Expert Guidance
I am committed to providing the training, guidance, and hands-on special education support necessary for school districts to meet the diverse - and at times challenging - needs of their students. I am proud to have partnered with special and general education personnel who work with students with autism, intellectual disabilities, other health impairments, and emotional disturbance in school districts across Texas for almost 20 years. Contact me to learn more!
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My Services
Program Support
I provide customized solutions to meet the needs of individual students, and am an extremely results-oriented professional. I organize structured learning environments that are conducive to the educational, behavioral, and social growth of students. Integral to this is the development of measurable and observable educational plans that emphasize the academic, behavioral, social, and self-help needs of the student, yet remain related to the general education curriculum. I design behavior intervention plans and strategies that include an analysis of the function of the behavior and ideas for positive interventions, and create and implement age-appropriate and meaningful social skills activities. Contact me today to discover how I can help!
Social Skills Groups
I am committed to improving the social and emotional well-being of students with disabilities. Developing and facilitating social skills groups is a passion and a joy! I have led community-based groups for over 20 years - both privately and through public schools - and have co-authored two books (one self-published and one published by Autism Asperger Publishing Company) on teaching social skills to students with autism. Let me help you support your students in this crucial area!
Training
I am proud to provide training to school districts and parents and family member alike. I train and assist teachers, staff members, and administrators working with students with autism and other intellectual and behavioral disorders on a variety of topics. I support parents and families by assessing needs and providing information through In-Home, Community, and Parent Training programs. I am excited to help you provide comprehensive training!
Speaking Engagements
I am available to speak at conferences, parent support groups, community organizations, and staff development workshops. Contact me to learn how I can meet your need for an engaging, informative speaker!
Publication
This highly practical book guides teachers and other practitioners in developing and implementing comprehensive social skills programs for individuals with classic autism. This program was developed specifically for students with classic features of autism, who tend to learn best by participating in activities they find interesting, engaging, and part of their daily lives. As a result, the social skills are embedded in motivating lessons in real-life social situations, involving such things as learning to do something nice for others, working on a classroom project, or waiting in a cafeteria line. To make this well-crafted functional social skills curriculum even more relevant, it includes a comprehensive, yet easy-to-use assessment tool tied to IEP development using evidence-based practices.
Education and Experience
University of Houston
Master of Education in Educational Psychology/Special Education
conferred August 1998
Rice University
Bachelor of Arts in English and History
conferred May 1993
Certifications
Texas Generic Special Education, grades PK-12
Texas Elementary Self-Contained, grades 1-8
IBCCES Certified Autism Specialist #CAS179744
Private Consultant
Provide training and on-site technical assistance to special and general education personnel who work with students with autism, intellectual disabilities, other health impairments, emotional disturbance, and related disorders.
Assist teachers:
organize structured learning environments that are conducive to the educational, behavioral, and social growth of students
develop measurable and observable educational plans emphasizing a functional approach related to the general education curriculum
design behavior intervention plans and strategies that include an analysis of the function of the behavior and ideas for positive interventions
create and implement social skills activities that are age-appropriate and meaningful
Assist districts:
train and support teachers working with students with autism and other intellectual and behavioral disorders
serve on autism assessment teams
provide information and support to parents and families
develop and implement In-Home, Community, and Parent Training programs
comply with the requirements outlined in the 2007 Commissioner’s Rules
Instructor, Texas Tech University
Taught "Moderate to Profound Disabilities" course for senior Special Education majors.
Special Education Teacher
Self-Contained Class for Students with Autism and Related Disorders
Self-Contained Generic Special Education Class
Content Mastery
Special Projects
"The Importance of Teaching Social Skills in Natural Settings", Autism Notebook Magazine, Feb.-Mar. 2018 issue
Community-Based Social Skills Group Developer and Facilitator, 1995-present
In-Home, Community, and Parent Trainer, 1997-present
In-Home, Community, and Parent Training Needs Evaluator, 2003-2012
Autism Supplement Data Collection system, developed 2008
Site Supervisor, Special Education Practicum for student pursuing a Master’s Degree in Special Education/Low Incident Disabilities at Texas A&M University, February - June 2006
Private Tutor for Students with Special Needs, 1999-2002
Workshops/Speaking Engagements
World Autism Organization International Congress
School districts across Texas
Texas State Autism Conference
Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education
Region 17 Summer Autism Conference
Parent Support groups
Professional Memberships
Council for Exceptional Children
World Autism Organization