A Crown and a Song: Embracing Diversity With a Homecoming Queen and Music Lover

  A Crown and a Song: Embracing Diversity With a Homecoming Queen and Music Lover      This is a blog about a girl with Down syndrome who was in my middle school class and became the high school homecoming queen. This cheerful girl knew everyone in school, loved her music and was always ready…...

Hang in There Tough: Wisdom from My Dad

Hang in There Tough: Wisdom From My Dad       I was blessed to have two loving parents who supported me in all my activities. They came to my plays, watched me cheer for high school sports events, and listened to my choir and band concerts. They showed up for me in ways that…...

Silent Strength: How a Mother’s Advocacy Changed Everything

  Silent Strength: How a Mother's Advocacy Changed Everything        This mom has held several positions at Optimist International. The group's mission is, "providing hope, and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in children, their communities, and themselves." She was elected to serve a 3-year term on the International Board of Directors…...

Artistic Alchemy: Embracing Diversity with Brushstrokes of Brilliance

Artistic Alchemy: Embracing Diversity with Brushstrokes of Brilliance      This amazing young lady created the sketch in this blog recently. She is a former student and was an interesting person in my class. I loved her creative mind. She had some sensory needs, and her needs challenged me to create a supportive learning environment.…...

Navigating the World Through Nonfiction: Geography Without Limits

Image by Freepik Navigating the World of Nonfiction: Geography Without Limits.      This young man has an amazing mind. Many times I have said that kids on the autism spectrum have superpowers, and he is proof of that. He loves all things about maps and geography and as an eighth grader in our school,…...

Normal is Just a Setting on the Washing Machine: Every Differently Abled Child is an Individual

Normal is Just a Setting on the Washing Machine: Every Differently Abled Child is an Individual      While visiting our daughter and her family in Saline, Michigan we stopped at my favorite coffee shop for a sandwich. It is called Brewed Awakenings, and I love going there. This welcoming cafe takes pride in the…...

Five Things You Can Do Today To Be Inclusive: A Special Conversation

Image by Freepik   Five Things You Can Do Today To Be Inclusive: A Special Conversation      We all hear about the need to be inclusive but what are actions you can do to promote this idea?  I have 5 tips for you today to help you be inclusive when interacting with someone with…...

Nothing Down About It: Championing and Shining on Her Abilities

  Image by Freepik Nothing Down About It: Championing and Shining on Her Abilities     The heart is a perfect picture for this girl who was once my student because she loves life! I see her continue to thrive because we live in the same community. She always hugs me when I see her,…...

Say “Yes!” to Love and Learning: The Importance of Reading at Home

  Say "Yes!" to Love and Learning: The Importance of Reading at Home        Recently, I was asked to be the Keynote Speaker for a local group called, Live Inspired. Their mission strives to glorify Jesus Christ and empower parents to be their child's first, best teacher, using joyful communication and positive play…...

From Blocks to Brilliance: Nurturing the Talents of a Special Lego Master

Image by Freepik   From Blocks to Brilliance: Nurturing the Talents of a Special Lego Master        It is Autism Awareness month, and I have often said, kids with autism have superpowers. This is the case with this young boy. His superpower is building things. He can create all sorts of things and…...

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“Deb has always been a champion for her students. She builds long-lasting relationships with her students and their families.  Deb’s classroom over the years focused not only on quality instruction but also on teaching her students social skills and getting her students involved in community service projects.”

– Jim Shields, Human Resources Director of Medina City Schools, Medina, OH