I studied disability justice in school, becoming interested in special education and integrated classrooms. I did a year long research project on two disabled students (one with motor delays, one with speech delays), asking if their friendship was a success of shared identity or failure of inclusion. I have since become aid to disabled students, looking at music and art therapy as pathways for communication and belonging. I have taught integrated classrooms, engaging in new research on inclusive education, how to celebrate neurodivergence, and manage disruptive behavior without using any harsh discipline. I follow the child's lead in activity and conversation level, although I have a toolbox of open ended questions, empathetic storytelling, ways to engage children of different temperaments. We practice boundary setting, as well as listening to the adult for safety reasons. I love to go on walks, sing, make music, dance, draw, and anything else the child wants to do!