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CommentsHi, I am Linda Coleman and I Direct the Assistive Technology & Telecommunications Program (AT&T) at the UNM Center for Development & Disability. The AT&T Program is working in partnership with Project DISCUSS to develop a Website to support Project DISCUSS participants statewide and to look beyond the scope of the current project toward an on-line course using the methods and materials developed by the project. I want to hear from you about how the Website can support you in your work throughout the state. The AT&T Program is available to help you connect to the World Wide Web (WWW) and to assist you in using the WWW to access information, technical assistance and support in your work in autism. You can contact me by e-mail at lcoleman@unm.edu , by phone at 505-272-8087. The CDD is located at 2300 Menaul Blvd., NE. Name: Pat Osbourn, MA, CCC-SLP, CommentsTITLE: Senior Program Manager, Project Director (Project Discuss) Educational Background: I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology at California State University - Los Angeles. I received a minor in Special Education. I became interested in educational testing and became certified as an Educational Diagnostician at the University of New Mexico. Previous Job Experience: I have been a speech-language pathologist for 20 (!?!) years. I spent the first part of that time in private practice seeing both children and adults. During the early 90s, with the coming of managed care and insurance capitation rates, I gave up my private practice to work at the University of New Mexico with the New Mexico Preschool Infant Evaluation Team (PIE). I have worked on a variety of projects since coming to the University including a NM State Department Grant, "Ensuring Inclusion". I am the core faculty for speech-language pathology on the NM LEND grant, which is an interdisciplinary, leadership education program in neurodevelopmental disabilities. In this capacity, I work with graduate fellows from eleven disciplines. As part of this graduate education program, I supervise students in the Autism Assessment Clinic here at the Center for Development and Disabilities. In addition to directing Project DISCUSS, I provide training through the NM Autism Program on a variety of topics related primarily to the education of children and individuals with autism. Personal: I have two children; Erin is 17 and will be graduating from high school this year; Valerie is 11 and is a 6th grade student. Like everyone, I spend a lot of my weekends going to activities that my children are involved in such as soccer games, dramatic presentations, recitals, etc. I am always looking for a new challenge in the area of personal fitness and relaxation; my husband and I recently took up golf -- this is clearly a game that takes a lifetime to master! My oldest daughter and I are taking a fitness-boxing course together - very empowering! My all-time favorite pastime is reading; I am in a book group with like-minded women who meet monthly (at Double Rainbow) to discuss our latest reading endeavor. Name: Polly Marmon-Canive CommentsI was born in the Indian Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico over 50 years ago. I was educated in Catholic Schools through college and began working in Montessori Schools in 1968. I was the first American Montessori Intern at Escuela Del Sol Montessori School. A five year old girl with Autism was fully included in my practicum classroom of fifteen typical 2 1/2 - 6 year old students. In 1978 I earned an MA in Special Education from UNM and have taught since then in self-contained primary and intermediate classrooms in the Albuquerque Public Schools. Name: Karen "Cal" Wright CommentsI am Karen "Cal" Wright and presently I am a facilitator for Project DISCUSS at the Center for Development & Disability (CDD), and I am enjoying every minute of it! When I am not facilitating for Project DISCUSS, I work at the CDD in the following capacities: 1) as the Training Coordinator for contracted training's at the Autism Program, which includes coordination of the Horn Autism Lecture Series; 2) a member of the Autism Program leadership team; 3) the Coordinator for the Duke Genetic Research Study providing research in the cause of autism through the study of multiplex families, and 4) the Training and Technical Assistance team leader for the 12 programs at the CDD. I have worked for the Autism Program in a number of different capacities since 1992. I enjoy the training, teaching and family relationships I have built over the years. Prior to working at the University of New Mexico, I worked as the Associate Director for the New Mexico Easter Seal Society, in charge of programs. As of the summer of 1999, I will have worked with and for persons with developmental disabilities and their families, for 25 years. I have 15 credits towards a Masters Degree in Special Education, from the University of New Mexico. I hold a Masters Degree from the University of Louisville in the area of Community Development. I received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of California, Davis campus, in Environmental Planning and Management/Parks and Recreation Administration. I am a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, an affiliated trainer for the North Carolina TEACCH Program, and is a Certified Camp Director, specializing in therapeutic camping, from the American Camping Association. I enjoy most the time I spend with my family, which includes two young children. Leisure activities that we enjoy include learning about life through exposure to a variety of activities, camping, and hiking gardening, and traveling throughout the country and the world. I continue to learn, grow, and develop as a person through my contact with people throughout the world. Name: Kathleen "Mo" Taylor CommentsI have been a Registered Occupational Therapist for the past 12 years. I presently work with the UNM Center for Development & Disability (CDD)/Autism Program providing training on Sensory Integration in Autism and Structured Teaching Methodology. I am one of the core staff of Project DISCUSS. I facilitate, mentor and develop the curriculum for school personnel around persons with autism. I operate my own private Occupational Therapy practice, specializing in children and adults with Pervasive Developmental Disorder/Autism. In this practice, I emphasize the importance of families and therapists working together. Types of therapy include aquatic therapy, community based skills instruction, social groups, residential living skills, school consultation and training, and home consultation. I came to Albuquerque, New Mexico (in my 1967 Nova) from Michigan after graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from Western Michigan University. The training and workshop topics that I incorporate into my present work include: the practical use of sensory integration, cranial-sacral therapy and muscle energy work, structured teaching techniques and methodology, various behavior techniques, social tools for persons with higher functioning autism, and social story concepts. I am a trainer for the North Carolina TEACCH Program and I currently train 1-2 times per year around the country. I love my work and feel that each of the children, adults and families I have come in contact with have taught me what I know and use today! My greatest challenge in life is to fit my work responsibilities into two and a half days a week so that I can spend the remainder of my time being a mom. I am the parent of two beautiful girls (ages 2 and 5 years), an old white dog that wants to go everywhere in the car, and a cat that thinks he is a dog. I would be more than happy to correspond regarding motherhood as well as autism. Name: Wendy Kalberg, M.A., CED, CommentsEducational Background: I put off my education in order to raise my children. Once they were both in school full time, I went back to school to finish a Liberal Arts degree and then Masters program in Family Studies. In my Masters program I focused on the assessment of preschool children. To become better equipped to test all ages of children, I became certified as an Educational Diagnostician after I completed my Masters program. Previous Job Experience: A friend and I developed an after school program in Los Alamos, NM to help the latchkey children in the White Rock area. That program is still going strong 15 years later! After I finished my education, I worked as a Child Life Counselor at Children’s Hospital of New Mexico and from there I joined the staff of the UNM/CDD New Mexico Preschool and Infant Evaluation Team (PIE) as a cognitive evaluator. I left the PIE Team to work on Model Development Grants for children with disabilities which led me to my current position as a Facilitator with the DISCUSS Project. In addition to the time I spend with Project DISCUSS, I am a Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Researcher with the UNM Center on Alcoholism Substance Abuse and Addiction. The research project I am part of is studying Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in four American Indian tribes in the Western United States. Personal: Children and Stepchildren: Kirstin and Jake (son-in-law) are both 25 years old. Lisa is 20 years old. Kristen is 15 years old. Mike is 14 years old. Hobbies: Music and gardening Special Interests: Children and families, and flowers Special Talents: Piano playing, sewing and needlework Name: Maryann Trott CommentsI am a behavior consultant with the Albuquerque Public Schools. I have been serving in this position since 1993 concentrating primarily on students with severe disabilities including students with autism. Prior to 1993, I worked as an educational consultant with Albuquerque Therapy Services where I gained great practical experience in working with students who have sensory processing deficits. I am the author of SenseAbilites: understanding sensory integration. I have been a classroom teacher since 1975. I previously have taught in the Albuquerque Public Schools and the Espanola Municipal School System. I have always worked with students with severe disabilities. In addition to sensory processing my other areas of interest and expertise are systematic instruction, applied behavior analysis, toilet training and other unattractive behaviors. I present at professional meetings and teacher workshops statewide and nationally. I am married to Wayne, a member of the technical staff at Sandia Labs. My son Dan, is a senior at Albuquerque High where he is captain of the swim team. Dan has a number of sensory processing deficits that have provided practical examples and learning experiences for Maryann. My daughter, Elise, is in the 8th grade at Albuquerque Academy where she concentrates on art, music and having a wonderful time. In addition to working with, and learning about, individuals with disabilities, I am involved in church activities, helping with all kinds of kid activities, traveling and reading. Name: Neal Lieberman CommentsHi. I am currently working at Corrales Elementary School (which is a part of APS) as the inclusion consultant. I started working this job last year part time with Liz Keefe. This year I am trying to hold the position down by myself as Liz has gone to full time at UNM. I received my M.A. in Special Education about 1-1/2 to 2 years ago. I originally was planning on becoming a business major, but started working at RIATT at UNM (RIATT then stood for Research Institute of Assistive Technology and Training). I think the acronym meaning has changed since then. I worked at RIATT for two years and started to take courses in Special Education which I really enjoyed. Everything else lead up to where I am today. I also have a B.A. in Communications/Theater emphasis. I worked as a bank teller for 7 years, and was working during 4 robberies. I lived in California for 7 years and was there during the riots, fires, flood, and the last big earthquake. I collect stamps and comics and love entering contests. I am considering getting another Masters in Educational Counseling and a Ph.d. in Administration. Not quite sure what the road ahead holds for me though. I am a strong advocate for inclusion, and work in an inclusion program. I truly believe it can work if you have the right supports, attitude, and people. Talk to you all soon. Neal Name: J. David Nelson CommentsI am David. At this time I am living in Albuquerque's war zone (which has included death threats against my being) but it is a delightful oasis of trees and other things green, colorful and beautiful after years of living in beautiful but desert lands. Currently I am employed as an educational diagnostician at Atrisco Elementary School. Born in Alabama I grew up in a missionary household and attended 9 different public schools in 11 years of schooling in three states and one foreign country. I have five female siblings, four of whom live in the southwest U.S. and my youngest sibling lives in Atlanta. My parents moved back here a year ago and continue to be moving forces in my life, as do all my siblings. I am an early childhood care and education provider turned kindergarten teacher turned special educator turned evaluator. I have worked in private, state, federal and tribal educational programs since the seventies in programs, schools or state level administration for students birth through age twenty-two and their families. I have always tried to remain a generalist while keying in on different low incidence population needs on an as needed basis. As such I have been able to work through Arizona's school for the Deaf and Blind and New Mexico's school for the visually handicapped as a family support for families far distant from the centers of expertise in either Albuquerque, Tucson or Alamogordo. At present I am in daily contact with students with Autism or other pervasive developmental disorders. I am participating in DISCUSS because I have an urgent need to know a lot more than I do about Autism and the associated PDDs. Having a sibling with a lifelong disability with a childhood onset definitely colors my professional dealings with children, families, providers and the myriad systems involved. I enjoy most the time I spend with my boyfriend and family. My leisure activities include hiking and camping in this delightful region I live in, gardening in my little oasis and getting the house ready to put on the market so I can get out from under a dangerous living arrangement. Name: Mary McHenry CommentsI am a bilingual kindergarten teacher at both Sweeney Elementary and Cesar Chavez Elementary in Santa Fe. I became interested in this course when a child came into my classroom who we thought may possibly have Asperger's syndrome. He has been such a special addition to my teaching experience and I love working with him. However, I know that there is much more I could help him with and I want to learn how. I am looking forward to the next seven weeks and know I will get a lot out of them! Please email me if you have any suggestions or comments about working with children with Asperger's. Thanks! Name: Carol S. Romero CommentsI am a Special Education teacher at Valley High School. I have a small class (6 students) all whom have severely disabling conditions. In addition, I am the mother of three daughters and one grand daughter. The oldest of my children, Daria is developmentally disabled. She works 2 jobs, belongs to three clubs, bowls, does art work and was named Civitan of the Year for her club. She is by far the busiest member of our family. I returned to college in my 40s, determined to achieve the certification to teach students with special needs. I was never disappointed with any of Daria's teachers and I wanted to impart whatever we had given Daria to others. I have taught in a treatment center for children with severe emotional disabilities and worked as a vocational coordinator at Goodwill. Years ago, I worked at P&A, a position that was enjoyable and very challenging. I am quite interested in the content and learning in Project DISCUSS, as I believe that the theories, practices and certainly attitudes are applicable to many of the students that we serve. I have watched many changes in the field of special education and waged many battles on behalf of my daughter and many others. Our toil has been great and the changes just beginning to float to the surface. I have been so impressed with the staff of the Autism Program and look forward to applying what this course will teach but also what the future brings for the students in our homes and schools. I enjoy gardening, reading, computers and research in the area of gender roles in juvenile literature. We are just at the beginning of receiving DD waiver services and I am curious what I will do with 864 hours of respite a year. I intend to make the best of it, as the past 25 years have been spent with one, two or all three of our children. Daria is looking forward to the opportunities that await her. Name: Pamela Schackel CommentsI'm a Licensed Independent Social Worker employed by the Santa Fe Public Schools. I am married to Michael Golden, an attorney, and we have three grown children. I am taking this course to learn more about children with autism. I am excited at the prospect of learning with teachers, other related service providers, and parents. I think it will an incredible opportunity to glean information from different perspectives. I was probably a born social worker. My mom tells of the time when I was in third grade and I brought home a girl from school who I thought needed a friend. I had my mom, a hair stylist, cut her hair and I took her up to my room. I gave her some of my clothes and a pair of my shoes. After dinner we took her home. Later that week, I was getting ready for school. My mother asked, "Why aren't you wearing your new shoes?" I replied, "I gave them to Liz." "She liked them, and you said I could give her some stuff." Of course, I only had two pairs of shoes: one for school and one for church. This year has been a difficult year in special education at Sant Fe Public Schools. There has been a hiring freeze and caseloads are at an all time high for social workers. My first year in the public schools I was the therapist in a Day Treatment Program. One day, I was called into the classroom because one the children had a incident and was put in the quiet room where he had been crying for some time. I was wearing a concho belt and a broom stick shirt. (Before I started working for the schools, my friend made five broom stick skirts for me. She knew that I didn't have "professional" clothes.) Before, I entered the quiet room, I removed my concho belt. I sat down on the floor with the little boy and began talking to him. Before long, he began winding himself up in my skirt. Soon after, he stopped crying and blew his nose on my skirt. That night when I got home, I told my husband that you couldn't be prissy and work for the Santa Fe Public Schools! Name: Lauren Daggett CommentsI worked in the "business world" for eleven years when my husband decided to get his Master's degree. Somehow I ended up doing the same. I have taught for seven years now. My first four years were with the 3-and 4-year olds, then 2 years with kindergarten, and now I'm with 1st and 2nd graders (all have been D-level, self-contained classrooms). Some say that I'm moving up in the world. Most of those years would have been so much easier had I already gone through the Project DISCUSS training. We have a wonderful group and learn so much from each others experiences. I really look forward to my Thursday afternoons, and I'm really excited about having an entire week of experience in someone else's classroom. What a great opportunity this has been and I would highly recommend this training to others. Name: Julia Adams CommentsI work for Santa Fe Independent School. In my youth, I spent 5 years as a teacher of adolescents and young adults with autism. I now teacher Resource Room and Assistive Technology. I became a teacher as soon as I learned to read. I would bring in all the neighbors and read to them. I still love to read. Name: Dianna Woods CommentsIn 1976, I received my BA from Cal State University at Long Beach (CA) in English Lit, French and Russian with a partial secondary credential. I had been selling real estate while I was in college and raising my daughter. My husband and I took her on a trip through Russia and Europe and North Africa. That trip changed my perspective on life and in 1979 I moved to Santa Fe for no apparent reason and got my Special Ed credential at Las Vegas Highlands. I built a house that was a round solar adobe near the Santa Fe airport and taught for a year at EJ Martinez. Then I married for the second time and had a son, Jonathan, in 1987. We moved to Hawaii for 3 years where I worked for ARC and for the State Schools teaching high school kids with behavior challenges and sed. When I moved back to Santa Fe, I began a child care business in my home on Hickox St. so I could spend more time with my 3 year old especially since his father had become ill and passed away. When Jonathan was 5, he went to kindergarten on the Navajo Reservation where I taught k-3 special ed. Both in Crownpoint and in Hawaii, I worked with people with autism. In 1997 I finished my masters in counseling at Southwestern College where I had been taking courses since 1990. I developed a genuine respect for the individual process of every person while I was there. Also because of my experiences with ARC and with children in Crownpoint who had been institutionalized I became a strong advocate of inclusion. I have worked for the Santa Fe Public Schools for 5 years and love my work, especially this year. My son is a sixth grader at Gonzales and is the light of my life. My daughter is working on a degree in physical therapy in California. I am working on fixing up an old house on the west side which has been one of my hobbies for thirty years and this summer my son and I are going to visit family in Hawaii and then on to Hong Kong and Thailand and Bali. The information I am getting through Project Discuss is making such a difference in my perceptions and decisions with the children I serve. Dianna Woods Name: Annette M. Romesburg CommentsI am a recent graduate of UNM with a Bachelors of Science in Occupational Therapy. I work with APS in one high school and three elementary schools. I proudly state that it took me sixteen years to get my college degree because I had many interesting diversions along the way. I don't know if my husband and sons (Michael, 13, and Ray, 8) would appreciate being called "interesting diversions." I became interested in occupational therapy when my youngest son began attending an infant stimulation class at eighteen months with speech and occupational therapy services. Okay, maybe that is not the WHOLE truth, I will let you in a little secret, when I lived in England, I tried out for the "Royal Academy of Dramatic Art" and I didn't get in, so I had to find a career where I could have an artistic outlet. I admit, I really don't make a good Juliet. One of the proudest moments I have had as an O.T. was when my eldest son was going through the "How does your engine run" program and he said, "That's what you do Mom, you really do understand me!" I have thoroughly enjoyed being a member of Project Discuss as I am constantly striving to be the best therapist, mom, and person that I can be. Hum? I always liked to see those big ole' fat A's on my class papers too! One of my passions is to give lectures/chats to students about understanding and accepting persons with differences. I have spoken to elementary classes and to the Public Library system about using "Person first terminology." I am a writer wanna be and have started numerous novels on subjects such as, "What were you doing the day that Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated?" "Spiritual Lessons Life Inspired" and "Teenagers do grow up and eventually move out." I have even gone as far as making up a pen name, so if you ever see a book on the clearance shelf by Annie Morgan, get it, it will be a great read. I am also interested in politics. I was the Treasury, Secretary, and President (not all at the same time) of the Student Occupational Therapy Association. I was going to run for VP of the NMOTA this year, but I am single parenting and I felt like I would be taking time away from my #1 priority, my children. There are three things that I strive for daily: I try not to take life too seriously when I don't have to, I try to see God in everything and everyone, and I try to NEVER run out of toilet paper! Name: Sarah Slaughter CommentsHello! As you know my name is Sarah Slaughter, and I teach a 3/4/5th self contained sped class at Gonzales Elementary. I was very interested in this class because I had a limited amount of information on children with autism. I knew that there was a possibility that I would be teaching an autistic student next year. I am also hoping to be able to use my knowledge to help get a job when we move back to Colorado. My husband Brian is attending acupuncture school so we are here temporarily. We love to run, ski, mountain bike, ride horses, and play with our dogs Moose and Kodi. Name: Erik Bose CommentsHello, I am a teacher at Manzano High School and I work with kids who are 15-22 years old who have been diagnosed with Autism. I am currently working on my Masters Degree in Special Education at UNM. I have attended the training for adults with Autism put on by UNM in conjunction with the University of North Carolina. I really enjoyed my experience with PROJECT DISCUSS and learned a ton of inside information that they don't teach in school. I am married and have a four year old son and we live in the center of Albuquerque and have one dog. I coach and play soccer both recreationally and professionally. Name: Patricia Avila CommentsHi I am Pat Avila and I started on a new assignment at Transition Services called CTAP for students with disabilities. My site is at Goodwill industries/APS. Bilingual/interpreter for/parent IEP conferences. Trained at Theraperive De-Escalation behavior management, Educational Research Disseminmention, Parent & Family Involvement, Managing Anti-Social behavior & Federal Standard & State standards. My family and I Are originally from El Paso, Texas. moved to Albuquerque. 10 years ago. I am educational assistant at M.H.S. for CBI Which is community base instruction for ages 18 thru 22 years old with disable students. Name: Effie Laman CommentsI am a first year teacher working and living in Hagerman. I was a returning student that has two grown daughters, a supportive husband of 29 years, and two little mutts. One daughter is married and working in the medical field in Las Vegas, NV. The other daughter is in the Navy, stationed in Great Lakes, IL. My husband is looking for a permanent job because he was laid off after working for the same company for 27 years he was laid off. I just graduated from Texas Tech in Lubbock Texas and have my teaching certification from Texas. I am working with a case load of 13 in the 6-8 setting. I love my kids and working for our SPED director, Dink Denning. Name: Debby Lieberman CommentsI recently moved to New Mexico from the San Francisco Bay Area where I taught braille and computer skills to adults with deaf-blindness. I return to California frequently to continue working with several students. I've been working and socializing with deaf-blind colleagues and friends for many years -- at the LightHouse for the Blind in San Francisco, and as active member of the Northern California Association of Deaf-Blind (NCADB), the American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB), and the Zia Deaf-Blind Club of New Mexico. I’m an active volunteer Support Services Provider (SSP) facilitating access to a great variety of “everyday life” situations. I’m often asked to function as consultant and workshop presenter on deaf-blind issues. I enjoy hiking, gardening, orchids and bonsai trees.
About the Model
For web site information contact roseh@unm.edu
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