Dr. Amy Pleet-Odle, Founder & CEO
I combine my 50+ years as an educator with a profound concern for the well-being of students, teachers, leaders and families. If we want to improve outcomes for all students, especially those with disabilities, we need a sequential plan for improvement and a support network. I’m delighted to co-create with this team of committed professionals to offer you Joyful Inclusion.
Meg Knapp, Executive Assistant
As a neurodivergent mother to a neurodivergent child, accessible education is near and dear to my heart. I utilize my organization skills, creativity, and insight as a parent & community member to assist Dr. Amy Pleet-Odle in growing her vision of Joyful Inclusion.
Tori Baker, Virtual Assistant
Drawing on my knowledge from the student side of special education in the 90s and the parent side of special education today, I am able to bring a unique perspective to Joyful Inclusion. I use my background in home education, public involvement, and planning along with tailored skills that include creative collaboration, data collection, and organization to assist Joyful Inclusion in creating communities where all students and teachers thrive.
Cara Phillips,
Community Developer
As a parent of children with unique needs, my passion for fostering inclusive communities comes from my early experiences navigating social & educational environments without clear guidance. After years of leading teams in the corporate world, I transitioned to work as an Educational & IEP Consultant & then as a Family Support Coordinator for my local school district. I am eager to continue this journey by connecting people with effective strategies & resources that will shift community mindsets toward genuine inclusivity.
Dr. Rachel Juergensen, Joyful Inclusion Evaluator
I draw from my diverse experiences as a classroom teacher, administrator, statewide MTSS coach, and assistant professor of special education to support teachers in their work of providing equitable learning opportunities in inclusive spaces for students with disabilities. I’m excited to bring a research lens to the amazing work happening at Joyful Inclusion and evaluate the program as well as participant outcomes.
Richard Wright, Video & Cartoonist
As a freelance Digital Media Designer, I have worked on a variety of creative projects for individual businesses. I enjoy bringing life to ideas and tackling challenges combining my art and design skills. My animation appears on this website and my cartoons are the core of the Specially Designed Instruction package.
Claire Gosteli, Creative Designer
As a designer, my favorite thing is working with passionate entrepreneurs who have a unique gift to offer the world that goes beyond making money or selling stuff. I love helping good people (like Dr. Amy Pleet-Odle) grow their business and share their message in a way that feels clear and authentic.
Inclusion Coaching Team
Alexis Boyden
I use my 15 years of experience as a special education teacher and school leader advocating for and developing inclusive programming in public schools. I’m excited about joining the Joyful Inclusion team to empower educators across the country who share my passion for rethinking education and creating inclusive communities in which all students and their families thrive.
Marsye Kaplan
I have spent nearly 50 years supporting children and youth with disabilities and their parents as a Speech/Language Pathologist, Special Educator, and Assistive Technology Professional at both the local and State levels. I am passionate about ensuring that all children can be the best that they can be!
Dr. Rebekah Dyer
I have had the pleasure of working in the field of special education for 22 years. My passion for inclusion has grown exponentially during my time as a special education teacher, professor, presenter, trainer and researcher. I strive to set schools, teachers and administrators up for success in providing an inclusive environment where all students can learn.
Susan Krikelis
As an educator of 27 years, I have had the opportunity to view inclusive practices through many lenses. Through all these lenses my focus never changed; the importance of creating a space for students with disabilities to learn alongside their peers and developing supportive environments for educators. One can not be separated from the other and fostering such a place is one of the passions of my career.
Rebecca Fry
I am a super passionate educator, trainer, and consultant in WA State. I’ve worked as a Special Educator for 13 years, program coordinator for 5 years, statewide trainer and developer for the past 10+ years, taught higher ed for 8+ years, and now am a statewide consultant, coach, and trainer consulting with various districts across WA State and in Zambia. I navigate my work with an advocacy lens for students and families, learning from them every step of the way!
Allegra Johnson
Dr. Allegra Johnson is an experienced education consultant and leadership coach with a passion for supporting innovative school leaders who want to scale inclusive practices for students with IEPs in their schools. With 15 years of experience in Special Education, Dr. Johnson has a proven track record of guiding school teams to foster inclusive, responsive, and affirming empowering learning experiences for all kinds of learners.
Debby Strecker
I treasure the experiences I’ve had working with special education students from preschool through high school, teaching and encouraging them to reach their true potential. I’ve been passionately driven for more than 30 years to make a difference for students with special needs, supporting teachers and partnering with families.
