STATEMENT OF GOALS
I want to serve on the Board to support the growth of AAIDD and the advancement of progressive research, policies, and practice that will enhance the lives of people with IDD, their families, and direct support professionals. As a sibling of a brother with multiple disabilities, I am passionate about promoting the social inclusion of people with IDD and building a more inclusive society. This requires advocacy and building the capacity of professionals. I have gained valuable professional development and connections through my participation in AAIDD and want to promote the same opportunities for others.
My goals are to:
- Increase the involvement of students and early career professionals from a variety of backgrounds.
- Encourage and support collaborations within AAIDD and with outside partners to increase engagement and visibility.
- Invite and welcome different perspectives to develop a more holistic understanding of the experiences of people with IDD and their families.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY:
Current Position:
Research Associate, Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota
Previous Positions:
Tenured Associate Professor, Department of Inclusive Services and Exceptional Learners at Ashland University in Ohio
Special Education Teacher, Columbus High School in Nebraska
Direct Support Professional, Transfiguration, Nebraska
Education:
PhD – Educational Studies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 2010
MEd – Special Education, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 2003
BA – German all from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 2001
AAIDD Participation:
- Secretary-Treasurer, AAIDD Board of Directors, 2022-2025
- Member/President, Religion & Spirituality Interest Network, 2016-present
- Chair, Award Committee, Religion & Spirituality Interest Network, 2022-2024
- Member/Co-Chair, Student and Early Career Professional Interest Network, 2011-2016
- Member, Conference Review Panel, 2016-present
- Member, Conference Planning Committee, 2016 & 2025
- Member, Local Arrangements Committee, 2013
- Reviewer, SECP Scholarship Program, 2018-2023
- Presenter & Moderator, Annual Meeting, 2009, 2011-2019, 2022-present
- Delegate, AAIDD Delegations to Australia, Iceland & Ireland, Zambia & South Africa, and Italy
- Participant, Social Inclusion Strand, National Goals in Research, Practice, and Policy working meeting, 2015
- Editorial Board Member, Inclusion, 2013-present
- Reviewer, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 2012-present
- Reviewer, American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 2014-2016
Activities/Awards:
- Fellow, AAIDD, 2017
- University Libraries Influence Award recipient, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, 2012
- Board Member/Chair, Accord (Minnesota disability service provider), 2020-present
- Board Member/Chair, Ohio SIBS (Special Initiatives by Brothers and Sisters), 2011-2018
- Associate Editor, American Secondary Education, 2011-2017
- Assistant Editor, Journal of Women in Educational Leadership, 2008-2010
- Co-Coordinator, Sibs looking forward: Transition retreat, Ohio SIBS, 2011-2016
- Study Abroad, Deutsch in Deutschland German Institute, Berlin, Germany, 2000
- Practicum Student, Carl-von-Linne-School, Berlin, Germany, 2000