Past Members

Dr. Sarah Cox is an assistant professor of Special Education at Eastern Michigan University. You can find more information here. Her scholarly interests focus on academic supports for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Her current projects explore how explicit instruction of mathematical practice standards (e.g., representation of mathematical thinking, problem solving, mathematical discourse, and abstract reasoning) can help students with ASD enhance their mathematical proficiency.  Her dissertation was recognized by the Council for Exceptional Children with the 2020 Division of Research, Student Award for Single Case Designs. Dr. Cox currently collaborates with the GCA lab to explore how students with ASD use problem solving strategies to solve math problems and to investigate effective interventions to improve those problem-solving practices.

View her CV HERE.

Alice Williams is currently a doctoral student in Special Education. Prior to enrolling in this program, she worked as a Speech-Language Pathologist for five years and classroom teacher for nine years.  Alice earned her B.S. and M.S. from Florida State University in Communication Sciences and Disorders. Alice is supported by Project RAISE (Research-based Academic Interventions for Students with Extensive Support Needs). Her area of research interest is the implementation of evidence-based practices in classroom settings with students with extensive support needs.  Her focus currently is on working with students who use augmentative and alternative communication and building foundational literacy skills.

View her CV HERE.

Addie McConomy is currently a doctoral student in Special Education. Prior to enrolling in this program, she worked as a classroom teacher and district professional development trainer for 9 years. Addie earned her B.S. from the University of South Florida in Special Education and is a National Board-Certified teacher. Addie is supported by Project RAISE (Research-based Academic Interventions for Students with Extensive Support Needs). Her area of research interest is the implementation fidelity of high-leverage and evidence-based practices in classroom settings. At FSU Addie is a member of the General Curriculum Access lab and participates in research in the area of mathematics problem solving for students with extensive support needs. 

View her CV HERE.

Erika is a doctoral student at Florida State University’s Visual Disabilities program. Through two decades of working in the field of education in a variety of capacities, she has developed an interest in early intervention and service delivery to children with visual impairments. She finds working in the field of providing services to students who are blind and who have low vision a challenge due to its low incidence status and society's lack of understanding towards its complexities. Her dissertation research focuses on current working knowledge of self-determination and instructional strategies used for instruction of self-determination by teachers of students with visual impairments. 

View her CV HERE.

Samuel Vervaecke is a sophomore studying sociology at Florida State University. Before becoming an undergraduate research assistant, he found his passion for research in a course he took abroad during his first year. He enjoys reading and listening to music or podcasts on a long walk when he is not studying or working. After completing his sociology degree, Samuel hopes to go to law school.

Christian is a sophomore finance major with a junior-level credit standing. During the weekends, Christian dedicates his time to a part-time position at Tallahassee Memorial Health Care. In addition to his finance major, Christian is enthusiastic about data analysis and is planning to possibly pursue a minor in this field. Christian currently resides in Tallahassee, but was born and raised in England, UK. One of Christian's profound interests lies in genetics. He is fascinated by the intricate mechanisms of our genetic makeup, in particular, the study of epigenetics and how one’s environment/behaviors can affect the way that genes are expressed. 

Sara Comella is a Ph.D. student in the combined doctoral program in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology at Florida State University. Before beginning her Ph.D., she received a master’s degree in Psychological Sciences from the University of North Florida. Sara’s research interests include reading literacy and math development. In addition, Sara is interested in developing school-based interventions for neurodivergent students.

Ainsley is a Presidential Scholar in the Honors Program here at FSU, and is majoring in Health Management, Policy, and Information within the Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences degree.  In high school, Ainsley graduated with the AP Capstone Diploma, a 2-year long program consisting of research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration, writing, and presenting. In addition to conducting her own research on “Heteronormative Standards and Its Effect on LGBTQ+ Student Athlete Participation”, Ainsley was chosen to be a teacher's assistance for the research portion of the course.

Collin Mungall is a Presidential Scholar double majoring in Finance and Management Information Systems. Collin has a history of working with individuals with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and is involved in the Best Buddies club at FSU. In high school, Collin was president of his Best Buddies club, volunteered for the Special Olympics, and was a peer mentor in my local community 

Savannah Seger is a finance major who was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida. Savannah's hobbies include drawing, baking, reading, writing, working out, and researching. When she has free time, Savannah is looking at the latest news or searching Google for anything that piques her interest. One of her favorite topics to learn about has been developmental disabilities. Many of Savannah's family members and friends have autistic spectrum disorder, which inspired her to learn more about it and join this project. 

Emily Stover is currently a doctoral student in Special Education at Florida State University. Prior to beginning her doctoral program, Emily was an educator at the elementary school level. Most recently, she was a Special Education Resource Teacher for students with specific learning disabilities for two years. Prior to that she was a classroom teacher for students with extensive intellectual and developmental disabilities for 7 years. Emily earned both her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s Degree in Special Education from the University of Florida. Her teaching certifications include Elementary K-6 and Exceptional Student Education K-12. She also holds an endorsement in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Emily is supported through the Project RAISE (Research-based Academic Interventions for Students with Extensive Support Needs) grant. Her research interests are focused on culturally responsive education focusing on literacy in students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and extensive support needs. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and two young sons and teaching yoga.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Florida State University

Madison Klick is currently an undergraduate student pursuing a double major in Criminal Justice and Biological Science at Florida State University; in junction, Madison is completing a double minor in Chemistry and Underwater Crime Scene Investigations. Madison is part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) and is working with mentor Taryn Wade in a shared reading intervention with the integration of mathematical concepts designed for children aged up to 5 who are at risk for language delays. Prior to joining the FSU community, Madison earned her Associates Degree with honors at Eastern Florida State College as a dual enrollment student. Succeeding her collegiate studies, Madison strives to become a forensic biologist and on-call crime scene diver. 

Dr. Stacey E. Hardin (she/her/hers) is the Assistant Dean of Teacher Education Programs at the University of Washington at Seattle. Dr. Hardin oversees five teacher education programs: Elementary Teacher Education, Secondary Teacher Education, Special Education, Seattle Teacher Residency Program, and the University of Washington’s Accelerated Certification for Teachers.

Cara Bryan earned her Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Florida State University (2022). Prior to entering her graduate studies, Cara earned her B.S. in Special Education Teaching from Florida State University (2021). She is currently working towards her endorsement in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Reading, and ESOL. Cara currently works in a Florida public school as a Special Education teacher. 

Tyler Chin-Lenn is currently an undergraduate student in Criminology at Florida State University. Tyler is currently participating in Florida State University’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program focusing on the mathematical studies in General Curriculum Access Lab. Prior to this, Tyler attended The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach Florida, where he graduated with distinctions in Vocal Music and Pre-Law Studies. Following his undergraduate studies, Tyler hopes to complete his master’s in criminology at FSU and attend a preeminent law school in the United States.

Kimeisha Cummings is currently a graduate student in the Autism Spectrum Disorders program at Florida State University. She is originally from Miami, FL and relocated to Tallahassee, FL., where she obtained her Bachelors in Psychology at Florida A&M Univeristy. Currently, Kimeisha works full time as a Director of Operations at an Intermediate Care Facility (ICF), for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She previously served as a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP), creating individualized plans and analyzing data for people with extensive support needs. Kimeisha’s research interests include developing strategies to support collaborative relationships between communities and schools of students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and varying disabilities. 

Skylar Ruffner is currently an undergraduate student in Cell and Molecular Neuroscience at Florida State University. Skylar is currently participating in Florida State University's Undergraduate Research Program focusing on teaching math vocabulary in the context of a shared reading routing to preschool children at risk for language delays under Taryn Wade. Additionally, Skylar is a member of the Florida State University Honors Program, as well as a platform diver fo the FSU Women's Swimming and Diving Team. Prior to this, Skylar attended San Clemente High School in San Clemente, California where she graduated as a Valedictorian and California Scholarship Foundation Gold Seal Bearer. Following her undergraduate studies, Skylar hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Neurobiology in the context of Human and Family Sciences, as well as pursue research within her field at a preeminent graduate university.

Bianca is a senior at Florida State University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Communication Science and Disorders with a minor in Psychology. Shown skills in research, customer service, public speaking, leadership, organization, and a variety of interpersonal skills. Plans to attend graduate school to obtain a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology with a focus on autism spectrum disorders, augmentative and alternative communication, neurological concepts and/or diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Lily is currently a student at Florida State University majoring in Psychology. She became involved with the GCA Lab this year via the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) and is working with doctoral student Deidre Gilley on her project dealing with peer-mediated intervention targeting mathematics for students with disabilities. Lily enjoys working with children in all capacities and devotes her time to pursuing this interest, volunteering with local organizations and becoming involved with related academic study through programs like UROP. 

Amanda is a student at Florida State University and is double majoring in Psychology and Spanish. She is involved in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program this year, and is working with doctoral student Deidre Gilley on her research project regarding peer-meditated mathematical problem solving for students with disabilities. Amanda loves working with children and hopes to one day work in the field of education. Her goal is to work with Elementary or Special Needs students and to conduct research in this area.

Emily is a student at Florida State University majoring in Communication Science and Disorders. She is a participant in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. Emily plans on attending graduate school and obtaining a Ph.D. in Speech Pathology. She hopes to become a college professor and conduct research relating to cognitive communication or Autism, with the goal of creating better outcomes for people with disabilities. She started working with the General Curriculum Access lab in September of 2021, helping doctoral student Deidre Gilley with her research on mathematical problem-solving among students with extensive support needs.

Kat is a graduate of the BS/MS Special Education Teaching program at FSU and a RBT. She joined the GCA team as a graduate assistant to Dr. Root in hopes of furthering her experience with educational research. During her time with the lab, Kat was involved in several single-case studies, including using augmented reality to support math and social skill development as well as a systematic replication to teach middle school students how to solve discount problems. Kathryn is originally from Tampa, Florida. She currently teaches high school special education at Hough High School outside of Charlotte, NC.

Sarah is a graduate of the BS/MS Special Education Teaching program at FSU. Sarah joined the GCA lab as a sophomore through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) at FSU. She then went on to major in special education and continued to work with the lab as a graduate research assistant on projects related to using augmented reality to teach math and social problem solving. Sarah is from San Antonio, Texas and returned there after her graduation to teach elementary special education at Clear Spring Elementary.

Grace was a lab member during her junior and senior years at Florida State. She became involved in special education research as a sophomore during the 2017-2018 academic year through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) at FSU. This program gave her the opportunity to assist Dr. Root with her research on UDL , which helped grow her grow in her knowledge of special education and sparked her interest to add it on as one of her majors. 

Dr. Nanette Hammons was a doctoral student in Special Education at Florida State University (FSU) during her time with the GCA lab and was supported by ASD-STEM, an OSEP leadership grant. Dr. Hammons is a 3 times alumna of FSU, earning her BS, MS, and PhD in Special Education. Prior to returning to FSU to work on her PhD she accumulated 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher in special education (K-12), general education (K-5), and adult education. Additionally she has experience in educational consulting for various early childhood programs across the state of Florida. Presently, she is an adjunct instructor for the special education teaching program and online curriculum and instruction program.

Kiersten worked for the GCA Lab as a junior at Florida State University during the 2018-2019 academic year. Her major is Communication Science and Disorders with a minor in Family and Child Sciences. She originally became involved in the GCA lab through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) as a sophomore with Sarah Cox and is continuing with her projects as a volunteer. She is interested in pursuing a career as a Speech Pathologist with an emphasis on autism spectrum disorders.

Kaley was a lab member during her freshman year at Florida State University majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology. She became involved in the GCA lab through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) and worked with Sarah Cox in her research on improving mathematical practices for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Kaley is passionate about working with children, and in her free time she also enjoys helping teach English to local children from recently immigrated or refugee families.

Ambady K. G., was a Fulbright Visiting Scholar from India in the School of Teacher Education at FSU during the 2018-2019 academic year. He is a doctoral candidate in Special Education under the supervision of Professor P. S. Sukumaran in the School of Behavioural Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India. Through the Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship, Ambady examined the ongoing strategies used by teachers in differentiating curricula for students with intellectual disabilities in their classrooms. This research will enhance the preparation of functional curricula for students with intellectual disabilities in an inclusive education system in India

Nicky worked for the GCA Lab during her Sophomore year at Florida State University during the 2018-2019 academic year through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP).  She is in the Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences (IMS) B.S. Degree Program with the goal of attending Medical School  She is interested in studying pediatrics with an emphasis on children with disabilities. She spends free time volunteering with children in the rural Tallahassee community.  Nicky has volunteered in half a dozen childhood assistance programs throughout Central Florida.

Victoria Rivera worked for the GAC Lab her freshman year at Florida State University during the 2018-2019 academic year through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). She majored in Social Work with a minor in Spanish. Victoria plans on working with children in the foster system and hopes to go into law as a Child Advocate.

Lensey Charles was involved with the GCA Lab as a Freshman during the 2018-2019 academic year through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) as a first generation college student attending Florida State University. She majored in Media Communication Studies and Business Marketing with a minor in Psychology. Lensey is from Miami, Florida and plans to attend law school after completing her education at FSU. 

Dr. Bonnie Henning worked with the GCA lab from 2016-2018 when she was a doctoral student at Florida State University, funded by the OSEP ASD-STEM leadership grant. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Special Education at University of St. Thomas in Minnessota. While with the GCA Lab, she contributed to several single-case design studies to teach early numeracy and math problem solving to students with autism. Her research currently focuses on supporting early number sense skills of students with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Tom was a lab member during his sophomore year at FSU during the 2017-2018 academic year through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. He contributed to several projects during his time with the GCA Lab, including filming and editing video anchors to be used in single-case studies on using UDL and MSBI.

Cara was a lab member during her sophomore year at FSU through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. She assisted with a single-case study to teach early number sense to Kindergarten students with autism. She also assisted with IOA for Dr. Henning’s dissertation on using number talks with preschool students with autism. Cara was the recipient of the 2019 President’s Humanitarian of the year Award for the College of Human Sciences. Check out this video of Cara talking about how being involved in research with the GCA lab shaped her experience at Florida State! Cara graduated from FSU in spring of 2020 with a B.S. in Family and Child Sciences and  is currently in graduate school at the University of Florida for Occupational Therapy.

Stephanie was a lab member during her graduate studies at FSU as a graduate research assistant for Dr. Root. She assisted with developing materials and implementing several interventions to teach math to students with autism in single-case studies, including teaching data-analysis and early numeracy. She is currently a special education teacher at Santa Clara elementary in Miami.