Hometown: 

• Merritt Island, Florida

Educational Background: 

• Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Elementary Education from Vanderbilt University
• Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Minnesota State University, Mankato
• Educational Specialist in Brain Based Instruction with an Emphasis in Instructional Leadership from Nova Southeastern University

Previous Work / Teaching Experience:

• Created and ran a self-contained program for students with learning and emotional differences 
• Classroom educator for over 12 years 
• Private practice as a Learning Specialist and Educational Therapist for over 25 years
• An active participant in student education for over 30 years

Specialized Training / Area of Expertise:

• Recognized by the Association of Educational Therapists as a Professional Educational Therapist
• 60-hour Orton-Gillingham training
• Multisensory Math 
• Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes (LiPS, Seeing Stars, Visualizing/Verbalizing, On Cloud Nine)
• Handwriting Without Tears 
• Attends ongoing conferences and workshops centered around learning and education
• Florida and Tennessee Educator Certified

What I Do at EtB:

• Parent and family support
• Community and professional contact
• Initial academic assessments and evaluations
• Assist in implementing learning plans 
• Consultation for families: accommodations, IEPs, 504s, school placements, intervention services, outside educationally related providers, homeschool support, homeschool evaluations

Favorite Refreshing Drink:

• Unsweet Iced Tea with a Splash of Lemonade

What inspires my work with students:

• Understanding how we all learn differently is my passion.  I strive to learn strategies and approaches that reach all kinds of learners.  My goal is for students to feel empowered by thinking, learning, and growing.

Listen to Jennifer Disch’s interview on the Caring Well Podcast by Middleton Pediatrics.