STATEMENT OF GOALS
AAIDD has a long and impressive history, and it is crucial the Association continues to be at the forefront of the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). As secretary/treasurer, I will bring my dedication to improving the lives of people with IDD, over 25 years of experience as an educator, personal experience as a family member, and organizational skills to support the mission of AAIDD. As such, my goals are to:
- Increase membership and engagement in AAIDD and its Interest Networks,
- Work with the Board to ensure the continued success of the annual conferences and trainings, journals and books, and international delegations,
- Ensure diverse perspectives and experiences are considered prior to the Board making decisions,
- Advocate for progressive policies that enhance quality of life for people with IDD,
- Record the Board’s deliberations accurately and promptly,
- Represent AAIDD selflessly and with integrity.
What I love most about AAIDD is that it is interdisciplinary. Advocates, stakeholders, and professionals can only accomplish so much alone, but when working together, we have a greater chance for success.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY:
Current Position:
Professor of Special Education at Sam Houston State University
Previous Positions:
Associate Professor of Teacher Education at Ohio University
Assistant Research Scientist at Texas A&M University
Special Education Teacher in the Bryan (Texas) Independent School District
Education:
PhD in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M University
MEd in Education Psychology from Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M University
AAIDD Participation:
- Reviewed conference proposals (2025, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 conferences)
- Attended and presented at multiple AAIDD conferences
- Attended multiple webinars
- Served as co-chair of Assembly of Interest Networks (2020-present)
- Am member of Social and Sexual Relationships and Education Interest Networks
- Served as chair, vice chair, and secretary of Education Interest Network
- Published and served as ad hoc reviewer for Inclusion
Activities/Awards:
- Fellow of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Patricia L. Sitlington Research in Transition, Division on Career Development and Transition
- Excellence in Teaching, College of Education, Sam Houston State University
- Engaged Learning Fellowship, Sam Houston State University
- Community Organizer of the Year, Coalition of Texans with Disabilities
- Patricia L. Sitlington Emerging Research Award, Division on Career Development and Transition