I have been the Executive Director of Giant Steps for the past six years. I hold a BA in elementary education and special education from Michigan State University and a Master's degree in educational psychology from Loyola University in Chicago. Having worked in the field of special education since 1987, I have spent close to 30 years helping students with autism in both public and private schools. Apart from my extensive experience in the education field, I owned a private consulting business to support students with autism. Outside of work I enjoy gardening, spending time on Mackinac Island and I play on an amateur billiards team.

I joined Giant Steps in May 1994, starting as a Teaching Assistant and progressing to becoming Program Manager. Asked why I've stayed for 30 years; my answer is simple: "Because our program works!" I find fulfillment in the students' growth, the dedicated staff, and the hope in parents' eyes. Beyond work, I enjoy sewing and gardening.

I earned my degree in Recreational Therapy from SEMO in 2011 and have been a part of Giant Steps since 2010 (time flies!). Witnessing the growth of our students and seeing them transition towards promising futures brings me immense joy. I organize and lead summer camp events and serve as a supervisor for all teaching assistants. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, exploring new restaurants, and engaging in sports activities.

I teach upper elementary/middle school students in various subjects and hold a Bachelor's in Educational Studies from UMSL. Currently pursuing a Master's in Special Education, my passion for this field began through volunteering with TASK as a child. Joining Giant Steps in 2018, I transitioned to an Academic Therapist in 2022, enjoying the formal academic setting and creating engaging activities. In my free time, I love Blues Hockey, spending time with family, and crocheting items, including fidgets for students.

At Giant Steps since August 2022, I enhance students' academic skills for vocational and transitional goals. With a UMSL undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Cross-Categorical Special Education, I'm pursuing a School Counseling Master's at Mizzou. Beyond work, I love outdoor activities with my family and have a passion for crocheting, especially making stuffed animals.

I've been here since 2011, first as a TA and now as the art teacher since 2019. I enjoy helping students set expectations so they can improve thieir behavior in hopes of returning to their regular schools. It's fulfilling to see them become more independent in their art. I studied at UMSL and got an associate degree in science. Before Giant Steps, I worked at St. Louis Art Works for eight years, where I also supervised an art program. Overall, I love teaching abstract art and fine motor skills, and it's great to see students grow in their confidence.

I facilitate small group sessions for students focusing on peer interaction and social-emotional skills. I hold a Bachelors in Social Work from the University of Missouri and a Masters in Social Work with a school social work specialization from Saint Louis University. I joined Giant Steps in 2009, took a break to be a stay-at-home mom from 2016-2020, and returned. I cherish the individualized setting, find joy in daily laughter with students, and spend my free time being a mom to my 5-year-old twins.

I implement behavioral interventions and teach social skills to students. With a Special Education degree from Western Michigan University, I bring years of experience from various settings, including a therapeutic day school in Chicago. Joining Giant Steps in September 2023, I'm drawn to the incredible staff and students. Beyond work, I enjoy outdoor activities, especially playing soccer, and value time with family and friends.

Since becoming a part of Giant Steps in 2020, my focus has been on fostering a passion for physical activity. With a degree in Educational Studies from Webster University, substantial teaching expertise, and a history as a collegiate athlete, I am committed to my role as an educator. The encouraging atmosphere at Giant Steps has been instrumental in nurturing my ongoing development. Outside of work, I like spending time with my dogs and discovering new hiking trails.

I am dedicated to helping students enhance their speech and language skills, providing them with effective communication tools. I have my Master’s degree in Communication Disorders from Truman State University and six years of experience in the school setting, specializing in language disorders associated with Autism. I joined Giant Steps in November 2019 and I absolutely love working with all of our students and witnessing their unique strengths and growth. Outside of work, I like to spend time with friends and family, cook and bake, read, and play pickleball.

I assess and treat communication disorders with personalized plans, bringing six years of experience to Giant Steps. With degrees from SIUE, this is my first year here, and I'm thrilled to contribute to a strong team dedicated to student success in a positive environment. Outside of work, I enjoy activities like bike riding, gardening, swimming, painting, trying new restaurants, and occasional travel.

In my role at Giant Steps, I focus on improving students' academic skills in areas like reading and math, as well as addressing social, independence, and practical life skills. With a Master's in Applied Behavior Analysis and being a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, my 12 years of experience include specialized work with autism in grades K-3rd. Joining Giant Steps in August 2022, I appreciate the school's small size, facilitating close collaboration and a supportive environment that allows for flexibility and resources tailored to our students' unique needs. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, traveling, running, and volunteering in St. Louis theater.

In December 2022, I graduated from Drury University with a major in Music Therapy and minors in Psychology, Pre-Ministry, and Communications. With experience in diverse settings like Special Needs, Mental Health, and End of Life Care/Palliative Care, I bring a versatile skill set. Since joining the GS family in May 2022, I've cherished making music with the kids and witnessing their musical growth. I enjoy being outdoors, engaging in activities like hiking, fishing, camping, and kayaking.

I earned my undergraduate degree at Mizzou and a Masters in OT from Rockhurst University in 2017. Since then, I've dedicated myself to helping children at Giant Steps, focusing on areas like emotional regulation, motor skills, life-skills, and executive functioning. My diverse professional background includes work in school settings and pediatric clinics. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, reading, playing with my two beagle pups, and enjoying live music.

I graduated from Maryville University with a Masters in Occupational Therapy in 2015 and joined the Giant Steps family in August of the same year, where I have remained since. Being at Giant Steps has allowed me to concentrate on each student's unique needs and invest time in building strong rapport. Outside of work, my interests include hiking, spending time with my dogs Jada and Dottie, reading, and exploring new places through travel.