As a Program Coach for the ASD Nest Program, I provided coaching support for educators and providers servicing students with autism in inclusive classrooms. I supported teachers to develop behavior plans and academic IEP goals, visual supports, and individualized accommodations for learners. As coach, I oversaw and facilitated weekly meetings for professional development and case conferencing. I am dedicated to helping educators unlock their potential and reach their goals.
As a Special Educator I am passionate about helping neurodivergent students reach their full potential using a strength-based approach to instruction. I have co-taught in an inclusion program designed for students with autism and have supported students in mainstream specials classes. Additionally, I have taught special education for preschoolers and early intervention. My instruction incorporates student interests, hands-on authentic experiences, visual supports and graphic organizers to support learning.
I have many areas of interest in Education. Reading acquisition and reading comprehension for students with autism along with developing instructional strategies was the focus of my dissertation research. I published an article based on this research in 2020, for which I designed visuals and lessons to facilitate young learners' access to meaning in narrative texts.
Throughout my years of teaching, coaching, and as adjunct lecturer, I have designed presentations for professional development and for families to support neurodivergent students. My presentation topics include Executive Functioning supports, Strategies for reading comprehension, Social emotional development, Developing partnerships with families, and Classroom Management strategies using visuals and positive behavior supports at school and at home.
