Learning More about Autism

NJAMLE Sponsors Autism Virtual Panel Discussion

 Continuing its efforts to meet the needs of the stakeholders within its educational community, NJAMLE is pleased to announce the revival of its Hungry for Learning professional development series. On Wednesday, February 3 at 7:00 pm, the first installment of the series will be presented with a virtual panel discussion focused on Autism Awareness. The panel discussion will be hosted by 2020 AMLE National Educator of the Year Joe Pizzo and feature Principal of the Monmouth Elementary School Dr. Maribeth Edmunds and Michelle Vinokurov. who is a Paraprofessional at Middletown Township Public Schools. The suggested audience is K-12+ educators, pre-service teachers and interested parents.

The panel has been constructed in an effort to raise awareness among educators and parents who wish to learn more about the effective strategies for dealing with Autism both at home and in educational communities.  Dr. Edmunds, who will serve as one of the panelists, will provide both a professional and a personal perspective. In addition to her years of experience as a classroom teacher and administrator, she is the mother of an adult son who has Autism. Dr. Edmunds is a student-centered administrator who demonstrates exceptional leadership through high levels of student achievement, professional development and her mentorship of aspiring school leaders.  Clearly an advocate of education, Dr.Edmunds holds degrees from Montclair State College, the College of New Jersey, and Seton Hall University where she earned her doctorate in educational leadership, management and policy.

Dr. Edmunds will be joined by Michelle Vinokurov. Michelle was diagnosed with Autism at age 2 and was nonverbal until the age of 6. At 22 years of age her life story was released in a published book called This is Autism.  Today Michelle works as a paraprofessional for elementary school students living with Autism in the Middletown Township school district. She was recently accorded the honor of Best Support Staff member of the 2020-21 school year. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in the Science of Psychology: Applied Behavior Analysis through Purdue University Global. 

NJAMLE is proud to sponsor this event hosted by Joe Pizzo and featuring Dr. Maribeth Edmunds and Michelle Vinokurov, who are active members of the New Jersey Autism Think Tank based at Brookdale Community College and who have a great deal of knowledge to offer those who seek to learn more about Autism. The evening will not only include the opportunity to enrich the understanding of the attendees but also arm the attendees with strategies which can be readily implemented when interacting with individuals who have Autism.

For those who are interested in attending "Learning More About Autism," there will be a zoom link provided on the association's website @njamle.org. in the near future.  Stay tuned for future professional development opportunities in the upcoming months as NJAMLE is currently in the process of constructing the remainder of its 2021 Hungry for Learning Series.

Article Respectfully Submitted by: Thomas Snyder