Sped Treasures

I teach a self contained classroom for students with autism. I currently have students in 1st through 3rd grades. I came into teaching with a background as a private practice music therapist. I have worked with children with autism for over ten years.

Given my background as a therapist, I employ many techniques for working with children with autism in my classroom. I believe in an eclectic approach to therapy and teaching and utilize a variety of tools to address each child's individual needs. I tend to follow a more therapeutic model in my classroom, with emphasis on the whole child and the individual. The primary goal of my classroom is to increase independence and improve functional skills.

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Music Therapy from Willamette University and completed a music therapy clinical internship at Children's Hospital New Orleans. I participated in a Teacher in Residence program, obtaining my teaching certificate at the end of my first year teaching. I completed a Master's Degree in Education with emphasis in Special Education from Plymouth State University in 2011.