Bowling Green State University, Communication Sciences and Disorders, BS 2011

The University of Akron, Masters of Art in Special Education 2015

Florida Institute of Technology, Board Certified Behavior Analyst course sequence 2015

I am wrapping up my work at Bellefaire JCB at the Monarch Center for Autism and am heading to Baltimore to work in the NeuroBehavioral Unit at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. I work as a behaviorist.

I own a home in South Euclid with my fiancé.

What activities were you involved in while at SEL Schools?

Almost every extracurricular activity, but primarily Soundsation showchoir, President of Thespian Troupe #583, and Marching Band!

In what ways do you feel that SEL Schools prepared you for your future endeavors?

SEL schools prepared me in ways that I began noticing right when I got to college. First, the diverse group of students I learned along side shaped who I am today. The learning opportunities at Brush were, and are excellent. Not only could I take fascinating coursework such as African-American History and Creative Writing, but I was privileged to learn from some of the most dedicated teachers. I remember sitting in writing 102 (thanks to Brush I didn’t even have to take the introduction course) and being astounded that no one knew how to write a thesis statement-Mrs. Falkenburg would have never let that slide in her classes! Thanks to my wonderful teachers I was able to flourish in college having the confidence to tackle even the most challenging coursework. Lastly, and maybe most importantly, being an SEL student afforded me opportunities to develop and express my love of music and theater. Our involvement with the International Thespian Society shaped me immensely into the person I am today.

What are some of your favorite memories, teachers, or classes from SEL Schools?

All of them? Advanced creative writing with Mrs. Kaprosy was definitely one of my favorite classes. Band camp, being in all-ohio musicals, directing shows, hanging out with Mr. Bubnow in the AV department, everything that happened with Mrs. Falkenburg…

If there was one thing you wish people knew about SEL Schools, what would it be?

Currently, one of my best friends is the vocal music director for Brush which keeps me involved  with the school. I wish people knew that it hasn’t truly changed. Fundamentally, all of the aspects that made my experience so great are still there; the teachers, the classes, and the extracurriculars are all still thriving. Education is what you make of it, and the SEL school district puts it all on the table, but it’s up to parents to instill the drive in their kids to take full advantage of what is being offered.