Meet the Team/Contacts
Mark Giufre is the head of Educational Technology at Wildwood School in Schenectady, NY. Wildwood School provides a comprehensive educational program for students with autism spectrum disorders, neurological impairments, and complex learning disabilities to prepare them to be as independent as possible. There is a blend of academic, social, employment, and functional skills that are taught to each student driven by their Individual Educational Plan (IEP), needs and interests. He has worked in education and special education for over 15 years as a Kindergarten teacher, intermediate teacher, and now in his current role. Mark is also an Apple Distinguished Educator, Book Creator Ambassador, Social Media Team Lead and Annual Conference Committee Planning Member at NYSCATE (join today!), and one of the United State's Founding Board Members of the Council on the Future of Education. Most recently, Mark has been appointed the Educational Technology Advisor for AcclimateVR, developing a collection of virtual reality-based learning modules designed specifically for children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. Mark is also very active on social media. Join him on Twitter and Facebook! You can reach Mark at [email protected]
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Following a twenty year career in a classroom, Melissa Weatherwax has transitioned into a position as Averill Park Central School District's K-12 Instructional Technology Specialist. Interested in empowering students and staff with education technology and innovative learning, Melissa serves faculty and staff by providing individual, team and classroom support. Her focus is instructional technology integration and assistive technology applications as well as providing best practices for a collaborative, educational environment. She also presents in-person and online professional development in utilizing instructional technologies and innovative strategies.
Connect with Melissa on Twitter. |
Tom McKee has been providing special education and assistive technology services in the Capital District for over 30 years. He has consulted for many area school districts, preschools and early intervention programs. He has been an evaluator and interventionist providing training, modeling, direct instruction, and team building to help educators, students and families use assistive technology in both school and home settings. He is on the faculty of CASDA and he provides workshops and embedded coaching for school districts to use iPads and Chrome devices focusing on educationally sound best practices. He can be reached on twitter and at [email protected].
CASDA - 518-512-5198 Kara Pedersen is a Teacher of the Visually Impaired at Averill Park Central School District with a background in Childhood Education and Literacy. She works closely with her students and their teachers to create accessible and engaging lessons. Kara has never considered herself to be a ‘techie,’ but that doesn’t stop her from trying. She has seen the tremendous role that assistive technology has played in her students’ education and their personal lives. Her passion is making education accessible to learners of all abilities. Connect with Kara on Twitter
“For most people, technology makes things easier. For people with disabilities, technology makes things possible.” - Mary Pat Radabaugh, formerly with the IBM National Support Center for Persons with Disabilities |