Biography

My research focuses on improving academic and post-secondary outcomes for students with and at-risk for mild to moderate disabilities, such as learning disabilities, dyslexia, ADHD, etc. My main areas of interest are: (1) reading interventions for adolescents with reading difficulties and disabilities, including students who are English Learners; and (2) preventing dropout with at-risk populations. Prior to obtaining my Ph.D., I was a high school special education teacher and reading specialist in Statesboro, Georgia. I primarily taught reading and English/Language Arts to students with mild/moderate disabilities in grades 9-12 in resource and inclusion settings. I also have extensive experience tutoring elementary and middle school students with reading disabilities and ADHD.

Areas of Expertise

  • Dyslexia
  • Learning Disabilities
  • K-12 Reading Instruction & Intervention
  • Adolescent Literacy
  • Explicit & Systematic Instruction

Education

  •  Ph.D in Special Education in Learning Disabilities and Behavior Disorders, 2017
    University of Texas at Austin
  •  Ed.S. in Teaching and Learning in Special Education, 2013
    Georgia Southern University
  •  M.Ed. in Reading Education, 2010
    Georgia Southern University
  •  B.S.Ed. in Special Education, 2009
    Georgia Southern University

Concentrations

Contact

 (706) 542-4510 (office)

Grants