Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
Katherine Jordan
*Project PURPLE Scholar
Program: Special Education (Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education)
Hometown: Nicholasville, KY
Admission year: 2020
Education:
Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Teaching Certification
M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis
Work Experience:
- Early Head Start teacher
- substitute teacher Early Head Start through high school
- general and special education classrooms
Research Interests: Training current and pre-service early childhood educators to use evidence-based practices with fidelity in the classroom
Why did you choose to come to UK? I received my master’s from UK. The faculty and staff are supportive and team-oriented, and share my research interests.
What are your academic goals while at UK? I want to learn how to utilize evidence-base instructional practices in the higher education classroom and expand my research skills.
What are your goals after graduation? I want to teach interdisciplinary early childhood education at a collegiate level while providing support to teachers in the field.
Ndaru Prapti
Program: Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky
Admission year: Fall 2018
Education:
Bachelor in English Education (Padang State University, Indonesia)
Master in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (University of Kentucky)
Work Experience: I taught English at elementary schools in Indonesia for 10 years before became a superintendent of Early Childhood Program, still in Indonesia. I am now a Teaching Assistant at the Early Childhood Laboratory at the University of Kentucky.
Research Interests: Autism, parent/teacher training, evidence-based intervention for young children with disabilities
Why did you choose to come to UK? I heard from some Indonesian friends who came to UK that it has healthy supportive academic environment in addition to its strong research practices. I also heard that Lexington, where UK is located, is filled by friendly local people who respect diversity. As a person who comes from a tropical country, I want to experience living in a four-seasons country with a mild-to-medium winter, and Lexington, Kentucky is just perfect.
What are your academic goals while at UK? I want to develop my research skill as well as my teaching skills at higher education level.
What are your goals after graduation? I want to be a professor in a higher education institution.
Cameron Tyrrell
Program: Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Admission year: Fall 2021
Education:
M.A. in Gender and Women’s Studies, Minnesota State University-Mankato
M.S. in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE), Rank II certification in IECE, University of Kentucky
Work Experience:
Elementary Preschool Instructor, Fayette County Public Schools
Early Start Preschool Paraprofessional, Fayette County Public Schools
Graduate Assistant Preschool Teacher, Early Childhood Laboratory, University of Kentucky
Assistant Preschool Teacher, Head Start
Graduate Instructor in Gender and Women’s Studies
Research Interests: The sociology of early childhood, family experiences of early intervention services, program evaluation, and teacher practices dealing with challenging behaviors in young children.
Why did you choose to come to UK? I chose UK because the university had a program with an emphasis in IECE.
What are your academic goals while at UK? I want to use my background in qualitative methods and build on it with different methodologies to become a more versatile scholar.
What are your goals after graduation? I want to work as a professor doing research that moves the field of Early Childhood Education forward.
Counseling Education
Jennifer M. Miller
Program: Counseling Education
Hometown: Sandy Hook, KY
Admission year: Fall 2020
Education:
B.A Psychology
Criminology M.A. Clinical Mental Health Rehabilitation Counseling
Work Experience: MHA Eastern State Hospital, LPCA Deaton & Deaton Counseling Services
Research Interests: 1. Cross- Sectional study of Developmental Disabilities across the globe . Research Interest 2. Counseling Theories for individuals with co-occuring mental health disorders. Research Interest 3: Education in Prisons
Why did you choose to come to UK? Increased opportunities!
What are your academic goals while at UK? Goal 1. Complete PhD in Counseling Education., Goal 2. Publishings & Presentations, Goal 3. International Grant for Research,
What are your goals after graduation? 1. Stay in Academia! I cannot imaging leaving the university. 2.Teach courses related to mental health and counseling theories, conduct international autism research, receive a travel grant to conduct research in the United Kingdom
Hyun-Ju Ju
Program: Counseling Education
Hometown: Busan, South Korea
Admission year: Fall 2020
Education:
B.S. in Childhood Education, State University of New York at Geneseo
M.S in Psychology, Handong Global University
Work Experience: Internship, Student Counseling Center, Handong Global University
Research Interests: Self-advocacy, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Community-based Rehabilitation Service, Recovery
Why did you choose to come to UK? I chose to come to UK because our program has great faculty members and a robust academic curriculum.
What are your academic goals while at UK? 1) Gaining and developing my research skills 2) Collaborating research projects 3) Gaining knowledge in rehabilitation counseling
What are your goals after graduation? I want to be a professor.
John R. Slevin (Rob)
Program: Counseling Education
Hometown: Lexington, KY
Admission year: Fall 2010
Education:
B.A. in Psychology Washington University in St. Louis
MRC in Rehabilitation Counseling University of Kentucky
Work Experience: Employment Consultant with Bluegrass Career Services/Employment Solutions (2011-2016)
Research Interests: The impact of vision loss.
Why did you choose to come to UK? UK and the Department provide students with many opportunities for research development and implementation. The faculty and staff are friendly and focused on helping the students achieve their best both academically as well as practically so that they are well suited for life after graduation.
What are your academic goals while at UK? I will continue to research and publish articles relating to my interests and to get re-certified as a CRC.
What are your goals after graduation? I intend to continue in academia as a faculty member.
Special Education
Mark Kruger, BCBA, LBA
Program: Special Education – Applied Behavioral Analysis
Hometown: Parker, Colorado
Admission Year: 2018
Education:
M.S.Ed. Applied Behavior Analysis, Bay Path University, Longmedow, MA
B.A. Psychology, Clark University, Worcester, MA
Work Experience:
Clinical Supervisor, Applied Behavior Analysis – Severe Behavior Clinic, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
Classroom Clinician, Center for Applied Behavioral Instruction, Worcester, MA
Clinical Coordinator, Behavioral Concepts Inc., Worcester, MA
District Wide Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Littleton Public Schools, Littleton, MA
Research Interests: Applied Behavior Analysis, Training school staff, Environmental Manipulation in the classroom
Why did you choose to come to UK? I chose UK because of their expert faculty in Applied Behavior Analysis. The department/program also recieves a considerable amount of grant funding for research which indicated to me the government recognizes the program’s expertise.
What are your academic goals while at UK? I want to develop the skills and experience necessary to be leader in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis and special education.
What are your goals after graduation? I want to consult with school districts for staff training and how to effectively utilize BCBAs within districts.
Email: mkruger@uky.edu
Sara Sheffler, BCBA, LBA
Program: Special Education – Applied Behavioral Analysis
Hometown: Sullivan, Indiana
Admission Year: 2019
Education:
B.S Art Education, Indiana University
M.Ed. Special Education and Behavior Analysis, Vanderbilt University
Work Experience:
Clinical Supervisor, Applied Behavior Analysis – Severe Behavior Clinic, University of Kentucky
BCBA, Hopebridge, Lexington, KY
BCBA, Knoxville Center for Autism, Knoxville, TN
Behavior Liason, Knox County School District, Knoxville, TN
Research Interests: Applied Behavior Analysis, Emotional/behavioral disorders
Why did you choose to come to UK? I chose UK because of the positive and cohesive educational environment, expert faculty, and strong Applied Behavior Analysis program.
What are your academic goals while at UK? To gain the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to be a leader and advocate in the field of special education and Applied Behavior Analysis.
What are your goals after graduation? I would ultimately like to pursue becoming a professor or a researcher at a university
Email: sara.sheffler@uky.edu
Melike Yozgatli
Program: Special Education
Hometown: Yozgat, Turkey
Admission Year: Fall 2018
Education:
B.A. in Elementary School Teaching (Ataturk University, Turkey)
M.A. in Special Education (The University of South Dakota, U.S.)
Work Experience: I worked as Child Development Teacher in a Vocational High School and as an Elementary School Teacher in a Special Education and Rehabilitation Center in Turkey. I have several internship experiences in Testing Center and Disability Center of the University of South Dakota, and in an Elemantary School in the U.S.
Research Interests: My research interest includes topics related to teacher education and teacher preparation programs, inclusive education, and teaching students with learning disabilities.
Why did you choose to come to UK? I chose to study at the University of Kentucky because of positive and strong academic environment in the department of Early Childhood, Special Education, and Rehabilitation Counseling and supportive faculty members.
What are your academic goals while at UK? I want to improve my research skills and teaching abilities in higher education. While at UK, I am going to complete Research Methods in Education Graduate Certificate. I want to join research projects and gain more experience in the field.
What are your goals after graduation? I am planning to return to Turkey after my graduation to work in the Department of Special Education in Turkish Ministry of National Education.
Email: Melike.Yozgatli@uky.edu
Enrika Johnson Wright
*Project PURPLE Scholar
Program: Special Education (Learning and Behavior Disorders)
Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky
Admission year: 2020
Education:
Certified in Elementary Education & Special Education, K-12
Master’s in Special Education
Graduate Certificate in Assistive and Rehabilitation Technology
Work Experience: I have 19 years of classroom experience as an educator of exceptional learners in Fayette County Schools. I also spent 14 summers teaching in the Jumpstart early intervention summer program providing intervention to kindergarten, first and second grade typical learners.
Research Interests: My research interests include: 1. Research to practice gaps in special education 2. Servicing diverse populations with disabilities 3. Teacher training and preparation
Why did you choose to come to UK? I chose the University of Kentucky because of the strong faculty who are both consumers and producers of strong research. My experience as an undergrad and graduate student was positive and I had lots of support.
What are your academic goals while at UK? While attending the University of Kentucky, I intend to improve my knowledge in the field of special education, increase my research skills and join committees that will allow me to network and build my overall capacity to become a leader in higher education.
What are your goals after graduation? I aspire to obtain a position teaching and researching in higher education. I would love to consult with districts to provide professional development and coaching for in-service teachers.
Kaitlin O’Neill
*Project PURPLE Scholar
Program: Special Education for Moderate and Severe Disabilities
Hometown: Shrewsbury, MA
Admission year: 2020
Education:
Master of Education in Special Education and Teacher Leadership
Bachelor of Science in Special Education for Moderate and Severe Disabilities
Work Experience: Research Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Community Living Support (CLS) services, Paraeducator, Math Tutor
Research Interests: Systematic instruction efficiency for students with moderate and severe disabilities
Why did you choose to come to UK? I initially chose to come to UK because, at the time, UK’s special education program had the option to earn an undergraduate degree that specialized in moderate and severe disabilities. I chose to stay at UK for my graduate degrees because of the rigorous academic content provided in the programs and the faculty members’ expertise, personable demeanor, and commitment to providing students with opportunities for educational and professional development. Furthermore, the department and faculty offer opportunities for grant funding.
What are your academic goals while at UK? I want to develop the knowledge and skills to teach at the higher education level and contribute to the applied research in the field. I would also like to obtain the clinical experience hours required to become a board certified behavior analyst.
What are your goals after graduation? I want to teach special education and applied behavior analysis at a university while conducting applied research in collaboration with the local school district.
Rasheeda Swain
*Project PURPLE Scholar
Program: Doctoral Program in Special Education
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Admission year: 2020
Education:
Ms. Swain received her B.S. in Moderate to Severe Disabilities from the University of Kentucky. Additionally, she has earned a M.Ed. in Autism Spectrum Disorders with an emphasis on Classic Autism from the University of Georgia, and a M.A. in Urban Leadership from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Work Experience: 20+ years experience in teaching students identified with MSD and Autism, as well as collaborating with teams in Educational Leadership Positions
Research Interests: Applied Behavior Analysis and Response Prompting Strategies
Why did you choose to come to UK? The Instructors that comprise the Special Education Department are leaders and trend setters in the field of ABA and Response Prompting Strategies
What are your academic goals while at UK? To learn as much as I can to reach mastery of knowledge in my field and begin research publications
What are your goals after graduation? I would like to join the teaching staff at UK, publish in peer reviewed journals, and do consultations
Kat Lynch
Program: Special Education
Hometown: Woodbridge, Virginia
Admission year: 2020
Education:
M.Ed. Early Childhood Special Education/Applied Behavior Analysis, Vanderbilt University, 2008
B.A. Psychology, George Mason University, 2005
Work Experience: 2015-present: Owner, Executive Director, New Hope ABA, Fredericksburg, VA; 2010-2015: Clinical Supervisor, Alexandria/Fredericksburg, VA; 2008-2013: Special Education Teacher, Nashville, TN/Lorton, VA; 2004-200Assistant Teacher, Washington, DC
Research Interests: Increasing learning efficiency with derived relational responding/equivalence based instruction; improving implementation of existing interventions outside of labs and clinics
Why did you choose to come to UK? I became familiar with the work of some of the faculty when I was at Vanderbilt and found them to be knowledgeable and approachable. They are prolific writers and have done important work in special education and applied behavior analysis.
What are your academic goals while at UK?To refine my knowledge of applied behavior analysis, develop my knowledge of educational leadership, and write a meaningful dissertation.
What are your goals after graduation? I would like to open or direct a “lab school” where we do research with our students, train future teachers, and serve the community.
Janet Nutt
*Project PURPLE Scholar
Program: Ph.D. in Special Education
Hometown: Plain City, OH
Admission year: 2020
Education:
B.A. Political Science, Miami University Oxford, OH
MAT Learning and Behavior Disorders, Asbury University, Wilmore, KY
Work Experience: Six years as a secondary special education teacher with a strong focus in mathematics
Research Interests: Preservice Teacher Preparation, Deeper Learning
Why did you choose to come to UK? I came to the University of Kentucky to further develop my skills as an educator and learn from research leaders in the field how to translate research into practice under the guidance of supportive department faculty.
What are your academic goals while at UK? To continue to expand my knowledge base in the area of special education, collaborate with faculty and peers to further develop research skills and to learn the necessary skills to prepare future educators to positively impact the education of students with diverse learning needs.
What are your goals after graduation? To teach at an institute of higher learning preparing preservice teachers.