23yrs

female

Speaks English, Sign Language (ASL)

I have been involved with the special needs community since 2015. From 2015-2017 I volunteered at the Autism Society of Greater Cleveland's STAR Summer Camp, and inclusive day camp for individuals aged 3-22. From 2018-2019 I was hired as an intern at STAR Camp to help lead our school aged groups. Through STAR Camp my main experience was with children with autism and Down syndrome. Those 5 years working at STAR Camp made me realize that I love working with individuals with special needs and pushed me to go to school for occupational therapy. Since March 2021 I have worked at the Nisonger Center's Early Learning Program, an inclusive day care. Working at this program has given me experience with children with various disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, deafness, blindness, Treacher Collin's syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and other rare genetic conditions. I love providing an inclusive environment for these children to learn and play.