Special Needs for Special Kids

I currently work with families in PA creating a vision for their loved ones by helping them learn tools to create a rich and everyday life for their family and their loved one with a disability. Previously, I spent 8 years teaching in a severe and profound classroom that serves students with autism and other behavior-related disorders while living in NC. ABA, VB, DDT, and TEACCH training. I also worked as a Curriculum Specialist helping teachers use rich curriculum content with even their most affected students.

I believe all students, regardless of their abilities, should be taught at the highest level possible to help them grow and stretch beyond what they thought they could do. We all deserve a rich, rewarding life and to be a meaningful and contributing member to our community.

New Teacher of the Year nominee 2007 Top 20 Finalist for Teacher of the Year, Johnston County 2009, 2013 Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Month 2013

I graduated from North Carolina School of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. I then graduated from Western Carolina with a masters in severe and profound education in 2009.

I wasn’t supposed to be a teacher. I spent 8 years after high school pursing my dream of becoming a veterinarian. I graduated from North Carolina School of Veterinary Medicine in 1995. I then spent the next two years living my dream and working with all kinds of loved furry family members. Then, in 1997, my son was born. A short 20 months later, we realized something was not right. He was diagnosed with autism and my entire life changed. I left my beloved career and spent every waking minute learning all I could to try and “save” my son. Along the way, I developed a deep love for these special kids and their families and realized I wanted to spend the rest of my life helping them find their way and maximize their potential. I decided to go back to school, and got my master’s in special education from Western Carolina University in 2009. Shortly after, I began teaching in a self-contained classroom that contained students with severe autism in grades K-5. I spent the next 5 years working with these amazing students and their families. I then was offered an amazing opportunity to become a curriculum specialist that gave me the opportunity to work with special education teachers throughout the county. I loved it, and then we moved. In 2015, my husband got a job offer he could not refuse so our family relocated from NC to PA. My son struggled with this move, and I was not able to go back to work. Although, he eventually transitioned successfully to a private school, his schedule made it impossible for me to work a job with regular hours. So, to keep my connection with the special education world, I began developing and selling curriculum material online to teachers who taught students with significant disabilities. This has been incredibly fulfilling and enables me to be home to help my son. My son, Jimmy, is now 27 and no longer in school. The future is rather scary for my family right now, but I am determined to help him live a safe and happy life here at home. To contact me, email me at: specialneedsforspecialkids@gmail.com