Meet our students
The following students are currently enrolled in the Significant Cognitive Disabilities Degree Program: Leadership Outcomes in Education and Family Policy.
Pamela Epley
1200 Sunnyside, Room 3142
Lawrence, KS 66045
Work phone: (785) 864-5782
Fax number: (785) 864-7605
email: pepley@ku.edu
Education
M.A., Integrated Humanities in Education, Rockhurst University
B.S., Physical Therapy, Rockhurst University
Doctoral focus and advisors
Disability Policy and Family-Professional Partnerships, Ann and Rud Turnbull
Current research projects
I am working on early childhood research an am currently project coordinator for studies on Part C and Part B Family Outcomes.
Ultimate goal
I would like to hold a position that combines teacher preparation and research, preferably working with both general educators and special educators
What brought me here
After working as a related service provider in early intervention and school settings for more than 10 years, and after earning a master's degree in Education, I became increasingly aware of the disconnect between general and special education and the resulting effects on education for students with disabilities. I decided to pursue graduate school in Special Education in order to gain the skills and information necessary to effect change in how general and special educators are prepared.
Anna Friend
1200 Sunnyside, Room 3136
Lawrence, KS 66045
Work phone: (785) 864-7611
Fax number: (785) 864-7605
email: afriend@kc.rr.com
Education
M.Ed., Special Education, Pittsburg State University
B.S., Elementary Education, University of Kansas
Doctoral focus and advisors
Family Studies/Disability Policy
Current research projects
Early Childhood Qualitative Study
Ultimate goal
To teach in a teacher education program and to be involved in further qualitative research.
What brought me here
As a special education coordinator, one of my roles and responsibilities was to mentor and provide continued in-service to our special education staff. I also worked for a school district as an IEP and IFSP compliance officer. With encouragement from my colleagues and advisor from my master's program, I decided to pursue a doctorate in Special Education.
Judith Gross
1200 Sunnyside, Room 3126
Lawrence, KS 66045
Work phone: (785) 864-7611
Fax number: (785) 864-7605
email: jgross@ku.edu
Education
M.Ed., Interdisciplinary Studies: Instruction and Curriculum for Students with Severe Disabilities, Montana State University
B.A., Special Education, MacMurray College
Doctoral focus and advisors
Family and Disability Policy, Ann and Rud Turnbull
Current research projects
- Family and Disability Policy
- Participant Direction Qualitative Study
- Early Childhood Success Stories
Ultimate goal
I am primarily interested in obtaining a position at a research or training center where I can continue work on the impact of policy on individuals with disabilities and their families. I enjoy taking the information that I have learned and translating that into something functional.
What brought me here
I came back to school after seeing the challenges that families faced when trying to find and obtain needed and appropriate services for their children. I never understood why it was so hard to obtain the services that they were entitled to. I always felt it was my job to advocate for the families and children that I worked with as they tried to navigate the social services system. This interest drew me to the Beach Center.
Xiaoyi Hu
1200 Sunnyside, Room 3133
Lawrence, KS 66045
Work phone: (785) 864-7617
Fax number: (785) 864-7605
email: huxiaoyi@ku.edu
Education
M.Ed., Special Education, Beijing Normal University
B.A., English, Renmin University of China
Doctoral focus and advisors
Special Education, Ann and Rud Turnbull
Current research projects
- Family Quality of Life
- Family Support
- Early Intervention
- Mental Retardation
Ultimate goal
I will go back to China, to my working unit -- Special Education College of Beijing Union University -- to continue teaching and do research and practice projects which will benefit families with children with disabilities in China.
What brought me here
I first met Ann and Rud Turnbull in China in 2004. They introduced me to their research on Family Quality of Life (FQOL) and family-oriented studies. Since then, I have paid more attention to family studies in Special Education. After earning my master's degree in FQOL for families with children with mental retardation, I thought I explore the field more.
Kathleen Kyzar
1200 Sunnyside, Room 3109
Lawrence, KS 66045
Work phone: (785) 864-7604
Fax number: (785) 864-7605
email: kkyzar@ku.edu
Education
M.A., Deaf Education (Family-Centered Deaf Education), Gallaudet University
B.S., Deaf Education, Texas Christian University
Doctoral focus and advisor
Deaf Education, Sally Roberts
Current research projects
- Early Childhood Outcomes
- Early Intervention (Qualitative study)
- Educational Interventions for Students that Have Cochlear Implants
Ultimate goal
- To teach undergraduate and graduate students in a deaf education or special education teacher preparation program
- To continue research related to working with families and educational interventions for students who have a hearing loss
What brought me here
For as long as I can remember, I have been interested in the way that individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing learn and communicate. When I was a child, I learned sign language and used it with my friends. I attended Texas Christian University because of its excellence teacher preparation program for deaf educators. I quickly became intrigued by the many complicated issues surrounding the education of students who are deaf and hard of hearing.
I decided to pursue graduate studies to better understand deaf culture from the perspective of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. In working with families who have infants and toddlers with a hearing loss and students with a hearing loss in school settings, I had many questions about appropriate interventions and practices regarding working with families in early intervention and student who are in the school setting. Through my studies at KU, I have been able to broaden my understanding of deaf education.
Emily Shea Obremski
1200 Sunnyside, Room 3107
Lawrence, KS 66045
Work phone: (785) 864-7600
Fax number: (785) 864-7605
email: Obremski@ku.edu
Education
M.Ed., Special Education, Rhode Island College
B.A., Psychology, Brown University
Doctoral focus and advisor
Functional Disabilities, Michael Wehmeyer
Current research projects
Topics around self-determination
Ultimate goal
- To become a knowledgeable advocate for both individuals and families
- To contribute to the research base in a broad array of topics, including self-determination, systems change, and policy concerning individuals with disabilities
What brought me here
I am the sibling of an individual with disabilities and look for the opportunity to support other families in improving their quality of life.
Luchara Sayles Wallace
1200 Sunnyside, Room 3109
Lawrence, KS 66045
Work phone: (785) 864-0728
Fax number: (785) 864-7605
email: lsw7@ku.edu
Education
M.Ed., Special Education, Loyola University-Chicago
M.A., Catholic Studies, Loyola University-Chicago
B.A., Afro-American Studies, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Doctoral focus and advisors
Family and Policies, Ann and Rud Turnbull
Current research projects
I am working on the Participant Direction research team and coordinating the Pioneer Families research team
Ultimate goal
Following graduation, I would like to work in teacher preparation. It is important for teachers to be prepared to work effectively with the diverse students with whom they will come into contact. I would like to be able to positively impact how new teachers enter the field, partner with parents, and support all students. I also would enjoy continuing my work with families and individuals who have disabilities.
What brought me here
I have always had a desire to be an educator. after graduating from college, I began pursuing a graduate degree in Catholic Studies. Upon the recommendation of my advisor, I also began a certification program. As I began to teach and observe the diverse needs of the students in my classroom, I realized my elementary education certification program did not prepare me to meet the needs of the unique students sitting before me. After taking my first Exceptional Child course, I realized Special Education was the place for me. So, in addition to pursuing my degree in Catholic Studies, I also pursued my master's with certification in Special Education
I am committed to Catholic education and find the need for teachers with the ability to effectively teach diverse learners is more important now than ever before. I've chosen to continue my education because I feel special education is both a calling and an area of great need.