Special Education Teacher/Teacher of Children with Visual Impairments
At Joya since 2017
Practicing Special Education Teacher since 2004
Teacher of Children with Visual Impairments (TCVI) since 2020
Born and raised in Washington state, Clare was immersed in the world of education growing up in a small town with both parents teaching in the local schools. From an early age, she wanted to be a teacher and after attending Gonzaga University, she fell in love with working with, and learning from, children with special needs. Following her passion of working with kiddos with special needs, Clare transitioned from working in public schools to Joya Child & Family Development and has felt at home ever since. She fully embraces her role as teacher and parent coach and soaks up her time with her family at home in the garden and baking delicious creations.
In 2020, Clare obtained additional teaching certification as a Teacher of Children with Visual Impairments (TCVI). She delivers direct educational vision services to all children birth-three years old in Spokane County with low vision or blindness who attend Early Support for Infant and Toddlers (ESIT) agencies. In 2021, she also obtained her Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) certification to serve children with low vision and blindness critical orientation, safe travel, and independence skills; a service previously unavailable to infants and toddlers in Spokane county. Clare collaborates with local pediatric ophthalmologists, community supports for people with low-vision or blindness, and supports smooth transitions with local school districts for vision services.
Education
- Bachelor of Education, Special Education and Elementary Education, Gonzaga University
- Master of Education, Special Education and Early Childhood Special Education, Gonzaga University
- Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS)