Barbara Leaf Email & Phone Number

I have 9 years of Special Education experience in New Orleans Public Schools. I have worked with students in PreK-11th grade with exceptionalities including: Autism, Developmental Delay, Specific Learning Disability, Intellectual Disability-Mild, Intellectual Disability-Moderate, Traumatic Brain Injury, Other Health Impairment (Stroke, Kidney Disease, ADHD & Bipolar Disorder), Orthopedic Impairment, Speech/Language Impairment, Hearing Impairment, Visual Impairment, Emotional Disturbance and Multiple Disabilities in all settings. I have extensive experience in reviewing & interpreting evaluations, writing high-quality IEPs, progress monitoring, BIPs, ESYS and other paperwork associated with state compliance. I have worked closely with all members of student support teams to provide a continuum of services designed to meet individual student needs, and I incorporate research-based Speech and Occupational Therapy activities into my daily instruction. I have developed innovative centers, activities and materials to leverage my students’ strengths & unique talents. For the past few years, I have been focusing on Functional Living Skills, Social Emotional Learning, Sensory-Aware & Trauma-Informed practices, as they are critical components of my students' development and lifelong success. I have also piloted Service Learning projects to teach empathy, social and communication skills, collaboration, cooperation, planning and organization.

Listed skills include Research, Public Speaking, Teaching, Curriculum Development, and 11 others.