After obtaining a Masters in Disability Studies in Ontario, Canada, I managed a treatment facility supporting children with significant behaviour and intellectual challenges. Utilizing principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), I mentored a team of 30 social workers in developing, reviewing and implementing effective behavior management techniques to increase adaptive living and social communication skills in program attendees. I am a creative person and this has allowed me to consistently build programs that engage learners.
Over the years in my personal life and professional career I have worked with Speech, Play, Music, Occupational and Art therapists to create dynamic programs which foster confidence and a love for learning in individuals with disabilities. My own personal background is at the heart of my lifelong interest in teaching and advocacy as both my younger brothers were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and from an early age, I was intensely involved with their development. My brothers were always best able to communicate their emotions through art and as children we used visual strategies to better understand one another.
In August 2017 I joined the team at St. Andrews International School Bangkok to develop the STARS program, providing individualized programming to a fantastic group of students. Since then I have met wonderful families, made some tremendous friends and have felt inspired by the sense of community St. Andrews provides. I feel at home in Bangkok and hope to spend years to come creating programs for children along-side this talented group of teachers.