Becky Crowe

I am a 4th year doctoral student/candidate in the Special Education program at the University of Oregon. I grew up in Maryland between Baltimore and D.C., graduated from the University of Maryland in 2007 (B.A) and 2011 (M.Ed.), and taught for 2 years in an inclusive 2nd grade classroom in Maryland, followed by 4 years in a self-contained classroom in Charlotte, NC. I moved to Eugene sight unseen in 2017 to attend UO and have thoroughly enjoyed hiking, camping, kayaking, and exploring the western side of the country.

I am interested in combining the science and technology of behavior analysis with person-centered communication interventions for individuals with complex communication needs and use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). My current research examines the effectiveness of telehealth parent training to increase answering social communication questions on video calls by children who use speech generating devices.

I am also interested in interventions to increase the communication skills of multilingual/ multicultural individuals with complex communication needs and was running a study at the HEDCO clinic teaching language matching in English and Spanish to a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities (Covid-19 interrupted). Outside of my single case research design studies in AAC, I am also deeply committed to integrating antiracism and antiableism in my research and teaching practices, including in future work with teacher educators.

As an intersectional feminist who also identifies as a multiracial person, I am also interested in engaging with critical race theory, disability studies, queer studies, and indigenous feminist studies. I seek to meld these theories and ways of knowing with the research methodologies and tenets of special education to increase access, equity, and opportunities for individuals historically and currently underrepresented and oppressed.

Stephanie St. Joseph

Hello everyone!  My name is Stephanie St. Joseph and I am in my third year of the Special Education doctoral program. I have worked as a school psychologist for 12 years in New York, North Carolina, and South Carolina. My background includes substantial work with MTSS, special education law, data collection, crisis response, and students with autism spectrum disorder.

I am interested in researching how to improve wellness and mental health for students with autism, specifically in a school setting. I am currently working on a study that is modifying cognitive-behavioral therapy to address anxiety in children with autism. Additionally, I consult with a local school district on their Tier 2 and Tier 3 implementation of a PBIS framework.

Living in Oregon is a huge change from living on the east coast, but it is SO beautiful. I chose the University of Oregon because of its strong reputation in the field of special education, and because there are so many wonderful and influential people in the Special Education department. I am challenged everyday but have also received some spectacular opportunities.

Katie Alvarez

I am a 2nd year Special Education doctoral student at the University of Oregon. I am on the CO-LEAD grant and work with Dr. Wendy Machalicek, researching ways to better serve ethnically diverse children with autism. We also serve children and families in the community at the HEDCO Clinic and at the HART House.

I am interested in working with Hispanic/Latine children with autism. Specifically, I hope to develop a culturally adaptive form of intervention for Hispanic/Latine children with autism, considering that the majority of interventions are designed with only White children with autism in mind.

I attended Cornell College and earned my degree in Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience. After graduating, I worked as a Registered Behavior Technician and a Social Skills teacher in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Prior to attending the University of Oregon, I worked at Michigan State University completing research with Dr. Joshua Plavnick, which focused on communication outcomes for children with autism. 

I love living in Eugene! My favorite thing to do in town is take my pup for a walk to the local boba shop and grab a quick treat. We also take lots of trips to the dog park, in addition to working outside at Vero Café. 

Fang Yu Lin

I am a 4th year Special Education doctoral student at the University of Oregon and specialize in early intervention. I am from Taiwan and lived in Austin, Texas for a period of time, before moving to Portland, Oregon with my family.

My current research focuses on early intervention service delivery. Presently, I am conducting a survey to investigate how early intervention programs have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and public health directives issued by local and state authorities. Following my current study, I plan to conduct a six-month research study in Taiwan and investigate how service delivery approaches link to social emotional development for young children.

The Special Education doctoral program at the University of Oregon is extremely organized, individualized, and supportive. I love working with my advisor and cohort of doctoral students!

Alexandra Newson

Alex is a 1st year doctoral student in Special Education and a recipient of Project CO-LEAD, which is an OSEP funded leadership grant focusing on autism, evidence-based practices, MTSS and collaboration across universities. Her current research interests include teacher preparation utilizing equitable, trauma-informed, culturally competent practices, the implementation of trauma-informed and neuro-affirming practices within MTSS, and facilitating collaboration between educators, service providers, and families to improve outcomes for students with autism.

Before beginning her doctoral studies, Alex received a Master of Science at the University of Oregon in Special Education with K-12 licensure under Project STEP—an OSEP funded personnel preparation grant focusing on low-incidence disabilities. She has her preliminary license in SPED K-12 for the state of Oregon and continues to find strength and joy in the students/families that she served.

Alex is hoping to work with Dr. Rhonda Nese on her federally funded ISLA project as well as other PBIS center research projects in the future. Currently, she is attending various research groups to better understand the opportunities available the University of Oregon.

Stacy Arbuckle

I’m a 3rd  year doctoral student in Special Education with a focus in early intervention. My primary areas of interest revolve around supporting and training teachers and caregivers to implement interventions and evidence- based practices in the home and school settings to support young  children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental delays.

After completing my Masters in Special Education in 2012 at the University of Houston, I taught in a Life Skills classroom (K-2nd) for 4 years, an integrated developmental preschool classroom for 1 year, and spent a year working as an early interventionist (birth – three) at the Children’s Therapy Center. I also continue to work remotely for local colleges (in the Seattle/Tacoma area) teaching pre-service teachers and childcare professionals in early childhood and special education programs.

In addition to working on my PhD, I am also pursuing my school administrator license through the Educational Leadership and Development program here at UO. I love this program because I’ve made connections with incredibly talented people who are mentoring me as I continue to develop my skill set and have provided me opportunities to teach and engage in research both within and outside my areas of interest. Currently, I’m participating in multiple research projects with my advisor and other faculty members, both locally and internationally, and also collaborating with a research team at Oregon State University to promote inclusive practices for children with exceptional needs in Outdoor School Programs across the state.

Attached is an abstract proposal for the ABAI Symposium submitted by Megan Kunze, Christine Drew, Wendy Machalicek, and Becky Crowe. Please check out their exciting work and check back on the blog for more updates on this project!

[embeddoc url=”https://blogs.uoregon.edu/speddoc/files/2019/01/Symposium-at-ABAI-2019-1a0tj4c.docx” download=”all” viewer=”google” ]

Tasia Brafford was kind enough to share these resources from her experience at the CLD Leadership Institute last week. The resources are from an early career professional and include her insights on the job search process. Enjoy![embeddoc url=”https://blogs.uoregon.edu/speddoc/files/2018/10/WIlliams_CLD18_Sample-Interview-Questions-1pubmxs.docx” download=”all” viewer=”google” ][embeddoc url=”https://blogs.uoregon.edu/speddoc/files/2018/10/Williams_CLD18_Job-Search-Process-rn2zrq.docx” download=”all” viewer=”google” ]

[embeddoc url=”https://blogs.uoregon.edu/speddoc/files/2018/04/TAM_2018_19_Fellows-yrhmom.pdf” download=”all” viewer=”google” ]