Stacey Maxwell
Program Coordinator - Departmental Advisor
Educational & Professional Experience
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary and Special Education (K-12) at Washington Governors' University (WGU), May 2019.
Planning to begin Master of Science in Special Education with emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis in August 2019.
Research Interests
- Autism Spectrum Disorders treatments and interventions.
- Speech Language Pathology in relation to Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Parent education in Special Education and Autism Spectrum Disorders.
- Parent participation in social communication and behavioral intervention activities.
- Integration of Applied Behavioral Analysis to public school system, outside of special education.
Biography
The first thing I always say about myself is that I'm a mom. I have twinz that graduated high school in 2016 and a son, age 7. They are the light in my life! I enjoy spending time with family, writing, music/singing, and photography (in the broadest most amateur sense of the term!). I was born and have lived in Bellingham the majority of my life, with the exception of the 3 years I lived in central Texas. There is definitely no place like home!
Most of my professional career has been in the medical field. Until, I began working at Western in Business Services as Procurement Support in January 2012, which was quite different than anything I had done before. I found I loved working for Western and was quite excited to be afforded the opportunity to experience the Academic side of things and to work with students in the Chemistry Department in May 2014. I definitely feel right at home here and anticipate enjoying many years to come!
Since arriving in the Chemistry Department, I've been very fulfilled by working with students. I have also discovered a new perspective on teaching and being a student. In March of 2015, my son was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. I immediately reverted to student status. I began to seek out as much information as I could about Autism, so I could be there for my son and communicate effectively with professionals in the medical and mental health fields. July of 2016, I began classes myself to pursue my own degree. In May 2019, I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Special Education (K-12). I begin work toward my master's degree at Arizona State University (online) in fall of 2019; and will finish by sitting for the board certification exam in behavior analysis, resulting in Board Certified Behavior Analyst credentials so I can best advocate for my son and other kids like him.
For those that have not yet heard, I have accepted my first teaching position in Special Education at Lynden High School. This new position begins on Monday, August 26th, 2019. Making my last day at WWU Friday, August 23rd, 2019. I will never be able to adequately express my gratitude for the support of this department during my studies and time in this position. Particularly, Department Manager, Carrie Annett, who encouraged me to further my education and was a champion for my success the entire time.