Greetings...I am really excited to have this opportunity to work with Amy in presenting material to you about IEPs! This is my second course teaching on the internet and I am discovering how much fun it can be!

I am currently with Virginia Institute for Developmental Disabilities, a university affiliated program at Virginia Commonwealth University. I have been in Virginia for five years now and I love it! I moved from Colorado where I spent 14 years as a general education teacher and 4 years in the field of special education. While in Colorado I also served as a behavioral consultant and integration facilitator for a large school division.

I am project director of a federally funded program that provides training and technical assistance for children with dual sensory impairments and also teach several graduate level courses at VCU. I also direct the project: Futures Planning: Helping Communities Welcome People With Disabilities. Traveling is one of my favorite hobbies, and I am fortunate to be able to incorporate my love of traveling with my desire to share ideas and strategies regarding person-centered planning, collaborative IEPs, family/professional partnerships, and inclusive schools and communities. I am looking forward to learning and sharing with you!

e-mail: Anne Malatchi

Amy Armstrong

Hello, there! I am glad you are joining us for this course. I have been working in transition and adult services for almost 15 years. My interests include transition from school to adult life, employment, other disability-related issues and personnel training. I work at the VCU-RRTC on Supported Employment. In this capacity I produce distance education staff development opportunities for educators and rehabilitation personnel via live satellite teleconferencing (10 years) and the World Wide Web (3 years). Currently, I am working on two projects which focus on issues concerning transition-age youth and young adults, including incorporating SSI work incentives into the IEP process. I also teach a face-to-face class in the VCU Dept. of Rehabilitation Counseling (Job Placement).

My previous experience includes working: as an employment specialist for transition-aged youth, as a supervisor of a developmental day program, and as an independent living skills instructor in a CIL. Michigan State University is my alma matter, GO Green! Now I am working on my doctorate at VCU. Life is pretty grand! I hope you enjoy this course. Anne and I are looking forward to working with you.

e-mail: Amy Armstrong