I
alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across
the waters to create many ripples. ~Mother
Teresa
The opportunity to affect positive change has been the most
attractive aspect of my work. I began my career as a K-12
Learning and Behavior Disorder Special Education Teacher. For
over twenty-five years, I have served as an educational
consultant, researcher, and learning specialist. I have
collaborated with organizations to develop institutional
protocols, guidelines, and policies. I have served as an
advocate and instructor for students with learning differences
in the Chicago Public Schools. I also created and taught
an annual summer hybrid “Digital Reading Camp” course for
6-12-year-old students.
My past experience in
designing and facilitating professional development in
face-to-face, blended and online settings focused on the
implementation of digital learning games, instructional
technologies, universal design, Web 2.0 tools
and brain-compatible teaching
methods. I have
mentored adult learners at Loyola University, and served as a
lecturer at DePaul University. More recently, I have served as
a student advisor at DePaul.
I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education from
Loyola University of Chicago and a Master’s Degree from DePaul
University’s School for New Learning. My graduate research
focused on educational neuroscience and the application of
cognitive enhancement technologies. I hold graduate
certificates in Educating Adults, Professional Leadership,
Social/ Emotional Intelligence Training, and E-Learning and
Online Teaching.
A believer in life-long learning, I am committed to
investigating innovative teaching methods and adding new
online tools to my professional toolbox that would help
learners of all ages actualize their aspirations. I am the
founder and facilitator of the Chicago Area Brain Network, an
organization that supports individuals and groups who work to
advance awareness of cognitive fitness. I love to travel, play piano, and
explore my beautiful city, Chicago, with my husband and
toddler daughter. Most of all, I am excited about the
opportunity to serve as your guide, as you discover the world
of online learning and teaching! Here’s to a great
class! ~Maggie