Staff Spotlight Series

Q: Background Info: Education and Work Experience

I attended Illinois State University and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education. I also received a Masters Degree from National Louis University in Early Childhood Education Leadership and Advocacy. I spent the past 25 years teaching in district #187 in North Chicago. I was fortunate to work with many paraprofessionals, teachers, therapists, families, students, and administrators. I learned important lessons from all of them. I am grateful for those years. Last year I came to ELC in order to help open up a new life skills classroom in district #114 in Fox Lake.  The administrative team knew that I was close to being able to retire but were still interested in having me join the team. I am grateful for having that chance.

Q: What does a typical Day look like for you as a Case Manager?

I spend my day teaching in a classroom for students that are mainly kindergarten and first graders who have qualified for our life skills program. I get to support my students with an amazing team of paraprofessionals and service providers including a speech and language pathologist, a social worker, a physical therapist, and an occupational therapist. I learn so much from all of them and our students are showing growth because they have a strong team supporting them and rooting for them each day.

Q: What has been your most memorable moment at the Exceptional Learners Collaborative so far?

Since I came from a district where I was one of the only SPED teachers in my building and the only teacher who had my exact position, my most memorable moment at ELC so far was actually my first day. I met all of these other therapists and staff members who were all comfortable with special education. It was wonderful  for me to be around a team of professionals who were all there to support exceptional learners. Our professional development was going to be relevant to how we could support our specific students. This was new for me even though I was a veteran teacher. I have to mention that we were fed really well. I took pictures of the spread! There was a cup at the table for me that had these words on it, "Pam in my ELC era". It has been a great era indeed!

Q: What’s one thing you’re excited about in the coming school year?

I have a strong belief in advocating for each students' voice. I have had the privilege to work with some inspiring speech and language pathologists over the years who have helped me to become more comfortable and skilled at modeling for my students how to navigate their AAC devices. My students are making exciting progress already this year with their "talkers". I am looking forward to seeing the growth that will happen in terms of their ability to communicate new information like wants, needs, silly ideas and of course protesting. The ability to communicate more independently with their families and our staff is so rewarding!

Q: What is a fun fact or interest about yourself?

After almost 30 years of teaching, I will be retiring at the end of this school year. I feel very lucky to have been able to finish out my career with the ELC in such a supportive environment. Fun fact, to celebrate my newly retired status this fall I will be going on an exciting adventure...an Alaskan cruise!

Q: Background Info: Education and Work Experience

I earned my master’s degree from UIC–Jane Addams and have worked in both non-profit and school settings. I have 18 years experience supporting students across all age groups, from pre-K through transition. This is my sixth school year with the Exceptional Learners Collaborative, all of which I have spent at Stevenson, where I provide direct services to students in the Transition Program and the Structured Program. I am passionate about supporting students in identifying their strengths and challenges, developing plans to address those challenges, and working collaboratively with students to achieve their personal goals. I am especially committed to helping students find their voices and build healthy confidence, empowering them to become more independent in their futures.

Q: What Does a Typical Day Look Like for You as a Social Worker?

Although my days are thoughtfully planned, they are always flexible to meet the needs of my students. I provide a variety of services, including individual support in both office and natural environments, small group support, and SEL coaching during Community Based Instruction (CBI).

Q: What Has Been Your Most Memorable Moment at the Exceptional Learners Collaborative So Far?

Some of my most memorable moments have been observing students apply their skills in natural environments alongside their peers.

Q: What’s One Thing You’re Excited About in the Coming School Year?

I enjoy working with students and their families and am excited to continue supporting them in meaningful ways throughout our time together.

Q: What is a fun fact or interest about yourself?

I am on a mission to visit as many National Parks as I can!

Q: Background Info: Education and Work Experience

I completed my undergrad degree at Purdue University and received my Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis from Ball State University. I started in ABA in 2017 as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) working in an Autism clinic in Indiana. In 2019 I finished my Masters and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). I spent a few years working as a clinical supervisor for various ABA companies providing clinic, in-home, and school services in Indiana and Southern California. In July 2024 I moved back to the Midwest and began working as a full-time school-based BCBA in Illinois.

Q: What Does a Typical Day Look Like for You as a BCBA?

A typical day for me as an ELC West BCBA includes supporting staff and students, collaborating with case managers and related services, completing classroom observations and staff coaching, and collecting/analyzing LOTS OF DATA.

Q: What Has Been Your Most Memorable Moment at the Exceptional Learners Collaborative So Far?

My most memorable moments at ELC so far have been joining our community based instruction trips to see our learners use their skills in the community and attending a leadership and collaboration conference with a few colleagues over the summer.

Q: What’s One Thing You’re Excited About in the Coming School Year?

I'm excited to continue watching our students learn and meet their goals.

Q: What is a fun fact or interest about yourself?

I love to spend my free time with my family and my 2 dogs. I got a puppy in July that keeps me very busy!

Q: Background Info: Education and Work Experience

I hold a master's degree in Communication Disorders from Northern Illinois University and have worked in education for the past twenty-five years. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with students at all grade levels. For the last nine years, I have worked with the Exceptional Learners Collaborative, where I assist young adults in the transition program, helping them prepare for post secondary life.

Q: What Does a Typical Day Look Like for You as a Speech-Language Pathologist?

As a speech-language pathologist, I spend my days helping students improve their functional language, conversational skills, social awareness, and interpersonal abilities, providing services individually or in small groups, both in the classroom and out in the community. Flexibility is essential, as no two days are the same—each day is shaped by my students' unique goals and needs. I collaborate daily with teachers, paraprofessionals, and parents to develop strategies that support language growth and ensure its generalization across various settings.

Q: What Has Been Your Most Memorable Moment at the Exceptional Learners Collaborative So Far?

My most memorable moment at Exceptional Learners Collaborative may not have been the happiest, but it was certainly one of the most impactful. During the COVID-19 shutdown, our organization faced numerous challenges, but my incredible colleagues and teammates rose to the occasion! We worked tirelessly alongside students and families to figure out how to deliver the best services we could under such difficult circumstances. The work was demanding, the days were long, and creativity was essential, especially as we adapted to new platforms, methods, and tools. It was a challenging time, but the pride I have in our collective commitment and dedication will stay with me forever.

Q: What’s One Thing You’re Excited About in the Coming School Year?

I'm always excited to see the progress my students make each year.  It's incredibly rewarding to watch them develop, mature, and gain independence, especially as they apply what they've learned in real-life situations.  I'm looking forward to seeing how they continue to grow and become more confident in their communication abilities.

Q: What is a fun fact or interest about yourself?

A fun fact about me is that speech-language pathology is not my first career. I previously worked as a social service provider, supporting teen moms, and before that, I was an addictions counselor. These experiences have greatly shaped my approach to speech-language pathology and how I connect with my students.

Q: Background Info: Education and Work Experience

I received my clinical doctorate in occupational therapy, with a concentration in Social Participation and Environments, from Washington University in St. Louis. My last job was at a clinic specializing in sensory integration so I have a good understanding of the sensory system and how to accommodate these differences.

Q: What Does a Typical Day Look Like for You as an Occupational Therapist?

I am an OT at an elementary school, servicing the LI and gen ed students. I usually start my day with a team meeting to collaborate around student goals or problem-solving. Then, I help students with their arrival routines. The rest of my morning, I see students in their classrooms or pull them in my office for individual sessions, sometimes visiting the motor room or ready room if they need some sensory input. If I have a few minutes in between, I will document data from the sessions. After lunch, I spend the rest of my day seeing more students either individually or in groups, write up evaluation reports, and assist with any crisis calls if able!  Every day is different and that is one of the reasons I love what I do!

Q: What Has Been Your Most Memorable Moment at the Exceptional Learners Collaborative So Far?

I've loved the surprise speakers on Institute Days, such as Elizabeth Bonker, Chalk Guy, and Gerry Brooks.  It's always nice to get together at ELC and chat with coworkers that I don't get to see on a regular basis.

Q: What’s One Thing You’re Excited About in the Coming School Year?

A: This school year, I am excited to continue to provide new perspectives in my team collaborations and advocate for my students using my unique training and experiences.

Q: What is a fun fact or interest about yourself?

A fun fact about me is that it is my goal to visit every state. I am at 34 (I think)! Next up is Tennessee and Arkansas for spring break My favorite states, so far, are Vermont, Arizona, and Hawaii.