Dawn brings 34 years of diverse educational experience to her role, having taught children from early childhood through 5th grade. She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from Gannon University and an M.Ed. in Special Education from Edinboro University. Additionally, Dawn is a Certified Autism Specialist (C.A.S.), accredited by The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards.

Her extensive career spans various educational settings and roles. Dawn’s early career included teaching at the Senate Employees Child Care Center on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and serving as Assistant Director of the YMCA Child Center in Bethesda, Maryland. After earning her M.Ed., she worked as a learning support teacher in North Brunswick, New Jersey, and as an autistic support teacher in Algonquin, Illinois.

Upon returning to Erie, Dawn’s expertise led her to roles as a behavior specialist at the Achievement Center and an Autistic Support teacher for the Northwest Tri-County IU5. Throughout her career, she has actively participated in numerous conferences and workshops, often presenting to peers on autism-related topics.

Currently, Dawn is completing her Masters +30 and has begun facilitating programs for the NWPA Autism Society. Her ongoing professional development and diverse experiences reflect her commitment to providing high-quality support for children with diverse needs.

Dawn resides in Erie with her husband and three dogs, maintaining a strong connection to her local community while continuing to contribute to the field of special education and autism support.