About Me

Special education isn't just my profession — it's my legacy. I grew up watching both of my parents serve as special education teachers, witnessing firsthand the profound impact that prepared, supported educators can have on students and families. But I also saw the gaps: the teachers who entered the field underprepared, the administrators navigating IDEA without adequate training, and the families caught in systems that weren't designed with their partnership in mind.

I didn't choose this work by accident. I chose it because I knew we could do better.

Throughout my career as a teacher, researcher, and now as a policy professional within the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, I've made it my mission to close the gap between what research tells us works and what actually happens in schools. These aren't abstract policy problems; they're real barriers that affect real children, real families, and real educators every single day.

My work exists at a critical intersection: I strengthen the preparation and support systems for special education teachers and administrators, because when educators are equipped and empowered, students thrive. This stems from understanding that teacher retention and attrition aren't just HR issues; they're equity issues that directly impact students with disabilities.

What I Do:
I collaborate with schools, districts, universities, and families to translate evidence-based practices into action. This includes developing effective IEP and 504 processes, building special education leadership capacity, strengthening family-school partnerships, and ensuring that federal policies actually serve the students and families they were designed to protect.

My Background:
With experience spanning PK-12 classrooms, higher education, and federal education programs, I bridge the gap between research, policy, and practice. My doctoral research focuses on special education teacher and administrator preparation, examining how we can better equip the professionals who shape students' educational experiences.

Education:
Ph.D. in Special Education and Educational Leadership and Policy, George Mason University

Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership, George Mason University

M.Ed. in Special Education, George Mason University

B.A. in Arts Education, Marymount University

My Approach:
Every child deserves a team that believes in their potential—and that team needs to be prepared, supported, and empowered to do the work. I bring empathy, evidence, and an unwavering commitment to collaboration to every partnership I engage in. It's what my parents modeled for me, and it's what I'm committed to modeling for the next generation of special educators.

Here is a link to my professional curriculum vitae (CV)