Our Team

Roberta teaches 6th Grade at Waller Road Elementary in the Puyallup School District. Although relatively new to teaching (6th year), she loves it. Prior to teaching, Roberta worked in independent sales. She also worked for DSHS 16 years at a WA State developmental center providing private, in-home, autistic adult care services for Region Five. She loves people and interactions on all levels and arenas. Roberta is thankful for opportunity to be a part of the SESC Cadre and has found it to be “amazing”.

Sherlunda is a special education teacher at North Middle School in the Everett School District.

Jennifer has 6 years’ experience in emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) and 10 years as a Resource Teacher at Juanita High School in the Lake Washington School District. She currently supports inclusive instruction as a co-teacher for English 10 and social skills embedment in Culinary Arts. Her areas of specialty/expertise are related to Behavior, Co-teaching, Special Education Law, and Autism.

Joanna is an occupational therapist with over 24 years of experience serving the S.W. Washington community. With a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from Pacific University and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Oregon State University, Joanna has dedicated her career to improving the lives of individuals across diverse settings. Joanna's passion for advocacy and education extends beyond her clinical work, with commitment and heart for service as a parent of two neurodiverse young men. Her expertise in sensory processing, behavioral health, and inclusive practices has been instrumental in her roles on the Family and Advocate Transforming Education team and a Curriculum Developer and Trainer for the IPTN.

Amy has been teaching at Helen Baller Elementary in the Camas for 13 years, collaborating with staff, families, and community to develop individualized plans that focus on each student’s unique skills, abilities, and interests to help them find their place among their peers in the school community. She also collaborates with state agencies and organizations to educate and advocate for educational equity. Amy was recognized as WA State’s 2020 Teacher of the Year.

While learning the ropes of being a parent to a medically complex child, Jamie developed a heart for families and individuals doing the same. This led her to her job at the Arc. She has worked for the Arc of Snohomish County for over 18 years. In the position of Executive Director Director she uses her talents to walk alongside and create positive change for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families with resources and educational opportunities. Jamie also manages the Family Advocacy Team pages on this website.

Brenda starting out studying cardiology, but kept getting “bumped into other programs and somehow just could not get out of the education classes that were being offered.” She has held a number of positions with the Spokane Public Schools, since 1998: Resource Math – High School, Multi-handicapped, Orthopedically Handicapped – Elementary Level, and Special Education, Self-contained – Middle School.

Dameon has served as an Intervention Team Assistant for Kent School District and a Para Educator in the ASC, currently working as a case manager and academic advisor for a high school completion program at Green River College, and a high school athletic sports coach. He has helped develop academic transfer career/technical, developmental, and high school/GED options. Dameon has experience working with various developmental disabilities and behavior issues. As a Mall Safety Mentor for GEM, he has also assisted youth in linking career and life goals to educational programs. He has trained other staff on how to work with the developmentally disabled, as well in de-escalation and the safety techniques. Dameon is currently completing a BA in Human Services, and Youth Development.

Aneeka Ferrell is the recruitment coordinator for the Renton School District which extends to serving on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team. She is also an active leader in professional associations, as Vice President of the Renton Professional Technical Association and a Board Director for both the Rainier Uniserv Council and the WEA. Nationally, she serves as a Board Director with the National Education Association. Aneeka is a state and nationwide equity trainer, spearheading initiatives that address racial and social justice within educational settings. She leads the Curriculum and Professional Development cadre for the WEA’s Emergency Substitute Teacher Project. Her educational equity-focused contributions include being a core team member of the Rainier Educators of Color Network Equity Team. Aneeka holds a double Master’s Degree in Business and Public Administration along with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications.

Joan taught high school resource room and elementary general education. She currently teaches 7th-grade core literacy and reading intervention classes. With this broad educational background serving students at various levels, Joan has developed a deep understanding of student supports needed to gain access to standards. Research passions include UDL, standards, John Hattie’s Visible Learning, High Leverage Practices, and how these elements of education intersect with equity to provide the best outcomes for all students.

Anna (she/her) has a Ph.D. in School Psychology from Syracuse University as well as Superintendent Credentials from Gonzaga University. She serves as the lead school psychologist for the Spokane Public Schools and has taught a number of courses, many of them pertaining to her focus of MTSS, for Gonzaga University, Eastern Washington University, WEA, and the Spokane Public Schools. Dr. Fritts is currently serving on OSPI’s school psychology review team for the TAP papers regarding using MTSS as part of a comprehensive evaluation to identify Specific Learning Disabilities.

Rebecca previously worked as a Special Education teacher and a K-12 Life Skills coordinator in the Bellevue School District. She holds a BS in K-6 Primary Collaboration and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), a masters degree in ECSE, and a masters in Administration. Rebecca is Nationally Board Certified in the area of ECYA/ENS Sever/Multiple for ages-21 and has worked in a multitude of environments fron K-12 to higher ed. She has served as a head coach for Special Olympics for 10+ years.

Suzanne has a Masters Degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Nova Southeastern University, and Bachelors Degrees in Elementary Education and Communication Disorders from Eastern Washington University. She has 24 years experience in K-12 education: 9 years as a General Ed Teacher in a variety of grade levels, and 15 years as a Speech-Language Pathologist.

Al has been teaching Science, STEM, and Math for 31 years; currently teaching 5th and 6th grade STEM at Chimacum Elementary. He was National Board Certified Early Adolescent Generalist, in 2004. Al has received 49 grants to enhance the classroom experience through outdoor field science work. He has certifications as a Google Educator Level 2, Classcraft Ambassador and Educator Level 2, Pear Deck Ambassador, Bloomz Ambassador, Minecraft Global Mentor, and Esports Leader; and was named NCCE’s Outstanding Technology Educator of the Year in 2021.

Colleen earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Michigan Technological University and began her teaching career in Michigan. For more than two decades, she has been teaching at Prairie High School in Vancouver, WA. Colleen especially enjoys teaching Geometry and AP Statistics. She recently earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership/Administration and regularly participates on math leadership teams. Colleen serves on several Extended Workshop Design Teams and is a member of the Family Advocacy Team.

Shefali has been in education for more than 25 years, includes as a general education teacher, substitute teacher, special education teacher, and WEA Cadre member. Her experience in special education provided invaluable insight into ensuring that all students have access to quality education and truly feel a sense of belonging to their school community. Shefali has been with the WEA since 2015 serving in various cadres to develop relevant and meaningful content and deliver trainings to empower educators to create more inclusive and effective learning environments. As a volunteer at Seattle's Children's Hospital she supports adults with disabilities and provides an ongoing commitment to making a positive difference in people's lives.

As a Special Services Compliance & Safety Net Facilitator for the Everett School District, Marisol is responsible for supporting, training, and monitoring special education teachers and related staff providers in the writing of IEPs – monitoring IEP compliance for all high need students. She is a National Board Certified Teacher in ECYA/ENS Mild/Moderate for ages 5-21, with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education. Marisol has taught students with various disabilities in multiple classroom settings: K-8 Resource, 6-8 Extended Resource, and 3-5 Behavior Support.

Ainsley (she/her) is an educator with over a decade of experience in public education, supporting language, literacy, executive functioning, communication, and assistive technology skills at the secondary level. As a disabled and neurodivergent educator, her work centers neurodiversity and disability justice to improve inclusionary practices for all students. She also serves as a member of the Family Advocacy Team. Ainsley earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2010, and her MA in Speech and Hearing Sciences in 2013, both from Washington State University.

Heather is an Elementary Para Educator with more than 10 years experience as a preschool teacher, tutor with the AmeriCorps program, and para in both elementary and high school resource rooms. She currently works in a self-contained special education classroom both in-person and online. Heather is a parent of an adult child with a physical disability. During the school years she learned how parents can navigate the system to assure that their child’s classroom needs are met. During her time in special education Heather has grown in knowledge through both the SESC classes, experience, and her own research.

Martha is a middle school special education teacher in the Central Kitsap School District, currently co-teaching math with general education colleagues. A veteran educator, she has taught elementary and secondary special education in both resource and self contained programs. Martha is passionate about disability rights and social justice, and dedicated to expanding inclusionary practices for students and educators. She has lobbied and testified in both Olympia and in Washington DC on special education issues. Ms Patterson has served on both the WEA and NEA Board of Directors, and was recently appointed to NEA’s Disability Rights Resource Cadre.

Laura teaches Special Education in Monroe, Washington. In this role, she co-teaches at the middle school level in an inclusion setting with general educators. Previously, Laura was a middle school Life Skills teacher, working with students with moderate to significant disabilities, and has also worked in a high school Resource Room. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Gonzaga University, and a Master’s Degree from Walden University. Laura has been an SESC trainer since 2021. She also serves as a member of the Family Advocacy Team.

Danae, a National Board Certified Exceptional Needs Specialist P-12, is a Special Education and Early Learning Facilitator in Shelton, Washington. With a BA in Deaf and Bilingual Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education, she brings extensive experience from teaching at all levels PreK-21yrs and various special education contexts, including local and international consultation. As a parent of a child with significant disabilities, Danae is deeply passionate about equitable and inclusive education. She also serves on the Family Advocacy Team.

Meagan is a middle school teacher in the Ellensburg School District. She has been teaching for 5 years in a variety of inclusive settings. Meagan is currently a general education math teacher with a focus in co-teaching and inclusion. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education P – 12 and Middle Level Mathematics from Central Washington University and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University.

Tammie Schrader is a Regional Science Coordinator at Educational Service District 101, in Spokane, Washington, as well as an adjunct science methods instructor at Gonzaga University. She taught Life Science as well as Computer Programming, Gaming Programming, and Robotics.

Heidi has several degrees from Washington State University – endorsed in both Early Childhood General Education and Early Childhood Special Education. Over her career, Heidi has taught K-5 Resource Room, A K-5 Life Skills class, General Education Kindergarten, General Education 1st grade and Special Education Preschool. She currently teaches an alternative classroom for preschool students on the Autism Spectrum and coaches in an inclusive preschool classroom. Heidi recently launched a consulting business assisting new Special Education Teachers with classroom organization and teaching strategies.

Adam works in the Tukwila School District serving students with various academic, social, and behavioral needs and disabilities/learning differences in resource and inclusion school settings. Previously, he taught five years in general education. Adam holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Gonzaga University, and took his learning to the University of Portland to earn a Master’s Degree in Reading and Elementary Education through the Pacific Alliance for Catholic Education (PACE) program. Recently, he earned an additional Master’s Degree in Middle School Mathematics through Western Governors University (WGU).

Cassondra currently supports Battle Ground teachers with technology integration in the classroom as their educational technology coordinator, or tech TOSA. In this role, she leads professional development, provides one-on-one coaching, and creates resources. She was previously a classroom teacher for K-8 art. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Pepperdine University and studied art history and archaeology at the University of Oregon before getting her Master’s in Teaching at Concordia University.

Joan is a middle school teacher in the Ellensburg School District. She works with students with moderate and significant disabilities, and is an adjunct instructor at Central Washington University. Joan earned a Bachelor’s degree from Central Washington University and a Master’s degree from City University. She is National Board Certified as an Exceptional Needs Specialist, Severe and Multiple Disabilities. Joan has been in education 25+ years, teaching students with all levels of abilities and in a variety of inclusive settings. Joan’s husband, Steve, is also a teacher. They have 4 children, 2 dogs, plus several horses and mules.

Lauren received her master’s degree in Communication Disorders from Louisiana State University. She is currently working as a Teacher on Special Assignment and Assistive Technology Specialist in Bethel School District, providing professional development and job-embedded coaching to school teams to promote inclusion and equitable access for their students. Lauren has been a member of the cadre since 2020.

Beth teaches in the Wenatchee Valley Community Transitions program. She’s worked with middle and high school students, and currently, with 18-21 year-olds. Beth has taught in Spokane Public Schools, Mead School District, Wenatchee School District, and serves as an Adjunct Professor and Course Developer at Eastern Washington University. She’s a Course Developer and Trainer for both the WEA Special Education Cadre and Inclusionary Practices Project. Beth is a National Board Certified Teacher; having received awards from Eastern Washington University and ARC of Spokane. She’s also a successful grant writer for her district.

Mikena is a Behavior Analyst and SpEd director with a passion for fostering inclusive environments and advocating for marginalized and historically disadvantaged people both within schools and in the community. Mikena is deeply committed to addressing the unique challenges that marginalized communities face and believes in creating spaces where cultural competence is celebrated, advocating for a holistic approach to behavior analysis and special education that embraces cultural diversity. She plays a pivotal role in designing and implementing programs that meet the diverse needs of students. Her hands-on experience has demonstrated the transformative power of inclusive education and behavior intervention strategies. Mikena believes in the power of collaboration to amplify the voices of those who are otherwise silenced.

Emily teaches in Wenatchee. Having taught in various special education settings since 2004 – from life skills at high school level, and resource rooms at both elementary and secondary, she is now in an inclusive setting at the preschool level. Emily earned National Board Certification in Early Childhood to Young Adult Exceptional Needs Specialist in 2019, and has been a member of the WEA Special Education Cadre since 2019. This year, she is serving a Program Coach and Data Coordinator for the Washington Pyramid Model Grant.

Currently in the Tukwila School District, Micheal has worked in Special Education for 12 years supporting students with a variety of cognitive, physical, social and behavioral needs. He’s worked with with organizations providing mentorship to youth and has spent the last 7 years as a district resource guiding Educators through the process of developing, modifying and implementing behavior supports for students.

Mark is a life long special educator who previously served as Coordinator of Special Programs for the WEA. Since retirement, Mark has continued his interest in special education by serving as a Special Education trainer, advisor, and critical friend, for the WEA Special Education Support Center.

Gary has served in various roles in support of WEA projects and programs, beginning in the mid-80s with the Restructuring Schools initiative and later with the NEA Keys to Excellence program. For more than a decade, he has been a consultant to the Special Education Support Center in the design, maintenance, and promotion of the SESC website, and in the facilitation of online support for the WEA Special Ed Cadre.

Pat has extensive experience as a special educator in the public schools of Washington State and as the special education coordinator for the Washington Education Association. Responsibilities included designing and providing training to educators on a wide range of special ed topics. Pat has a strong background in school improvement, special education service models, and instruction – currently consulting with several school districts, agencies and educational organizations, and the WEA Special Ed Support Center.