My Story
I am a passionate advocate of those who learn differently.
Years of research and practice has led me to understand the significance of compassion as the skill needed to enable resilience.
Taking risks in learning ought not be a scary experience done in solitude. I am rigorously honest and continuously marvel at my students’ accomplishments as they discover their greatest potential. I work side-by-side with my students as a companion and guide through the joys and trials of learning.
My continuing research agenda are in learning strategies and metacognition, assessments and implementation practices of Universal Design for Learning in the literacy with an emphasis in writing strategies.
EXPERIENCE
I facilitate workshops for parents and teachers on the importance of executive function skills.
I am a licensed Learning Specialist and specialize in dyslexia, ADHD and emotional dysregulation.
I am the Director of the Center for Success at Kehillah Jewish High School in Palo Alto, CA. I have also served as the founding Director of Learning Center at Gateway Middle School in San Francisco.
I am fortunate enough to partake in Dr. Dan Siegel’s Immersion Weekend where participants explore and learn about awareness and the mind.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
I earned my doctorate in Learning and Instruction with a concentration in Special Education from the University of San Francisco.
Philosophical Perspectives of CCT, Weiss, L. Compassion Institute
Science of Compassion, McGonigal, K., Compassion Institute
Mindsight Immersion Weekend, focus on Aware and Mind, Siegel, D., Mindsight Institute, Santa Monica, CA
Neuroscience and the Brain, Davidson, R. et al., 1440 Multiversity, Scotts Valley, CA
Mind, Body, Emotion Educational Conference, Siegel, D. et al., 1440 Multiversity, Scotts Valley, CA
Mindful Self-Compassion Training, Neff, K. et al., GGSC, University of California, Berkeley, CA
Compassion Cultivation Training, Cusik, R., CCARE Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
Executive Function Conference, Meltzer, L. et al., Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Effective Co-Teaching in the Inclusive Classroom, Murawski, M., USF, San Francisco, CA
Fundamentals of Sentence Writing, Proficiency in Sentence Writing, Word Identification Strategy, SIMS Strategies, USF, San Francisco, CA
Fundations, Wilson Reading Program, Belmont, CA
Inclusion Practices, SFSUD, San Francisco, CA
Individualized Education Plan Training, SFUSD, SF, CA
LiPS and Verbalization and Visualization, Lindamood Bell Program, San Francisco, CA
Making Math Real, Making Math Real Institute and Clinic, Belmont, CA
Restorative Practices, SFUSD, San Francisco, CA
Slingerland, Level II, University of San Diego
Slingerland, Level I, University of California, Berkeley
Certificate Compassion Institute/CCARE at Stanford, Certificate in Compassion Cultivation Training, Teacher Trainee
Doctorate in Learning and Instruction with a concentration in Special Education, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Master of Arts in Special Education, Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont, CA
Licensed Educational Specialist in the State of California
Bachelor in Science, International Business with an emphasis in Finance, San Francisco State University
COLLABORATIONS
with schools, institutes and professional organizations
Professional Associations
& service
Parents Helping Parents
EdRev Expo 2018, Workshop Committee Member, Children’s Health Council
American Educational Research Association, Paper Reviewer, Discussant, Teacher Efficacy, Self-Perception, and Development
Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development
Council for Exceptional Children, Division of Learning Disabilities
Council for Exceptional Children, California Association of Special Educators
International Dyslexia Association
Literacy Research Association
National Council of Teachers for Mathematics
Parent Education Network
Institutions of higher education teaching
Cal State East Bay, Department of Special Education: Educational Practices for Mild/Moderate Disabilities
Notre Dame de Namur University, Department of Special Education: Curriculum Modifications for Students with Mild/Moderate Disability; Universal Design and Assistive Technology in Special Education
University of San Francisco, Departments of Organization and Leadership, Learning and Instruction: Data-Based Decision Making; Foundations in Special Education; Curriculum and Assessment in Special Education, Assistive Technology in Special Education
Loyola Marymount University, Department of Urban Education: Special Education Curriculum and Methods; Special Education for the General Education Teacher
San Francisco State University, Department of Special Education, Curriculum Methods in Special Education
School Consultations and teacher training workshops
San Francisco Unified School District: Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
Carey School, San Mateo, CA
Lick-Wilmerding High School, San Francisco, CA
Nueva School, San Mateo, CA
Sandhill School, Palo Alto, CA
Wornick Jewish Day School, Foster City, CA
PRESENTATIONS
Udl for social justice - 2017 udl symposium conference
What is successful UDL Implementation? Advocating for preparation programs for students with learning differences as they transition to high school
CAC & SFUSD
College and Career Fair for students with learning supports
ALSO MY STORY
I am a wife, mother of five, friend of many and loyal dog owner.
I have five children, ages 25, 24, 22, 21 and 19.
Though far from a perfect parent, I continue to take risks, falling and owning my mistakes, sharing my joys and concerns and never giving up on them all.