Hi, my name is Mikayla!
I have dedicated my life to working with disabled individuals, using neurodiversity affirming practices. My experience is widespread in regards to environment, disability, and age. In the past, I was a Camp Leader at a camp for individuals off all ages with any disability. I have also worked as a nanny and personal caregiver for autistic children and adults. I have been working in special education for the past six years. I work as a Significant Support Needs teacher, which is a program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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I started UnmaskEd Educational Therapy as a way for me to branch out and support children's academic, behavior, and executive functioning needs in a more personalized way than I can in the classroom.
My approach
I use a neurodiversity affirming approach with all of my students and clients. It is very important to me that each child has control over their learning and that their learning is driven by their own intrinsic motivation. To accomplish this, I adjust my teaching style to meet each child where they are at. This may mean learning through play, integrating sensory strategies, or incorporating special interests into learning.
My Background
Professional Credentials and Licensure:​
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Elementary Education Teacher, Colorado
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Special Education Generalist, Colorado
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Education: Trainings and Certifications
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Comprehensive Literacy for All: Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities to Read and Write
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Yoshimoto Orton Gillingham
Neurodiversity: Trainings and Certifications
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Play Spark: Advocacy in Action
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Additional Competencies:
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Autism
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ADHD
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Developmental Disabilities (Down Syndrome, etc.)
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Intellectual Disabilities
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Alternative and Augmentative Communication