Our Team

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

Joanna has been an Occupational Therapist in Washington State for over 25 years. Her practice has had special focus on autism, sensory processing, behavior and inclusion, but her most influential teachers have been her sons and people in the disability community. She is an advocate and ally with day-to-day experience in navigation of educational, healthcare, legal and crisis systems both personally and professionally. She lives in Vancouver, Washington.

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.

Dameon has served as an Intervention Team Assistant for the Kent School District and a Para Educator in the ASC. He is currently working as a case manager and academic advisor for a high school completion program at Green River College, as well as an A2Mend Advisor. His significant role in developing academic transfer, career/technical, developmental, and high school/GED options showcases his expertise and dedication. Dameon has experience working with various developmental disabilities and behavior issues. As a community mentor, he has helped youth connect their career and life goals to educational programs. He has trained other staff on how to work with individuals with developmental disabilities, as well as in de-escalation and safety techniques. Dameon is currently completing a BA in Human Services and Youth Development.

Aneeka Ferrell is a highly accomplished educational leader, curriculum developer, and national equity trainer with a deep commitment to systemic justice and institutional transformation. Her distinguished career is marked by over a decade of high-level service and governance within state and national education associations. Aneeka serves as a lead curriculum developer and trainer on several Washington Education Association training cadres, spearheading initiatives that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and access for educators across the state. She continues to lead on the local, state, and national level as a sought-after nationwide equity trainer. Her extensive leadership experience includes having served as a Board Director for the Rainier Uniserv Council, the Washington Education Association, and the National Education Association, as well as having served as Vice President of her local association. Aneeka holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and double Master’s Degrees in Business Administration and Public Administration.

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.

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.

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.

Michelle works in the Olympia school district at Pioneer elementary school as a first grade teacher part-time, and a substitute teacher part-time. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University and a Master's Degree in Instructional Technology from the University of Colorado, Denver. She recently completed her Washington State Special Education Endorsement. Michelle has taught professional development to Emergency-Certificated Substitute Educators across the state of Washington for the past 3 years with the WEA Emergency Substitute Educator Cadre.

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.

Kelly is a dedicated special education teacher supporting students with developmental and intellectual disabilities. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities for Teaching from Seattle University, a Master’s degree in Severe and Low-Incidence Disabilities from the University of Washington, and National Board Certification as an Exceptional Needs Specialist. Kelly’s commitment to inclusive education is deeply personal. Growing up with siblings with disabilities, she witnessed both the power of meaningful inclusion and the challenges families face in segregated settings. These early experiences continue to shape her professional practice and fuel her advocacy for equitable, inclusive learning environments for all students.

Heidi is a passionate educator with a lifelong commitment to helping every child thrive. A proud Washington State University graduate with a degree in Education and a Master’s in Exceptional Children from Western Washington University, Heidi’s career spans an 40 years in education. Heidi holds teaching endorsements in General Education, Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and Early Childhood Special Education, and has taught everything from Kindergarten and 1st grade to K–5 Resource and Life Skills classes, as well as Developmental Preschool. Heidi has also shared her expertise as a professor at Wenatchee Valley College and has been a dedicated Inclusionary Practices team member since 2017. In the final five years of her career, Heidi served as a Practice-Based Coach for Early Childhood, supporting educators in creating inclusive, nurturing classrooms. Now recently retired, Heidi continues to inspire others with her knowledge, enthusiasm, warmth, and unwavering belief that all children should be celebrated and included in all aspects of life!

With over 16 years of experience in special education and clinical behavioral health, Trisha is deeply committed to fostering inclusion and equity in every space she serves. Her passion lies in empowering individuals of all abilities to thrive through compassionate support, collaborative problem-solving, and evidence-based practices. Trisha believes that meaningful change begins with understanding, and strives to create environments where everyone feels valued, heard, and capable of success. Trisha has worked in a multitude of settings including Pre-K-12, Tribal School, Consulting, and currently works in Behavioral Health Case Management.

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.

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.