I am an educator with over 20 years of experience in the field of special education and I am currently a full professor at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ where I work to inspire future teachers.

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I began my career in special education as a middle school self-contained special education teacher, I felt the attitudes against inclusion right away. My classroom was away from the rest of the classes and my students were not attending any classes with their non-disabled peers. I felt very isolated as a teacher and knew that my students felt isolated as well. I worked to advocate for my students and eventually they were going to the general education specials classes, going on field trips with their non-disabled peers and general education students were coming into my classroom to spend time with my students. It was an amazing experience to see my students experience inclusion!

 

As a children’s pastor at a small church, I was blessed to work with great children and their families. I had a mom come to me and ask if she could bring her autistic son to children’s church, so that she could attend the worship service. In the past, she had not been able to attend church due to her son’s needs not being met in the children’s program. I put supports in place to ensure he would be welcome into the children’s program and she was able to be ministered to as well. Another child and family blessed by inclusion!

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This all led to me writing my dissertation on the inclusion of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in disability ministry programs. I was able to learn from families of children with ASD about how inclusion impacted their children, family and faith! All of these experiences have fueled my passion for inclusion of all individuals with disabilities in schools, churches and the community! Inclusion is for everyone!

 

I conduct consultation and training to provide both practical and real-world tips to incorporate inclusion strategies in both educational and church settings/environments. I have presented on many topics including disability ministry, autism, dyslexia, differentiated instruction/UDL strategies, classroom engagement strategies, advocacy, special education and Individualized Education Plans.

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I am certified in disability ministry through the Joni & Friends organization and in 2018 spoke at the International Autism Conference in China. I am also certified in inclusion and accessibility through Southern New Hampshire University. I have been a guest on numerous podcasts and video chats/presentations. Click on the links below to learn more about me!