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My Philosophy
The Foundation Story
My philosophy and approach to ensuring children have their unique needs met in a safe and caring space stems from an early school experience I had.
In second grade, my initial teacher discovered that I could not read. Back then, understanding of children with learning difficulties was very limited. Thankfully, my mother and another second-grade teacher believed I could learn, just in a different way.
This belief changed the trajectory of my life forever.
The Promise
From this experience, I decided, at the age of seven, to become a teacher. I made a promise that as an educator, children would always come first; children would be my WHY!
Core Beliefs
After many years in the field of education, I was blessed to become a parent. I have two wonderful boys who help me grow and learn each and every day.
There is no job harder or more rewarding than being a parent. With my children, my understanding of children, with learning differences, children who are 2E (twice-exceptional) and children who have social and emotional deficits have been stretched and broadened.
I have added to my repertoire additional best practices that support and address specific learning gaps based on areas of need (i.e. Dyslexia). I have expanded my understanding of 2E students and how to collaborate with school teams to provide the student with access to appropriate and rigorous support and services.
I have spent time studying and learning about Collaborative Problem Solving, an approach developed by Dr. Ross Greene. I have deepened my understanding of behaviorism and Applied Behavior Analysis.
I have come to appreciate that is it not one approach in isolation that supports positive behavior improvements. It will take the combination of different approaches to develop a comprehensive plan that will support the child in developing more socially appropriate behaviors.
Since my beginnings days as a teacher, and throughout my personal and professional experiences, I have always approached work with children through my core value of being child centered.
Being Child-Centered Means I Commit To The Following
Acceptance
Acceptance of who the child is in that moment and time. “Children do well if they can!” (Dr. Ross Greene)
Compassion
Compassion and empathy for the child and those working to support the child.
Understanding
Understanding that it takes the creation of a strong community and trusting relationships with the child to support positive changes in behavior and improvements in learning.
Responsibility
Responsibility to ensure the implementation of evidence-based practices.
Patience
Patience to know that changes in behavior and improvements in learning take time.
Child Advocacy and Behavior Consulting Services
Northern Virginia & Beyond
FTC Advocacy provides specialized behavioral support and IEP and 504 services from our Fairfax, VA
headquarters, with virtual consultations available nationwide.
Northern Virginia Office
In-person Advocacy and Educational Consulting Services
Nationwide Virtual Consultations
Nationwide Virtual Advocacy and Educational Consulting Services
On-Site Behavioral Assessments
In-person support within 60 miles of Fairfax, VA