Education

1974 - 1978                          Rhode Island College                              Providence, RI

Bachelor of Science

§      Generalized Elementary Education/Special Education

 1978 - 1982                         Providence College                                 Providence, RI

Masters of Education

● Special Education

1982 – Present    Rhode Island College, URI, University of Hawaii, Providence College

Certification:  Administrator of Special Education

● Course work in Educational Administration, Special Education Administration, Curriculum, Sign Language, School Reform

Professional experience

1979 - 1989                   Coventry Middle School               Coventry, RI

Self Contained Teacher/Resource Teacher

●Classroom teacher of English/reading, team teacher of English and social studies, assessment, program design and implementation, scheduling, testing and evaluation

Coordinator (1985-1989)

Transition Class Design identified as Promising Practice

1989 - 2000                   Coventry High School                   Coventry, RI

Self Contained Teacher/Work Study Program Coordinator

●Teaching duties in all areas of practical academics, job development and supported employment, communication training, transition

Program identified as Promising Practice by several organizations including RIDE and National Transition Alliance

Wrote and coordinated many grants which enhanced programming for students with disabilities

Helped design an adult education program through Department of Human Services, “Project Friends”

Coordinated model peer support network, “Reach Out”

2000 - 2003                   Coventry High School                   Coventry, RI

Special Education Department Leader

Coordinator of Special Services

●Responsible for scheduling, staffing, teacher evaluation, program monitoring, as well as coordination of IEPS, services and manifestation determinations.

Designed and implemented “Fresh Starts” an alternative program for high school students which was recognized by RIDE and West Bay Collaborative

2003 - 2004                   Coventry High School                   Coventry, RI

Behavioral Resource Teacher

●Responsible for all facets of educational programming and case management of 30 students with behavioral/emotional challenges

2004 - 2007                   Coventry High School                   Coventry, RI

In-Class Support Teacher

●Co-teacher in  English classes , Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, as well as case management

2007 - Present              Coventry High School                   Coventry, RI

Curriculum Coordinator Unified Learning Support Services

Some Additional Professional Activities

Parent Support and Training

Staff Support and Training

Speaker at local, state and national conferences on topics of transition and employment, peer support, and education of students with significant disabilities

Designed Reach Out Program to foster relationships between students with and without disabilities

Appointed by the governor to the Developmental Disabilities Council for two three year terms

Vice-chairperson of Individual and Family Advocacy Committee

West Bay Transition Committee

High School National Honor Society Advisor

Middle School Student Council Advisor

SALT Visit Co-Chair

NEASC Committee Chair

West Bay Vocational School Adult Education Sex Equity/Equal Opportunity Assessor

An active member of PBGR Sub-committee for Capstone

LAC Member

Unified Learning Strategic Planning Team

Volunteer experience

Special Olympics Coach

Awards received

National Association of University Women Outstanding Mentor Award (twice)

Promising Practice Award

Coventry Distinguished Educator Award

Milken National Educator Award

Rhode Island Special Olympics Coach of the Year

Nominated for Rhode Island Teacher of the Year