Objective:
To work in a position using my skills and knowledge to support people with special needs or provide service to a company whose mission I uphold.
Education:
Stephen F. Austin State University (December 1999) - B.A. in psychology with minor in special education. Additional courses completed include social research; educational psychology; 24 credit hours in special education; structure and function of the human eye; concept development for children with visual impairments; and several independent study courses examining topics related to the educational and psychological needs of students with visual impairments.
Anderson University (09/1990-05/1992) - Coursework included 12 hours of ministry-related credits and 16 hours of music business courses.
Skills and Knowledge:
Strengths include oral and written communication skills; ability to relate with compassion and patience to people from a variety of backgrounds; attention to detail; ability to learn quickly, conduct in-depth research using the Internet and other sources, and manage multiple projects; ability to compile data into usable reports; and problem-solving ability. Skills include knowledge of computer applications and typing 65 words per minute.
Employment
07/2002-10/2003 - Freedom Scientific, Inc. - Provided technical writing services and usability and accessibility consulting as needed. Projects included development of a tutorial demonstrating features of software that allow people with visual impairments to use Internet Explorer; assistance with documenting functions of hardware and software products for people with visual impairments; conversion of manuals from Word to HTML format; and assistance with development of accessible HTML-based applications.
02/2000-09/2002 - North Anderson Church of God, Anderson, IN - Provided care for children ages 0 to 5 during regular and specially scheduled events, occasionally providing supervision for volunteers.
10/1995-Present – Self-employed – Provide content for web sites and print media and oral presentations for community groups regarding disabilities, medical and psychiatric conditions, and family life.
07/1994 - Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX - Supervised evening activities at a summer camp for visually impaired teenagers and assisted with conflict management.
09/1992-02/1996 - Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX - Took notes, typed papers, and provided tutoring for students with learning and physical disabilities.
Summers of 1988 & 1989 - Texas Commission for the Blind, Pasadena, TX - Fielded telephone calls and greeted visitors, transcribed material into braille, collected referral information, and composed correspondence based on dictation.
Community Service:
04/1998-Present - www.growingstrong.org - Serve as moderator for affiliated email-based discussion groups providing support and networking opportunities for people with disabilities and their families.
09/2003-09/2005 - American Council of the Blind - Compile announcements about new products and services of interest to people with visual impairments for the "Here and There" column in the ACB's monthly publication.
08/2000-07/2001 – National Association of Blind Teachers – Served as editor of and writer for the quarterly newsletter, The Blind Teacher.
08/1998-07/1999 – National Alliance of Blind Students – Served as editor of and writer for the Quarterly newsletter, The Student Advocate.
09/1992-05/1993 and 09/1996-12/1996 - First Church of God, Nacogdoches, TX - Directed youth choir. Activities included leading worship and production of Christmas musical.
09/1993-02/1997 – Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX – Served as member of the Americans with Disabilities Act Advisory Committee. Duties included chairing meetings and participating in evaluation and planning of accessibility features on the university campus.
07/1995 - Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX - served as assistant to technology instructor at a summer camp for teenagers with visual impairments. Duties included tutoring campers in the use of new technology and assisting in the production of the camp newspaper.
08/1994-07/1995 – East Texas Council of the Blind, Nacogdoches, TX – Served as president. Duties included chairing meetings, planning events, and speaking with potential members.
08/1994-08/1995 – Nacogdoches Independent School District, Nacogdoches, TX – Served as member of the Special Education Advisory Committee.
08/1994-07/1995 – National Alliance of Blind Students – Served as secretary. Duties included taking minutes and presenting discussion at quarterly meetings.
09/1990-Present – Public speaker – Demonstrate blindness products and discuss the needs of people who are blind and their families with various groups, including teacher education students, community service groups, and school-age groups.
04/1988-08/1990 – Texas Commission for the Blind, Houston, TX – Served as peer counselor and organized activities for groups of teenagers with visual impairments in the Houston metropolitan area.
09/1985-Present - Perform original musical compositions at religious services and community events; produce recorded arrangements of original compositions in home studio.
References:
References are available upon request.