first word in class: "apple". After that the words started to flow out of him, it was incredible! At that time I was not familiar with this profession, so I became a special education teacher. I spent three years with the Houston Independent School District. I worked with students with a variety of disabilities in the alternative and charter schools department. I was the department chairperson where I prepared and facilitated Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings, and monitored the implementation of classroom accommodations, related services, standardized testing and transition services.

During this time, I met an SLP who invited me to observe her sessions, and I was hooked! I applied to graduate school the following semester, and through the course of my studies, I grew to understand and appreciate that 'special teacher' who helped my non-verbal student. I have spent the last ten years learning all that I can to support children and their families.