I have worked with special needs children since I was a child myself, and I liked it so much that I decided to turn it into a career. I am starting the new school year as a special education instructional assistant at Edy Ridge Elementary. Before that I was a SPED instructional assistant at Sherwood Middle School for three years. I am currently a graduate student at Portland State University, focus on Special Education with the goal of becoming a SPED teacher. I have experience with a wide range of disabilities (orthopedic impairments, brain trauma, specialized syndromes, and developmental disabilities such as autism and down syndrome.) I value the relationships I have with the children and families I support, and I work hard to help them find success in life.