LORRI L. COMEAU RESUME

Transcription

1 LORRI L. COMEAU RESUME Education University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA Graduate coursework, Educational Psychology, September 1997 May 1998 University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Honors, May 1991 Westfield State University, Westfield, MA Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Science, Cum Laude, May 1990 PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT, Storrs, CT Center for Students with Disabilities 2013-present Disability Specialist Competently determine accommodations and supports for students with learning disabilities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Participate as the office liaison for the Academic Adjustment Committee and working with the Counseling Program Intercollegiate Athletics. Knowledgeably provide learning strategy support for students who participate in the Beyond Access Program. Coordinated and supervised UCPREP 2014, a summer transitions program for rising high school juniors and seniors with disabilities interested in building upon academic and interpersonal skills. AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE (AIC) Springfield, MA Curtis Blake Center Executive Director Progressively and strategically managed the Curtis Blake Center whose mission is to develop and administer programs to enrich the field of learning disabilities. Competently oversaw five extensive areas to include specific departments within the Center or on the AIC campus, Diagnostics, Tutorial, Summer Instructional Clinic, Supportive Learning Services and the Curtis Blake Day School located off campus. Invigorated management streams with an emphasis on clear communication and team building. Successfully restored fiscal management incorporating institutional protocol. Proficiently and strategically managed all department budgets. Effectively strengthened marketing efforts. Designed and implemented innovative strategic plans to energize and revive the Center s mission and re-establish a vision for its future. WESTFIELD STATE UNIVERSITY, Westfield, MA TRiO Student Support Services Program Director, TRiO Student Support Services Program Competently oversaw a 1.3 million dollar U.S. Department of Education grant serving first-generation college students, low-income students and students with disabilities. Effectively collaborated and managed the mandated TRiO curriculum through federal regulations and legislation. Proficiently revitalized program in regard to: tutoring, academic programming, counseling, service delivery, student and campus outreach, curriculum, office flow, technology use, and staff professional development. Successfully implemented consistent public relations initiatives that fostered a supportive institutional climate. Effectively established and maintained liaisons with various campus departments and entities in order to promote student access and outreach.

2 Lorri L. Comeau, M.Ed., RESUME LANDMARK COLLEGE, Putney, VT Advisor-Supervisor, Advising Department Competently supervised over twenty faculty academic advisors who specialize in working with students with learning disabilities and AD/HD. Managed Advising Department re-structuring via a new rank & promotion policy and advising curriculum. Successfully collaborated and communicated with various departments and colleagues regarding reorganization of department. Pro-actively lead and coordinated advisor meetings. Lead and assisted faculty advisors in applying theoretical knowledge of self-determination, coaching, Motivational Interviewing, adult development theory, and AD/HD, and LD to enhance professional effectiveness. Created and coordinated advisor trainings. Coordination and Consultation Team member. Advisor, Advising Department Proficiently guided students with learning disabilities and/or AD/HD in coordinating long-term and short-term goal planning with course of study and individual interests. Served as the primary parent contact. Adeptly utilized diagnostic information to understand students learning strengths and challenges. Education Specialist, Landmark College Institute for Research & Training Knowledgeably provided training and consultation to educators in K-postsecondary settings seeking current information about learning disabilities, AD/HD, assistive technology, literacy, and learning strategies. Collaborated on, organized, and implemented grant projects. Competently researched recent topics related to learning disabilities and AD/HD. National travel. OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester, MA Coordinator, Disability Services Coordinated daily functions and activities related to students with learning disabilities, AD/HD and/or multiple disabilities. Collaborated in supervision and training of staff with assistive technology. In accordance with ADA and Section 504, identified, and managed individual student accommodations. Cultivated productive and positive relationships with students, parents, faculty and staff. Developed policies and procedures. Served as an academic and career advisor. Managed assistive technology lab. Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, Cambridge, MA Educational Outreach Coordinator, Western Massachusetts Successfully developed and supported Annual Institutional Membership programs in Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Western Worcester counties by recruiting new school memberships and expanding existing member services for individuals with reading disabilities (K-12). Enthusiastically conducted teacher, parents, and student trainings. Created and presented workshops for teachers and administrators. Participated in writing and implementation of grants. University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA Assistant Director, Ross Center for Disability Services Competently managed and resolved service-related issues. Served as liaison to faculty and staff regarding ADA and disability matters. Creatively developed and implemented learning strategy sessions for students with learning disabilities, AD/HD, and psychiatric disabilities. Provided academic and career advising. Coordinated and provided new student orientations and workshops. Actively maintained knowledge about assistive technology. Revised provisional status procedures and documentation guidelines. Additional Professional Experience Westfield State University, Westfield, MA Learning Disabilities Specialist, Disability Services/Tutoring Center Admission/Financial Aid Counselor, Admission Office Private LD Tutor and Consultant, Western MA 1997 present

3 LORRI L. COMEAU CURRICULUM VITAE Education Educational Psychology, 18 graduate credits, University of Massachusetts 1991 M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction, University of Massachusetts Honors Graduate 1990 B.A. in Psychology and Social Science, Westfield State University Wisdom and Merit Award. Psychology Department Award. Psi Chi. Dean s Lists: 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990 Teaching Experience Narrowing the Gap (SVSFY 010), Landmark College, Visiting Student Program: Summer 2008, 2007 Through a supportive seminar context this course introduced students to a host of proven strategies and resources for improving executive functioning, working memory, and study skills. Students were also supported in becoming better self-advocates identifying and experimenting with the kinds of supports college s offers to assist with academic success. Strategies to Improve Reading in the Content Areas, Graduate Course, Landmark College Institute for Research and Training: Academic Year This hybrid on-line course focused on improving adolescent literacy through a sustained, collegial, and evidence-based approach. It provided teachers the knowledge they need to teach students how to read for meaning across the disciplines. The lessons met the standards and objectives of the National Council of Teachers of English/International Reading Association. Each module included readings, activities, weekly discussions and assignments submitted for feedback. This course was intended for practicing content area teachers, grades Strategies for College & Career (ORT110), Quinsigamond Community College: Spring 2005 First-year experience course, focusing on academic transition issues, such as: strategies with note taking, memorization, reading comprehension, writing skills, choice o f major, and general transition awareness and coping strategies. Publications July 2011 December 2006 Co-authored The Essential Six: An Introduction - A Parent s Guide: How to Pave the Road to Self- Advocacy for College Students with Learning Differences This is the first book of a 4 part series published by AHEAD (Association on Higher Education and Disability). Overview of the Rights and Responsibilities of Students with LD/ADHD. Demonstration Disability Grant, Landmark College Institute for Research and Training. Online module. Conference Presentations Summer 2014 Summer 2011 Co-presenter, Landmark College Summer Institute, Putney, VT. Paving the Road to Self- Advocacy for College Students Co-presenter, UCONN Postsecondary Disability Training Institute, Portland, ME. The Essential Six: How to Pave the Path to Self-Advocacy for College Students with Learning Disabilities

4 Lorri L. Comeau, M.Ed., CURRICULUM VITAE Conference Presentations cont d Summer 2011 Co-presenter, Association in Higher Education and Disability, Seattle, WA. The Essential Six: Helping Parents Support their College Students with LDs Spring 2008 Fall 2007 Fall 2007 Lead Presenter, National Academic Advising Association Regional Conference, Portland, Maine. Effectively Supporting Student Motivation for Change: Motivational Interviewing as an Advising Communication Technique Co-presenter National Academic Advising Association National Conference, Baltimore, MD. Advising the At-Risk and/or Unmotivated Student League for Innovation, Houston Community College, Houston, TX. Two presentations: NVLD & Autism Spectrum Disorders & Disability Law Summer Lead Presenter, Association in Higher Education and Disability, San Diego, CA Bridging the Transition Gap for Students with Disabilities from 2 to 4 Year: Top 5 Transition Challenges Fall 2005 Fall 2005 Co-presenter World Usability Day, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH. Universal Design for Instruction Vermont Department of Education, Killington, VT. Active Reading: Supporting Student Success with Assistive Technology Western Nevada Community College, Carson City, Nevada. Universal Design for Instruction for North Harris Montgomery Community College, Houston, TX. Universal Design for Instruction for Houston Community College, Houston, TX. Universal Design for Instruction for Students with Learning Disabilities Community College of Vermont, Burlington, VT. Universal Design for Instruction for Students with Learning Disabilities Windham Northeast Literacy Day, Bellows Falls, VT. Universal Design Keynote Speaker, Houston Community College, Houston, TX. Universal Design: Best Practices for all Learners. Title V Faculty Leadership Advising Workshop Community College of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh, PA. Universal Design for Instruction for American with Disabilities Act Coordinator Meeting, Montpelier, VT. Universal Design Keene Middle School, Keene, NH. Nonverbal learning Disabilities: Classroom Challenges & Instructional Strategies Summer 2006 Western Nevada Community College, Carson City, Nevada. Study Skills Basics & Time Management

5 Lorri L. Comeau, M.Ed., CURRICULUM VITAE Conference Presentations cont d Summer 2006 Demonstration Disability Grant partners Workshop, Landmark College, Putney, VT. Accommodation Decisions and Documentation Interpretation: Practice for Disability Service Providers Summer 2006 Mitchell College, New London, CT. Effective Study Skills for Summer 2006 Flint Hill School, Oakton, VA. Vocabulary and Active Reading Professional Affiliations Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private Schools Council for Opportunity in Education membership 2009 present New England Opportunity in Education Association present National Academic Advising membership AHEAD membership, AHEAD New England membership, NACADA membership, Committee Work Academic Adjustment Committee, UConn, 2014-present Disability Committee Grants Advisory Committee 2011 present Safe Zone Committee Fall 2011 present Strategic Planning Committee, Non-Academic Liaison Fall present Hiring Committee Director of Grants and Sponsored Projects Spring 2011 Foundation of Excellence Steering Committee Hiring Committee Executive Function Group Advising, Spring 2008 Advising Department Professional Development Committee, Faculty Professional Development Committee, Hiring Committee Interim Dean, Fall 2008 Parent Services Committee, Fall 2008 Rank & Promotion Scholarship Committee, Advising Department, Fall 2007 Advising Steering Committee, Spring 2007 Professional Development Committee AHEAD New England, Student Retention Committee, Disabilities Committee, Other Provost Council Universal Design Lab Taskforce, LCIRT, Publications Committee, LCIRT, NVLD Inquiry Group, Landmark College, Advisor/Residential Life softball, Landmark College, present Graduation Faculty Chorus, Landmark College, Spring 2007 present Executive Function Group Advising Hiring Committee Certificates of completion with Dr. Christina Jernstedt, Dartmouth College: o Perspectives on Learning, Teaching and the Brain Neurological o Cognitive Foundations of Learning Certificate of completion: Motivational Interviewing, Brattleboro Retreat, Brattleboro, VT