Ann B. Henson
Education - University of Mississippi
M.Ed. in Special Education Graduated Phi Kappa Phi - August, 1976
BAE in Elementary Education Graduated - December, 1975
Work Experience
Data & Technical Assistance Coordinator Early Years Network: Special Needs at USM Institute for Disability Studies October 1, 2014 - present
Coordinate data collection and track training and technical assistance for EYN: Special Needs staff.
Provide technical assistance to childcare providers in Mississippi
Lead workshops for childcare providers with a focus on young children with special needs, inclusion, and other related topics
Early Childhood Specialist June 2005 - 2014
University of Southern Mississippi - Institute for Disability Studies, Project PREPARE
•· Provide technical assistance to early childhood professionals and childcare providers to enhance quality learning experiences for all children
•· Develop training modules and lead workshops for persons interested in various topics related to child development, quality interactions, communication, adapting behaviors, inclusion, Universal Design for Learners, etc.
•· Writing Team participant for Mississippi Department of Education Early Childhood Guidelines for 4 Year Olds
ECERS Evaluator & Technical Assistance Provider February - May 2005
University of Southern Mississippi
Institute for Disability Studies, Project PREPARE
Volunteer Program Coordinator August 2005 - May 2006
Barksdale Reading Institute
•· Recruited and trained volunteers on literacy enriched activities and reading strategies for them to share with elementary age children in public schools throughout Mississippi
BRIDGES Coordinator March 1998 - June 30, 2004
Mississippi Department of Education
•· Part time coordinator for BRIDGES (Bringing Resources, Inclusion, and Developmental Appropriate Gains to Every Child in MisSissippi)
ITERS & ECERS Evaluator & Technical Assistance Provider 2001 - 2004
Mississippi State University
Early Childhood Institute
Summary of Additional Work & Volunteer Experiences
My first full time employment after graduation was teaching infants and preschool children with developmental disabilities at the Early Education Center in Jackson, MS. Following that, I served as the State Training Coordinator for the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, Bureau of Mental Retardation. In 1981 I had my first daughter and officially retired from full time employment. I did continue accepting various part time opportunities including positions related to coordinating regional, state, and multi-state conferences, coordination of the United Way Community Wide Needs Assessment Study for the Metro Jackson area, a lobbyist for Mississippi SAFE KIDS Coalition where I coordinated efforts to strengthen Mississippi child seat belt and restraint laws, coordinated a statistical summary for the Mississippi Division of Medicaid, and coordinated the development and implementation of a group home project for the Mental Health Association of Hinds County. I have served in numerous volunteer leadership positions both professionally and in my Church and other community areas such as the American Association on Mental Deficiency, Junior Auxiliary, American Cancer Society, The Jackson Cancer League, Goodwill Industries, Girl Scouts, Foster Grandparent Board, Jackson Symphony League, Debutante Mother's Club of Mississippi, and various committees related to my girls school. I aMississippi Early Childhood Association as well as the Southern Early Childhood Association. Currently I serve as Board President of The Univeristy of Mississippi School of Education Alumni Association and serve on The University of Mississippi Alumni Board of Directors. I am a member of Germantown United Methodist Church, and serve as a volunteer reading coach for Team Read at an inner city school and serve on the visitation team visiting first time visitiors attending our Sunday worship services.
