I have 20 years of public school teaching experience working with grades K-12.  I began my teaching career as a Choral and General music teacher, where I always found myself gravitating towards the students with special needs. There are so many ways to be successful in music class, and seeing the pride and joy the students with disabilities demonstrated led me to pursue my Masters degree in Special Education at George Mason University.

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During my years as a special education teacher, I have taught children with learning disabilities, Autism, Emotional disabilities and physical impairment. I am a strong advocate for inclusive education and least restrictive environment. Building relationships between students, parents and teachers area key factor to a students desire and success in learning.

Using my creative side, my strengths lie in developing engaging lessons by presenting instruction and materials through many modes so that all students can find the way they learn best. I also believe that accommodations are not just some boxes that are checked on an IEP.  Accommodations are there to support the student in the way they learn and demonstrate knowledge best. 

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I have three amazing children, Emma, Joseph and Marci, who are successful and out in the adult world. I recently moved back to MA after a 30 year stay in Northern Virginia and now call Belchertown Massachusetts my home.