A Native of Sheldon, Iowa, Joan obtained a Bachelors degree in Music Therapy from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, and an MSW from the School of Social Work at the University of California Fresno. Joan’s experience is quite varied, having worked with developmentally delayed children and adults; in a long-term care facility housing gerontology patients, trauma patients, rehabilitation therapy patients, and substance abuse treatment patients; adult and children in day treatment; case management; and as Head Start coordinator for disability and behavioral health services (6yrs, in California and 6yrs. in Northern Arizona). Joan’s involvement in the various aspects of service delivery has been as coordinator, manager, and program developer. She has been with the Institute for Human Development since January of ’00 working with ABI and ImPACT.

With ABI, Joan has helped to establish a comprehensive and focused statewide effort to improve the capacity of the state and local education agencies to address the full range of school-wide behavioral challenges facing Arizona educators. ABI is a collaborative effort between the Arizona Department of Education, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona, and is supported by the National Center for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. As Project Coordinator for ImPACT, Joan’s coordinates the provision of training in the area of low-incidence disabilities and early childhood special education. Students enrolled in the project are provided with training through regular coursework, web courses, and practicum experiences at approved sites in the community. Completion of the ImPACT program of studies provides students with eligibility to apply for Certification in Special Education; Early Childhood or Severe/Profound.