If children feel safe, they can take risks, make mistakes, ask questions, learn to trust, share their feelings, and grow.
– Alfie Kohn
I joined the Child Development Lab in August 2017 as a Float Teacher. In this role, I work in all classrooms of the preschool as a Substitute Teacher and a Support Teacher. I also manage certain administrative duties to help keep the preschool running smoothly.
I graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in Special Education in May 2015. I spent the past two years teaching 2nd-5th Elementary Special Education in both inclusive and self-contained settings. I have experience with children with a wide range of needs and disabilities, including: Autism, Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, ADD/ADHD, Physical Disabilities, and Vision Impairments. During my time teaching in public schools, I was committed to adapting grade-level curriculum to allow for equitable access for children with disabilities.
Before I graduated, I spent time: working in a Montessori Preschool running an after school program, teaching 4K Summer School with MSCR, volunteering in inclusive middle school classrooms, serving fellow college students at McBurney Disability Resource Center, and student teaching in a variety of school settings–including a High School Vocational program and an inclusive Kindergarten classroom.
I have particular interest in and experience with providing services to children with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities. To guide my work with supporting behaviors, I have received in-depth training in the areas of: Functional Behavioral Analysis, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Inquiry-Based Learning, Inclusive Education, Cooperative Learning and Kagan Strategies. I also have experience with and training in the areas of: Positive Behavior Support, Love and Logic, Boys Town, Second Step, Zones of Regulation, and Conscious Discipline.
In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, reading, spending time with my family and my dog, and dancing-both in formal classes and to live music.