Professional Objective:  To increase student success for neurodivergent postsecondary students as an academic coach, private tutor, mentor, consultant, and advocate. To continue work with students of all learning capacities in all subject areas including executive functioning (study skills and time management).

Qualifications:  Twenty plus years as a teacher/advocate/mentor/coach and curriculum provider for a wide spectrum of individuals with dis/Abilities to individuals labeled “gifted:” 6 to 65 years of age. Classroom teaching experience in public and private schools, work in educational diagnostic agencies SAT/ACT accommodations, IEP representation, parent consulting, mental health counseling in relation to school, and advocacy.

EDUCATION

Doctoral Candidate – Curriculum and Instruction: Educational Innovation. Curry School University of Virginia. Current..

Master’s Degree in Education – Emphasis in Learning Disabilities and Early Reading. 2006. University of Virginia.

Master’s Degree in English Literature – Specialty  in post-colonialism/deconstructionism. 2000. George Mason University.

Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature – Georgetown University. 1992. Minors in theology and music composition.

Licensed Fairfax County School Special Education Teacher. University of Virginia. 2006.   

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Supported Education Specialist: Department of Human Services, Behavioral Healthcare Division, Arlington, VA: 2017-current.

Assessment, planning, curriculum development, and educational support for adults with learning, emotional, and psychiatric disabilities. Part of a clinical team providing academic services to adults pursuing higher education/GED. Direct service includes counseling, course development, advocacy, teaching, and inter-agency collaboration and team building.      

Academic Coach, Private Tutor, Counselor, Educational Consultant: 2000-current.

Served/ing circa 100 families throughout the DC Metro area as a one-to-one private tutor with students K- College, Over 15,000 hours of private sessions. Most academic subjects addressed into the collegiate level, mathematics, and humanities primarily, but comfortable with any subject area. Languages include basic Spanish and Norwegian. 1996 – present. Advocate at IEP meetings, facilitator and liaison between school staff, psychologists, parents, students, and attorneys.

Educational Diagnostician – Petersen Academic Group, Reston VA. 1998-2000.

Learning Center Founder and Director – Learning Center at Fairfax Collegiate School. 1996-1998.

Tutoring Agency Founder and Director – Tutoring for Tomorrow, Arlington, VA. 1996 – 2002.

Special Education Teacher – New School of Northern VA. Fairfax, VA. 1999.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Board of Directors: Chairman of Membership: Arlington Special Education PTA (SEPTA) 2017.

National Association of Special Education Teachers. Council for Exceptional Children. Council for Diagnostic Services.