Back from our vacation and having taken a week to just do nothing, I am ready to start working on planning for the 2024 - 2025 school year. By the

Awareness lays the groundwork by providing essential knowledge and understanding, while acceptance builds upon this foundation by promoting empathy, advocacy, and meaningful action.

Evaluating whether the environment may be overwhelming or under-stimulating for each child is essential.

In my experience, most of what we consider to be ‘challenging behaviors’ can actually be reduced when a student’s sensory, and/or communication needs are met. 

To understand sensory integration, we must start with the development of the central nervous system.

Sensory integration and brain development fascinate me. Nearly every decision I make in my classroom is made with these two developmental areas in mind.

I’m constantly observing students’ progress, how they interact with the materials, and what supports they need, or no longer need, to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

My philosophies are strongly influenced by both the Reggio Emilia Approach and The Montessori Method.

Each of my students with significant support needs are able to participate in algebra at the levels of his or her abilities.

Historically, students in Extensive Support Needs Autism-Focus classrooms like ours have not had inclusive access to grade-level curriculum. This is no longer the case. This school year we are using

Two things I am particularly passionate about are sensory integration and supporting what many call “challenging behaviors”.