I have been in the special education field for 23 years. I hold a k-12 certification in Special Education as well as two other NY teaching certifications. (Elementary pre k-6, Literacy B-6) In 2009, I became National Board Certified as an Exceptional Needs Specialist K – 21. I have a Level 1 Wilson Reading Systems certification. I have taught all three grade levels at Van Wyck Junior High School (6-8) and in both the self-contained and co-teaching model. I have also taught grades 2, 3, 4, and 5 in my current district. Previous to this, I was in a BOCES center where I was in both a middle school and high school classroom setting.

As an educator, I have been active in many roles in and out of the district. I am actively part of a countywide Building Bridges Committee which focuses on bringing together organizations/agencies with school district personnel to benefit students with disabilities and mental health issues at an annual forum. I was active in the Youth Assets Committee focusing on supporting student needs. I was the SGA advisor for two years at Van Wyck. I currently serve as a building representative, and am Secondary–at-Large on the executive board for the WCT. In addition I am part of the district Professional Development Committee.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal Communication. This course of study focused on the active communicating through an organization for all to understand the goals and expectations required of them. Through this training and education, I learned how to form open lines of and establish a continuing flow of ongoing communication, which I find is an invaluable skill in our profession.