As a freshman in college I thought I wanted to become a graphic artist, but as soon as I moved into my dorm my plans changed. You see my dorm was located across the street from a school for students with autism. I would sit on the front steps of my dorm and watch these beautiful children play outside and immediately noticed that they were not interacting with each other but all seemed to be engaged in in their own worlds. I needed a part-time job so I walked over to see if they needed any help working with the children. The director kindly explained, “ you can’t work here yet but you can take a course about autism at your college and then come back to see us if you find it to be a fit for you. “

I did take that course… and I never looked back.

I was hired by the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center and the next semester I changed my major from Graphic Design to Special Education.

After college, I began my career as a special education teacher in the public school system. I then earned my master’s degree in Special Education, and my certification as a Learning Disabilities Teacher/Consultant. Later in my career, I became interested in working with students as they transition to post-secondary settings and/or the workplace and became a certified Structured Learning Experience Coordinator. I hold degrees as Learning Disability Teacher-Consultant, Teacher of the Handicapped, Certified Life Coach, Level 1 Reiki Master, and Tapping Stress Relief Instructor.

I toured colleges and vocational schools that offer support services for students with disabilities and created a detailed database of post-secondary programs. I have managed testing for large school districts. I have also case managed students in both public and private schools with varying disabling conditions including Autism, Learning Disabilities, ADHD, Emotional Disabilities and Physical Disabilities.

I am currently working in private practice assisting families and individuals.

My work has enabled individuals to reach their highest level of independence as well as achieve satisfaction and happiness in their life. My students have enriched my life as much as I have enriched theirs.