My journey in education began with a deep passion for advocating for the underdog. As a triple-certified educator in English, Special Education, and English Language Development, I committed myself to working with a diverse student body and ensuring they received the support they deserved. This drive led me to leadership roles in the schools where I worked in California, where I strived to improve outcomes for all students.

About 15 years into my career, I transitioned home to Rhode Island and to training educators and administrators in the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)—a framework designed to promote equity and meet the needs of all learners. Around the same time, my personal life took a pivotal turn as I became the proud parent of two amazing children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Watching my children navigate a system that often failed to affirm their unique strengths and identities shifted my perspective. My passion for education began to feel like despair as I saw how rigid and non-inclusive the system could be. It became clear that education was falling short of its potential to be empowering and transformative for every child.

Fueled by a desire to make meaningful change, I dedicated myself to advocacy. I led special needs parent groups in my district, worked at the state level to improve systems for children with disabilities, and served two terms on my local school committee. My work extended to the federal level as an advisor to the PROGRESS Center, where I helped schools strive to meet the Endrew standard, ensuring education is more meaningful and individualized for all students.

These experiences have shaped me into a multifaceted advocate, educator, and mentor who understands the complexities of educational systems and the barriers they can create. I’m here now to share my expertise and passion with you, working together to remove those barriers, build inclusive systems, and create an educational experience that truly empowers every learner.