Résumé
EDUCATION
​
2000
PH.D.
Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York
Concentration: Advanced Practice
Dissertation: Designated Reporters of Abuse and Neglect in New York City Public Schools
1988
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK
The University of Michigan School of Social Work
Major: Interpersonal Practice
Minor: Administration
Field of Practice: Schools
1985
BACHELOR OF ARTS, WITH HONORS
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI
Major: Psychology
EMPLOYMENT
2023-Present
CONSULTANT
Perkins School for the Blind, Watertown, MA
​
Designed curriculum & created a transition and support program for students aging out of special education services. Created Career Service Center. Structured a family support network and engagement program using social media. Implemented program evaluation and feedback mechanisms. Educated staff on latest research and best practices for promoting independent living and employment.
2018-Present
FACULTY ACADEMIC & FIELD ADVISOR
Columbia School of Social Work, New York, NY
​
Advised master level students in course selection and career development. Conducted in-person and virtual field visits. Assured quality control. Assessed student performance.
2021- 2022
SPECIAL PROJECTS TO THE PROVOST
Lesley University, Cambridge, MA
​
Consulted with the provost on matters of transition planning and disabilities inclusion and ADA, budgetary issues, and fund raising.
2016- 2021
DIRECTOR & PROFESSOR
Threshold Program, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA
​
Supervised the nation’s oldest and largest college-based transition program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Managed a staff of over 30 professionals and paraprofessionals. Headed weekly clinical team meetings. Increased annual scholarships by over 300% - resulting in BiPoC student representation growth from approximately 5% to 37.5%. Directed the Threshold Alumni Center which supported 800 graduates with employment assistance, independent living, and state agency entitlement applications.
2006-2016
ASSOCIATE DEAN & EXECUTIVE DIRECTORE
New York Institute of Technology, Vocational Independence Program, Central Islip, NY
Acted as the senior administrator for the Central Islip campus. Oversaw all operational aspects of the program and campus including academic and recreational programming for over 110 residential students and over 80 participants in a community based residential program. Managed programmatic evaluations leading to major re-organization efforts including strategic planning with faculty, staff, students, parents, and other major stakeholders. Initiated first PBIS system in a college support program for students with DD/ID. Secured U.S. Department of Education designation for VIP as one of the first 5 approved Comprehensive Transition and Post-secondary (CTP) programs in the nation enabling our students with disabilities to receive Federal Student Aid. Chaired student support team and IEP meetings.
​
2005-2008
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Yale University School of Medicine Child Study Center, New Haven, CT
​
Wrote an approved NIH funded research grant to study family functioning with a child diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. Assessed children as a part of a multidisciplinary team resulting in a diagnosis. Prepared publications. Presented to parents and professionals on a variety of topics pertaining to disabilities and transition planning. Peer reviewed research manuscripts. Served as an in-house expert on special education services, entitlement and transition programs.
2000-2006
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service, New York, NY
​
Taught bachelor, master, and doctoral students across the curriculum including clinical social work with children, disability policy, and research courses. Served as the local representative to the University Institutional Review Board for the protection of human subjects which supervised 60 faculty and 1000+ students’ research projects. Served on a variety of school wide and university committees. Published research, policy, and clinical articles
1992-1994
DISTRICT SOCIAL WORKER
Lemon Grove School District, CA
​
Acted as an itinerant social worker supporting 3 elementary and 1 middle school. Provided mental health and crisis intervention services. Served as an expert witness in child abuse and neglect cases in criminal and family court. Determined special education eligibility for students and provided accommodations.
1990-1992
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER
San Ysidro School District, CA
​
Advocated for the rights of students and employees with the San Diego County Grand Jury, California Department of Education, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Testified in Student Attendance Review Board Hearings and child abuse and neglect cases in Family Court. Adopted and taught parenting curriculum for the district. Implemented a substance abuse prevention curriculum district wide. Provided consultation and support as well as special education services to teachers, parents, and students on the U.S. Mexico Border. Referred families to entitlement programs.
1988-1990
SOCIAL WORKER
Big Bend Child Care Council, Tallahassee, FL
​
Designed the social services delivery system to serve 1,500 infants and young children in 7 counties. Hired social workers and M.S.W. level interns. Trained Title XX Day Care staff in child abuse and neglect recognition and reporting. Established food and clothing closets, toy drives, and Thanksgiving Basket campaigns for families in need. Referred children at risk for developmental delay to county Child Find programs. Consulted with Child Protective Services regarding suspected cases of child abuse and neglect. Testified before State Assembly subcommittees on the needs of infants and children in Florida.
​
CREDENTIALS
Pupil Personnel Services Credential | State of California
School Social Work Specialist Credential | NASW
Professional Support Personnel/School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor | MA
MASSACHUSETTS/DESDE CREDENTIALS
-
Special Education Administrator – All Levels
-
Professional Support Personnel-School Social Worker/Adjustment Counselor
​
CERTIFICATIONS
NAUI Scuba Instructor #10401. SDI Scuba Instructor #29388
Professional Rescuer CPR-/First Response Training International
First Aid/First-Response Training International
Automatic External Defibrillator (AED)/First Response Training International
Oxygen Administration & ManagementFirst Response Training International
LANGUAGES
Proficient in Dutch and French
Knowledge of Afrikaans
One year of college level Spanish
American Sign Language Level I
References and a complete Curriculum Vitae available upon request.