Our content creators work with the Show Me College project lead, Dr. Magen Rooney-Kron, to identify and develop content that will increase awareness that college is possible for students with intellectual disabilities in Missouri. The content they develop is informed by best practices in the field of special education and their extensive personal experience as educators.
Dr. Hannah Brenner, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at North Central College. She received her PhD in special education from the University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign. Hannah has over 7 years of experience working with families and students with disabilities. She is a former special education teacher for transition-age students with significant support needs. Her research focuses on improving employment outcomes for students with significant support needs through meaningful access to early work experiences in integrated community settings
Dr. Emily Malouf, PhD, is a Research Scholar at Vanderbilt University. She received her PhD in Special Education from University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign. She has over 15 years of experience working with youth, teens, and adults who have significant support needs. She has worked in public and non-public schools in Ohio, Illinois, Texas, New York, and California as a teacher and administrator. In addition to her work in schools, Emily has provided in-home and center-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to individuals with autism and has served as an advocate for families at Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. Emily has particular experience supporting families and individuals with significant support needs as they transition from high school to post-high school life.
Dr. Julia E. Snider, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at Grand Valley State University. She received her PhD in Special Education, with a focus on students with significant support needs, from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her passion is promoting the meaningful inclusion of students with extensive support needs within their communities. Prior to her career in academia, she worked in the Chicago Public Schools as a special education teacher and inclusion facilitator. Her research examines how pre- and in-service special education teachers plan lessons and select materials to teach students with the most significant support needs. Additionally, her work addresses tools and resources to effectively support teachers in including students in the general education classroom.