Supporting Social and Emotional Learning Competencies

Cecilia Cruse, MS. OTR/L received her BS degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Florida, and her Master’s degree in Education from Georgia State University. She is SIPT (Sensory Integration & Praxis Test) certified and has over 30 years’ experience in pediatrics with school-based services (including pre-school and Head Start programs) acute care and outpatient pediatric settings including Augusta University in Georgia, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. Cecilia has experience as a consultant, author and lecturer including TV appearances, such as CNN’s Health Watch and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. She has authored several articles for professional periodicals and magazines and has served as a trainer/consultant and service provider in several school systems. Cecilia is currently the Subject Matter Expert for Abilitations/ School Specialty Special Needs Division. She also lectures nationwide on practical sensory solutions for educators, therapists and parents. She is “energetic” and “entertaining” and insists on a fun learning experience.

Jennifer Fernandez has over 29 years of experience in the field of education. She holds a BA in Elementary Education and Spanish and an MA in Bilingual/Bicultural Studies with an emphasis on Bilingual Education. Her teaching experience includes everything from Pre-K4 to second grade, in both general education and bilingual/dual language settings. Jennifer left the classroom to work more closely with educators as a Professional Learning Specialist for Pre-K4SA in San Antonio, TX. where she spent six and half years coaching and providing professional development opportunities for early childhood educators. Jennifer has recently switched roles and is currently employed as an Early Childhood Subject Matter Expert with School Specialty, Inc. Her presentations cover many important topics in early childhood with a strong focus on information and strategies for Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers.

Laura Nicole Hill has served within the field of education for 16 years as a classroom teacher, specialist, assistant principal, and principal. She is certified as an educator in the areas of EC-12 Principal, EC-8 Generalist, 8-12 English Language Arts, Reading, and Social Studies, EC-12 Special Education, EC-12 Gifted and Talented, and EC-12 English as a Second Language. Her school experience varies to include work with students in prekindergarten through 12th grade, both in Texas and Europe, and within communities that were each uniquely diverse in terms of their demographics, size, and campus needs. While serving in these roles she developed expertise in the areas of curriculum and instruction, professional development, and leadership.