We’re going to feature each of our staff in the coming months so that our followers can get to know the great folks at Project ACCESS a bit better.
I’d like to start off our staff feature by highlighting our newest member, Lindsey Lovekamp.
Lindsey joined Project ACCESS as a full-time Autism Resource Specialist this past July, having spent 8 years as a Special Education teacher, as well as having experience prior to that as a classroom paraprofessional. She brings knowledge, enthusiasm and a team-focused attitude, as well as her strong desire to help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder!
Let’s see what she has to say:
Tell me about your experience in Special Education ~
I began my Special Education career as a para-professional in the Springfield school district. That position inspired me to pursue a teaching degree through Missouri State University and become a Special Education teacher. I then went on to obtain a Masters in Special Education with an emphasis on autism spectrum disorders through Missouri State as well. I worked as a Special Education teacher for 8 years, mostly in the Willard school district. I taught at the middle school and elementary levels in a life skills classroom, a resource science teacher, and mostly in an autism classroom. I have worked with a wide variety of students all with different abilities which has given me a good understanding of the requirements of a special education classroom.
Is there an accomplishment in your life of which you are especially proud?
A personal accomplishment I am proud of is being a mom to two amazing boys. Once you become a parent and experience that connection it makes you a better teacher and helps bring a new perspective of where the parents of your students are coming from.
What inspired you to work at Project ACCESS?
I am inspired to share my knowledge and experience as a teacher with others because I understand how hard it can be in the field of Special Education. I am passionate about providing meaningful resources to teachers and schools that will help improve programming for students with autism.
How do you describe your role at Project ACCESS?
I am an autism resource specialist. My role includes classroom coaching, school visits, creating content for offered trainings, providing training for schools, and facilitating course work meetings for teachers in our new PAAC (Project ACCESS Autism Credential) program.
What are you currently involved in at Project ACCESS that is exciting?
Our new PAAC/PAATS program is an exciting project to be involved in. This program provides in depth training on a variety of commonly-used evidence-based practices identified in the MAGI (Missouri Autism Guidelines Initiative).
The best piece of advice for new Special Education teachers is…..
Have your classroom structure and routine/schedules put into place from the very beginning. It will make your life so much easier in the long run and prevent many behaviors. Also, take time to stop and notice even the smallest accomplishments of your students. Sometimes progress can be very slow but any progress is a step towards making their lives better!
You may contact Lindsey for autism resources, support services and training information at 866-481-3841 or 417-836-6030.
#AutismResourceSpecialist