What inspired you to choose your career path?
I chose my career path in working in special education and working with those with disabilities in general because I wanted to make an environment like any other general education setting. Students are treated as if they never had a disability, which makes them feel respected and acknowledged for who THEY are and not what they have, allowing for more progressive growth in the natural setting. Students with disabilities deserve the same experiences others do, which is what I strive for. I also wanted to give more insight into the field of special education to those outside the realm, which has proven to be successful as I have many students ask if they can have lunch in my Affective Needs classroom, getting to know more information, showing that it's just another normal classroom. This also allows students to ask genuine questions about the field I teach.
What is your most memorable experience at Eagleview?
My most memorable experience was a moment in which students from both within and outside the Special Education setting shared artwork with me that they created. My whiteboard has tons of art from numerous students. This is memorable for me because it shows that those in the general education setting see special education as something normal in day-to-day life, which is what it should be!
What are your interests outside of the classroom/office?
My interests include video games, anime, collecting vinyl records, going to heavy metal concert shows, taking my Miniature Pinscher to Bear Creek dog park,... the list goes on.
How does your work at Eagleview impact student's lives?
My work impacts students' lives because I know I've helped them know that being different is okay. When I tell students that I was diagnosed with ADD at age 30 and that I also take medicine to help my health, it makes them feel like they aren't alone, and it shows that even into adulthood, you aren't alone with certain issues; that there will be someone who can relate to them, even if it's a 32-year-old Affective Needs adult who likes nerdy things.