Hands in the Air Learning

My professional experience includes teaching adolescents, aged 13-21, with autism and intellectual disabilities. I have taught in the Special Education district of New York City, District 75, in the Bronx. All of the students I teach are alternate assessment, and vary developmentally on grade level. Prior to becoming a classroom teacher, I was an actor as well as the Camp Director at the University of New Hampshire's Theater Camp for children ages 10-13. After moving back to my home state of Massachusetts, I have become a Job Coach/Community Mentor and Transition specialist for Shore Educational Collaborative. I support and guide students who are transitioning out of high school and into their post-high school lives. We work on person-centered planning and creating a vision for the future of their dreams.

My teaching style reflects my belief that my students can become academically enriched by teaching them big concepts using engaging materials and creativity! I use my very own "Hands-in-the-Air" learning approach, which introduces tough concepts and vocabulary through arm movements. I create activities that foster problem-solving and independence. I dfferentiate lessons in order to reach every learning style. I incorporate communication, vocational, social-emotional, and life skills to my activities and lessons.

The Teachers of Tomorrow Award, received 2013-2016. The Teachers of Tomorrow (TOT) program recognizes educators who have chosen to start and continue their career in a high-needs school, and have received an effective or highly effective teacher rating each year.

I hold a Master of Arts in Special Education (Intellectual Disabilities/Autism) from Teachers College at Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from the University of New Hampshire.

I love the process of teaching: preparing unit plans, lesson plans, gathering materials, and prepping a lesson feels like a theatrical experience. When it's time to teach the material, I help each student shine like the stars they are. I strive to create developmentally appropriate and age-appropriate materials for adolescents with autism and intellectual disabilities. When appropriate, I include both Common Core Learning Standards AND Common Core Essential Elements in my products. I had a baby soon after I made this store, so please keep checking back for more products!!!