Executive Director, North Florida School of Special Education
Mission: The mission of the North Florida School of Special Education is to improve the lives of students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities through the achievement of academics, vocational and social skills.
Serving Jacksonville: The school started in 1992 in Jacksonville.
Those served: Currently we have 90 students on our campus. Students come from all over Jacksonville and surrounding counties.
Biggest challenge: We are one of Jacksonville’s best-kept secrets. We want more people to know about our school and the services we offer to those individuals with disabilities.
Biggest satisfaction: I love coming to work each day. I have learned so much about unconditional love. The students love learning and celebrate one another in ways that continue to amaze me. No one sees themselves here with a disability. We encourage each student to become the best version of him or herself. I feel very blessed to be part of
such a wonderful environment.
Hometown: Mansfield, Ohio
First experience with community service: I began working as a recreational therapist at The Arc Jacksonville in 1982. I directed Special Olympics for the Northeast District of Florida and then moved to the MS Society as the executive director. I left that position in 1990 to start my family.
Your job before the North Florida School of Special Education: When my husband, Chris, and I started our family, I was fortunate to be able to stay at home and raise our four children. I joined the school in 2010.
Upcoming events
April 21: The Walking Tree, a 1-mile walk/fun run.
May 5: Riverhops, a gourmet beer pairing dinner.
Contact information
www.northfloridaschool.org