Curriculum Vitae
9 Years of Experience
Education
2024-2025
The University of KansasDoctoral Coursework - Special Education
- Specialization: Instructional Design, Technology & Innovation
2017-2019
Northern Michigan UniversityMaster of Arts in Education - Learning Disabilities
- Graduated with a 4.0 Grade Point Average.
2013-2015
Northern Michigan UniversitySecondary Education Teaching Certificate
- Certifications: Social Studies (RX); Journalism (BC)
2007-2011
Northern Michigan UniversityBachelors of Science in Electronic Journalism (with honors)
- The Outstanding Graduate of the Communications and Performance Studies Department
- Recipient of the Northern Michigan University “National Academic Award” scholarship
Education Experience
2024 - 2025
The University of KansasGraduate Research Assistant
- Supported federally funded research projects (iKnow, VOISS), assisting with grant deliverables and compliance.
- Created professional development materials, videos, and social media outreach aligned with grant requirements.
- Partnered with investigators, project managers, and external partners to ensure timely work completion on submission of reports, contract obligations, and project documentation.
- Reviewed and organized literature around artificial intelligence, technology tools, and industry best practices supporting grant-funded research in instructional technology and special education.
2019 - 2024
Burt Township School DistrictSpecial Education Coordinator
- Coordinated, case-managed, and delivered services to students with Individual Education Plans
- Collaborated with public and private agencies to offer mental health and social-emotional learning services and programs to a rural at-risk student body
- Wrote district Special Education policies, including the Child Find Process and Procedure
- Worked collaboratively with general education teachers, support staff, and families to ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate and effective support and services
- Crafted and delivered professional development related to special education services to members of the educational team and families
2017 - 2024
Burt Township School DistrictTechnology Director
- Researched, purchased, and managed all district instructional and assistive technology including one-to-one student and staff devices and educational and maker lab equipment
- Pivoted the district to remote and virtual learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, overcoming unique connectivity needs for an extremely remote area
- Acquired grant funding for student devices and home internet service via the FCC Emergency Connectivity Fund and the MiConnect programs
- Designed and managed multiple network modernizations, including the switch from copper to fiber-based internet services by obtaining funding through the Schools and Libraries Program (E-Rate)
- Formulated and Instituted a strategic technology plan including budget management and resource allocation
2017 - 2024
Burt Township School District7-12th Grade Social Studies Teacher
- Developed, implemented, and evaluated curriculum, instructional materials, and assessments to align with state standards, district goals, and student needs
- Introduced community-centric project-based learning experiences that challenged students to think critically, solve problems, and collaborate with peers
- Emphasized knowledge of Universal Design for Learning principles and strategies to differentiate for the diverse learning needs of students in a mixed grade level rural setting
- Planned, organized, and fundraised for educational field trips and experiences for students in grades 7-12, including coordination of transportation, admission tickets, and scheduling
- Committed to creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment that supports the social-emotional well-being of all students
- Taught a wide range of content areas to 7-12 grade students, including U.S. world history, geography, government, and economics, English, journalism, technology, and life skills
2015 - 2017
The Arts and Technology Academy of PontiacMiddle School Social Studies Teacher
- Experience using data to inform instruction and improve student achievement, including analyzing formative and summative assessments and using student data to drive instruction
- Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction and provide culturally responsive teaching to meet the unique learning needs of students in an urban Title I school setting, including those who faced additional challenges related to poverty, trauma, and cultural differences
- Launched a new inquiry based curriculum for digital native students using bring your own device
- Actively involved in extracurricular activities and events, including advising student clubs and organizations and attending school-sponsored events
- Participated in professional learning communities (PLCs) working with colleagues to analyze data, develop lesson plans, and share strategies for supporting student learning and success
Conference Presentations
March 11, 2026
CEC Convention & Expo, Salt Lake City, UTUnveiling Ideologies: How AI Policies Can Shape K–12 Special Education
March 11, 2026
CEC Convention & Expo, Salt Lake City, UTPatterns of Effective Professional Development for Special Educators Integrating Educational Technology
November 13, 2025
TED (Teacher Education Division of CEC), Kansas City, MOExamining Professional Development Around the Integration of Educational Technology for Special Educators
Projects
Summer 2024
University of Missouri - Mathematics Potential LabWTG: Diffusion of Research on Supporting Mathematics Achievement
Volunteer Activities
2019 - 2025
Camp New Day UPBoard of Directors - Board Member
- Worked alongsidea diverse board towards the organization mission to provide children of the incarcerated a one-week camp in a safe environment that promotes and nurtures self worth
- Managed the budget and expense accounts for a registered 501c3
- Conducted staff interviews and made hiring decisions for camp staff
- Modernized camp technology systems and record keeping
Awards
2019
Grow & Lead: Community and Youth DevelopmentExcellence in Education Award/Grant
- Maker Lab work with students including 3D Printing, coding, and use of the LAUNCH cycle
2017
Grow & Lead: Community and Youth DevelopmentExcellence in Education Award/Grant
- Photography classwork with students
2015
WUPX - Radio XLifetime Achievement Award
- For years of service and staff mentoring
Other Experience
2013 - 2015
WUPX, Marquette - Radio XGeneral Manager
- Managed and organized a paid and volunteer staff of more than 50
- Showcased knowledge of all facets of radio and online news production, including writing for the web, editing, graphic design, photography, and audio/visual production
- Developed personalized internship opportunities for college seniors to fill gaps in the university’s curriculum
- Balanced the organization’s budget in compliance of university policy
- Partnered with campus and community organizations and represented the station in the public eye
2011 - 2012
Walt Disney World ResortMerchandise Cast Member – Mickey’s of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Delivered exceptional guest service constantly in high-volume areas for a Fortune 100 company
- Trained and mentored new cast members starting work on duties I already excelled in
- Put into practice effective problem-solving and decision-making skills on a daily basis
- Created innovative ways to bring Disney magic to merchandise guests of all ages
Noteworthy Professional Development
July 2023
Michigan Technological UniversityGenCyber Camp
The GenCyber program provides summer cybersecurity camp experiences for students and teachers at the K-12 level. The goals of the program are to help students understand safe on-line behavior, learn fundamental cybersecurity knowledge, increase interest in cybersecurity careers, and improve pedagogical methods for delivering cybersecurity content in K-12 curricula. https://www.mtu.edu/gencyber/
March 2023
The Council for Exceptional ChildrenCEC 2023 Convention & Expo
Each year at the CEC Convention & Expo, thousands of special education professionals from around the world come together to learn, share, grow, and connect. With hundreds of sessions on just about every topic in the field, the CEC Convention & Expo is THE professional development event for special educators to find research, tips, and strategies you can actually apply to support students with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. https://cecconvention.org/2023