PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Research Associate, North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities (NDCPD),
Minot State University—August 2021-Present
Paraprofessional, Minot Public Schools, Edison Elementary— Jan-May 2021
Assist special educator/case manager in providing instructional and therapeutic
duties as assigned. Completed CPI training in February 2021 and became certified
paraprofessional.
Family Faculty, Minot State University — 2010-Present
Co-Teach SPED 234 course entitled "Disabilities and Society”—a course that
covers the full spectrum of disability from birth through death. As co-instructor, teach
students from a family perspective to enrich the content presented by SPED faculty.
URLEND Family Faculty, Utah State University — 2013 - 2018
The Utah Regional LEND, (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and
related Disabilities) training program covering a five-state region. As a faculty member,
provide input, training, and guidance to trainees from a family perspective about children
with disabilities.
Project Implementer, NDCPD, Minot State University — 2012-2016
Acquired grant funding to design and implement two projects: an inclusion and
bullying prevention program called the Buddy Bunch in partnership with Pathfinders
Parent Center and Minot Public Schools (MPS) and a peer advocacy project called PAVE:
Peer Advocacy Voices Empower at four middle schools across ND.
Assistant Director, Rehab Services. Inc, (RSI) — 1990-2000
Assisted people with disabilities in finding and keeping competitive employment,
Coordinated and presented Job Clubs for clients, Managed programs including
employment for people with disabilities, treatment programs, Restore Thrift Store, grant
writing, personnel, and financial records. Coordinated CARF Accreditation process;
Promoted agency writing marketing materials. Coordinated volunteers in variety of
programs.
Business & Language Arts Teacher —1986-89
Business & Language Arts middle school/high school teacher in Bowbells, North
Dakota, and Surrey, North Dakota. Developed lesson plans, presented material, graded
papers, and worked with students at a various learning capacities. Also, worked closely
with students on IEP’s, Yearbook Advisor, and as an advisor to many other
extracurricular activities
VOLUNTEER & TRAINING
School volunteer in elementary schools. Partners in Policymaking Graduate; LEND
graduate; Experienced Parent; Family Voices Family Leadership Training; Served as
Member for Dr. Carver’s Medical Home. Nominated by Senators Heidi Heitkamp and
John Hoeven to receive North Dakota’s Angels in Adoption award recipient for 2015.
Main Speaker for Bloom Event, May 2019.
EDUCATION
Minot State University, 1986, Business Education Degree, minor in English; Vocational
Certification; graduated Magna Cum Laude
