About

I am a researcher, consultant, and presenter interested in differentiating instruction, active learning, and inclusive schooling. I have worked as a special education teacher, an inclusion facilitator, and as a professor of education (most recently at Syracuse University). Today, I work on my own as a consultant full time. I still do some research and a lot of writing but I also work with schools to move students with disabilities into inclusive placements, to individualize lessons in K-12 classrooms, and to make learning more fun and relevant for diverse learners.

I am the author or co-author of several books on differentiation and inclusive education including“You’re Going to Love This Kid”: Teaching Students with Autism in Inclusive Classrooms ; Access to Academics: Critical Approaches to Inclusive Curriculum, Instruction and Policy (with Diana Straut & Douglas Biklen); “You’re Welcome”: 30 Innovative Ideas for the Inclusive Classroom (with Patrick Schwarz); A Land We Can Share: Teaching Literacy to Students with Autism (with Kelly Chandler-Olcott); Joyful Learning: Active and Collaborative Learning in the Inclusive Classroom (with Alice Udvari-Solner); Just Give Him the Whale: 20 Ways to Support & Honor the Passions & Interests of Students with Autism (with Patrick Schwarz); From Tutor Scripts to Talking Sticks: 100 Ways to Differentiate Instruction in Inclusive Classrooms (with Sheila Danaher); The Autism Checklist (with John Shouse) and Pedro’s Whale (with Patrick Schwarz).

Currently, I live in Oak Park, IL with my husband, Todd, and my two daughters and work on my own as a consultant full time. Todd, a former engineer, is my partner in my consulting business and not only keeps everything running smoothly but serves as the “tech guru” of the house and the business. Therefore, you will see his name pop up from time to time but especially on Tuesdays when he will be in charge of postings (Todd’s Tech Tuesdays).

In addition to writing this blog and maintaining my website, I have an active Facebook page featuring photographs of adaptations, active discussion threads, and occasional giveaways. Join us to dialogue about how teachers can find more support for the good work they do and how schools can be more inspiring, joyful, and responsive to individual differences.