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, Administrative 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.
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.
Sheronda Helton, DEI Consultant
I combine my early experience as a special educator with expertise in business development and my commitment to equity. I have enjoyed coaching Dr. Amy Pleet-Odle to get more visibility. Every school needs Joyful Inclusion!
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.
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.
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!
James Lawton
The last 7 years I have been visiting 15-20 classrooms a week providing feedback and support to teachers, staff, and administrators. I look forward to continuing this support with a focus on inclusion. I have worked for 35+ years as a special ed. administrator (bilingual), assessment team member, and coach. I have worked on state mandated special ed audits, inclusion, co-teaching, disproportionality plans, MTSS, comprehensive literacy, and transition improvements.
Ellen Galvez
I passionately believe all kids can learn and thrive when they are surrounded by adults and peers who respect them, believe in them, and show them kindness. During my 25 years supporting students with disabilities, I have coached teachers, administrators, and parents as they strive to build inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students. I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with school teams who are ready to reimagine their approach to education.
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.
