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Mikayla is smiling and standing in front of colorful buildings.

Hi, my name is Mikayla!

I have dedicated my life to working with disabled individuals, using neurodiversity affirming and culturally responsive practices. My experience is widespread in regards to environment, disability, and age. Prior to starting UnmaskEd, I worked as a special education teacher. During this time I taught and case managed kindergarten through fifth grade students who had intellectual and/or developmental disabilities such as autism, Down Syndrome, cortical vision impairment, and epilepsy.​

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Working in schools was invaluable to me as I supported my students and got to learn the ins and outs of the special education system, common misconceptions, and frequent challenges both families and teachers face. ​​

It was in this role that I had the opportunity to take a deep dive into working with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, accommodating and creating materials for students with vision disabilities, and working 1:1 with students with a PDA profile to make learning accessible and safe for them.

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I started UnmaskEd with the intention of creating a bigger impact for students than I was able to in a traditional classroom. UnmaskEd started as a passion project during a time when so many students were not having their IEP implemented with fidelity due to a lack of resources. As an educational therapist I am able to use my background, training, and experience to work 1:1 with students on the skills they need to be successful in school. I am also able to support their families through the entire special education process whether it be through caregiver coaching or special education (IEP) advocacy. When I coach caregivers I am able to answer questions and provide insight into the IEP process. IEP advocacy involves my participation in the development of the IEP and the meeting to ensure parents are comfortable and confident in decisions made by the team. When a family utilizes all three services, I am able to be involved in the IEP process every step of the way to make sure their child is truly set up for success.

My approach

I use a neurodiversity affirming approach with all of my students and clients. It is very important to me that each child has control over their learning and that their learning is driven by their own intrinsic motivation. To accomplish this, I adjust my teaching style to meet each child where they are at. This may mean learning through play, integrating sensory strategies, or incorporating special interests into learning.

My Background

Professional Credentials and Licensure:​

  • Elementary Education Teacher, Colorado

  • Special Education Generalist, Colorado​​

Education

  • MA in Exceptional Student Education

  • BA in Psychology

Volunteer Experience and Memberships

Neurodiversity: Trainings and Certifications

  • Play Spark: Advocacy in Action

  • Comprehensive Literacy for All: Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities to Read and Write

  • Yoshimoto Orton Gillingham International

    • this is the leading approach to dyslexia/reading intervention and instruction​​

Additional Competencies: 

  • Autism

  • ADHD

  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

  • Developmental Disabilities (Down Syndrome, etc.)

  • Intellectual Disabilities

  • Pervasive Drive for Autonomy

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