range of behaviors.
With four years of experience in the field of Special Education as a teaching assistant and behavior technician, James brings patience and consistency to his work with clients. He has been known to remain calm in high-stress situations, using de-escalation techniques and compassion to bring out the best in the individuals he supports. His style focuses on gently encouraging clients to achieve their goals through motivational techniques, without making them feel uncomfortable.
In addition, James has experience in interventional psychiatry, working with individuals with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder. Many of the individuals he supported expressed that his listening skills and empathy created a strong sense of trust, often feeling as though he served as a therapeutic presence.
He is fascinated by how the brain works and values the uniqueness of each individual. As a mental health advocate, James enjoys exploring research in alternative approaches to wellness. He returned to working with individuals with special needs because Corales de la Tierra provides the opportunity to use creativity while teaching clients in community-based settings outside of a traditional school environment. Watching clients grow through adaptive skills development continues to be a meaningful and fulfilling part of his work.
Outside of his professional role, James enjoys skateboarding, learning songs on his keyboard, watching basketball and football, and discovering new hiking trails. He also loves animals and enjoys spending time with his two cats. A fun fact about James is that he once won a competition at a previous job and had a sandwich named after him.