She received both her doctorate of philosophy and her master's degree from the University of Florida. Her work in K-12 settings was in inclusive classrooms were she served a diverse group of students, including individuals with autism. Currently, she works with preservice teachers, preparing them to deliver high-quality literacy instruction to all students with special needs. In addition, she works with inservice teachers to prepare them to assume roles as formal and informal teacher leaders. Her research interests include reading and autism, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, teacher leadership, and inclusion. Her work is publishing in Exceptional Children, Qualitative Health Research, Social Science and Medicine, Journal of Child and Family Studies, Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, Field Methods, Beyond Behavior, and Childhood Education.