Teaching Experience
I have been teaching for 9 years in the public schools in Massachusetts. After receiving my BS in Severe Special Education from Boston University and my MA in Urban Education Policy, I began my career in a co-taught fully inclusive Pre-K classroom and moved on to a self-contained K-4 setting. I am licensed in Severe Special Education and primarily teach students with high support needs. Over the last 9 years, I have worked with students who have Down Syndrome, CVI, TBI, multiple disabilities, students who are autistic, and students with complex healthcare needs. I was honored to be awarded a Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award in 2023 (photo with my husband, who won the same award in 2018!)
Approach to Teaching
My approach to special education is simple- my job is to make school more accessible for all learners. Accessibility doesn’t just apply to mobility and print access. Implementing Universal Design for Learning, adopting neurodiversity affirming practices, and fostering connection over compliance creates more accessible schools for neurodivergent students. I’ve learned over the years that getting back to the basics of school – authentic connection, individualized approaches, and simplifying classroom systems – has made for more success and less stress in the classroom.
Personal Life
My husband and I live in Western, MA, with our daughter, Liv, and labradoodle, Ozzie. We are lucky enough to both teach in the same school! When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me baking, hiking, sewing, or watching Survivor.
I love connecting with other special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents doing the amazing work of teaching students with high support needs. If that’s you, I think you’d love my bi-weekly newsletter that gets into the nitty-gritty of all things special education.
Have questions about the classroom or how I can help?