Director of Special Education

As stated previously and my participation as an observer in the SMEC annual budget process,, I have identified the application of finance, budgeting, and accounting as an  area of development in my leadership skills.  Through this budget experience and my Bethel courses, my  familiarity with funding formulas, sources, and accountability measures has grown, along with my appreciation of the budget process and how it drives every other aspect of school management.

At SMEC, we say we serve the student, not the disability.  This is true of SMEC programming.  Student category does not decide program.  The development and maintenance of programs then requires continual student skill assessment to ensure the program addresses the whole student, needs, strengths, interests and culture.

Pacer, Disability Law Center, Child Protection agencies.  Over the course of my education career, my perspective regarding these outside agencies has evolved from one of defensiveness and dread, to optimism.  Learning more about each of these agencies and the role they play in the lives of students has been essential to student success in 100% of my experiences.  When we assume positive intent and acknowledge the value in different perspectives, the resources available to both students.  Key to this is humility and willingness to listen, learn, and change.