Next Steps at Vanderbilt is a 4-year inclusive higher education program committed to providing neurodiverse students an inclusive, transformational postsecondary education in academics, social and career development, and independent living, while honoring equality, compassion, and excellence in all endeavors.Specifically, I complete the following tasks as part of the Career Development team:Lead first-year career exploration program (facilitate job shadowing placements, job sampling placements, and industry tours)Teach career-based college coursesSupervise career coaches and 10+ internships a semesterCareer coach students at on-campus and off-campus internshipsDevelop partnerships with on-campus organizations to create employment opportunities for studentsGrow relationships with internship partners to deepen internship experiences for studentsCreate supports for students to be successful at internships Advise students about their overall progress in the programCreate career-focused social media content for Next StepsSupport graduating students in their job search

Plan statewide virtual transition fairs for students, families, and professionals that work with the disability communityProvide technical support related to transition for students with disabilities to 15 different school districts across the state of TennesseeCreate resources for educatorsReview the TransitionTN website and update courses to reflect current best practice in special education

I teach a weekly inclusive Musical Theatre class for youth with disabilities. I teach them about different facets of theatre and also teach them dances from different Broadway musicals. I adapt dances and lesson plans to best meet each dancer's needs. I also stage manage each MOVE performance and coordinate details for each of these performances.

Manage year-round camp programming for all age groups (youth to seniors)Manage summer staff (recruitment, hiring, training, and development)Host guest groupsManage camp social media accounts and other marketing tools

-Teach students with moderate to severe disabilities-Differentiate instruction and general education curriculum to meet all students' need-Manage special education assistants and peer tutors to effectively support all students-Collect data on individual student goals and behaviors-Write Individualized Education Plans for each student-Advocate for my students in a school setting-Serve as a Faculty Advisor in Best Buddies to facilitate one-to-one friendships with my students and their peers

-Job coached students to complete tasks, communicate effectively, and engage in professional conduct-Taught organizational and academic skills one-on-one to students with disabilities-Trained and support peer mentors in working with our students-Taught students to self-advocate for what they would like to gain from the college experience-Planned and coordinated Vanderbilt Star, Next Steps’ largest annual fundraising event, and college recruitment programs-Served as a teaching assistant in Next Steps classes, instructing students how to use technology effectively -Planned special events for Next Steps students-Created schedules for teachers, Next Steps students, and other staff