ABOUT ME
I am a native of Southern Illinois and attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. While in undergraduate studies I worked at an after school program called Kids Club at Unity Point Elementary in Makanda, IL. Additionally, I worked with Brehm Preparatory School's Transitions program assisting college level students in developing independent living and studying skills. Upon graduation in December 2004 with degrees in regular and special education, I obtained a job at Carbondale Middle School as a 6&7th cross categorical special education teacher. I taught there through the school year and was retained for the following year. Although I immensely enjoy the beauty of Southern Illinois, I traveled north to explore.
Once in the Chicago area I began my career with Cooperative Association for Special Education in the position of a Specialized Academic Classroom (SPAC) teacher. The program primarily serves students with significant needs (Autism or Intellectual Disabilities paired with significant communication challenges) for behavior or emotional support. In this position I secured common core curriculum training and materials as well as multiple trainings in differentiating instruction. The programming was housed in Marquardt district 15. This location provided multiple opportunities to attend Consortium for Educational Change (CEC) events during my tenure. I was also able to expand beyond my classroom at times and engage in building leadership tasks, collaborate on multiple teams and committees as well as assist curriculum development at the district level. At the end of 2011 I finished my master's degree through Concordia University pursuing school leadership.
More recently I have begun utilizing platforms such as skill share and tools for supporting a wider project management application of my skills. As I continue the journey through life I am looking for different opportunities to utilize my project management skills, develop my technology skills and continue to support learners when my services are sought.
I enjoy several things but most of all I enjoy my family. Along with my extended family I have two wonderful children. We enjoy visiting family and finding adventures. I also enjoy reading a variety of subjects from education, the sciences, and fiction. Extra time is spent with friends playing games, watching a comedy show, working on an art piece or trying something new.
Once in the Chicago area I began my career with Cooperative Association for Special Education in the position of a Specialized Academic Classroom (SPAC) teacher. The program primarily serves students with significant needs (Autism or Intellectual Disabilities paired with significant communication challenges) for behavior or emotional support. In this position I secured common core curriculum training and materials as well as multiple trainings in differentiating instruction. The programming was housed in Marquardt district 15. This location provided multiple opportunities to attend Consortium for Educational Change (CEC) events during my tenure. I was also able to expand beyond my classroom at times and engage in building leadership tasks, collaborate on multiple teams and committees as well as assist curriculum development at the district level. At the end of 2011 I finished my master's degree through Concordia University pursuing school leadership.
More recently I have begun utilizing platforms such as skill share and tools for supporting a wider project management application of my skills. As I continue the journey through life I am looking for different opportunities to utilize my project management skills, develop my technology skills and continue to support learners when my services are sought.
I enjoy several things but most of all I enjoy my family. Along with my extended family I have two wonderful children. We enjoy visiting family and finding adventures. I also enjoy reading a variety of subjects from education, the sciences, and fiction. Extra time is spent with friends playing games, watching a comedy show, working on an art piece or trying something new.
