I completed my Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of New Mexico in July 2024.
My career in education has been shaped by over a decade of experience in New Mexico public schools, where I supported preschool students with autism through federally funded Childfind programs from 2004–2014. From 2015–2017, I served as the head special education teacher at an Arroyo Del Oso Elementary, where I supported second to fourth-grade students with learning disabilities, intellectual disability, and autism.
As a longtime parent advocate alongside my eldest daughter, who has a disability, my research is deeply rooted in social justice and the pursuit of equitable and inclusive educational opportunities for students with extensive support needs (ESN). I am
particularly interested in how IEP teams collaborate and make decisions, as well as the barriers faced by students with ESN and their families, including the loss of educational rights when students are shifted to private or disability-only placements.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy playing tennis, and I am the USTA adult league coordinator for Northern Central Pennsylvania. I am also an avid runner.
I am married with two wonderful daughters, Allyson and Megan, and two pit bulls, Maibell and Penny.