Committees
Interested in other volunteer opportunities? If you don’t want to apply for a committee, check out our new Volunteer Square. There are a variety of ways to engage locally and nationally, and through short- and long-term projects.
Standing Committees
The Finance and Audit Standing Committee addresses the financial stability of CEC and recommends to the Board of Directors the action to be taken on the annual program plan and budget. Other duties relate to the review of financial policies. The Committee is chaired by the Treasurer. The President Elect also serves as a member of the committee.
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Lesh, Ph.D., Treasurer & Chair | Associate Professor, Lynn University | FL | 2025 |
| Julie Bost, Ed.D., President Elect, Ex officio | Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator, Department of Specialized Education Services, UNC Greensboro | NC | 2024 |
| Margaret Blackwell, M.Ed. | Special Education Supervisor, National Heritage Academies | NC | 2024 |
| Laura Nugent, Ed.D | Director of Special Education, Addison Central School District | VT | 2024 |
| Darla Gundler, M.A. | Associate Director, Early Childhood Personnel Center (ECPC) | MA | 2025 |
| Diana Morales, Ph.D. | Exceptional Student Education Coordinator, Miami-Dade Virtual School | FL | 2025 |
| David Royer, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor, University of Louisville | KY | 2026 |
View the Committee Job Description
View the Treasurer's Job Description
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
The purpose of the Leadership Development Committee is to identify, nurture, and develop leadership potential and skills in emerging leaders. Its duties include intentionally identifying, cultivating, recruiting, and orienting a well-qualified and diverse pipeline of volunteer leaders for board and committee positions that are responsive to the current and future needs of CEC.
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wendy Gonzales, Ph.D., Co-Chair | Assistant Professor, Special Education, College of Education, Northeastern Illinois University | IL | 2024 |
| Laura Nugent, Ed.D., Co-Chair | Director of Special Education, Addison Central School District | VT | 2024 |
| Kimberly Moffett, Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Special Education, Lee University | TN | 2024 |
| Will Hunter, Ed.D. | Associate Professor of Special Education, University of Memphis | TN | 2024 |
| Cassie Frost, M.S.Ed., Vice Co-Chair | Assistive Technology Specialist, Educational Consultant, Disruptive Teaching | WI | 2025 |
| Jen Katz-Borrin, M.S., Vice Co-Chair | Director of Student Services, School Administrative Unit # 20 (NH) | ME | 2025 |
| Nichole Moore, Ed.S. | Director of Special Services, Walled Lake Consolidated Schools | MI | 2025 |
| Natasha Veale, Ph.D. | Dean, School of Social Sciences and Education, Greensboro College | NC | 2025 |
| Karen Akom, Ed.D. | Director of Field Operations, Virginia Commonwealth University RRTC’s Center on Transition Innovations | VA | 2026 |
| Tammy Barron, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor, Western Carolina University; Special Education Administrator at WCU’s laboratory school | NC | 2026 |
| Marissa Kase, Ed.D. | Exceptional Student Education Teacher, Palm Beach County School District (Grade levels 1st through 5th) | FL | 2026 |
| Pam Peterson, M.S.Ed. | Special Education Consultant, Souris Valley Special Services | ND | 2026 |
| Ashaki Budden, M.Ed. | Crisis Intervention Teacher, Eastern Suffolk BOCES | NY | |
| Taylor Gibbons, M.Ed. | OR | OH | |
| Christina “Tina” Wagner, M.Ed. | EDGE (Enhanced Digital and Guided Education) Middle School Program, Case Manager/Special Education Teacher | OR | |
| Dake Zhang, Ph.D. | Associate Professor, Rutgers University | NJ |
View the Committee Job Description
Contact the committee staff liaison.
Read the 2019 Annual Report and 2019 Top Achievements.
Read the 2018 Annual Report.
Charge: Organize, implement, and evaluate volunteer leadership training and orientation programs; create communications plans and marketing/promotional activities and events related to volunteer leadership within CEC; and to facilitate attracting, preparing and retaining volunteer leaders within CEC units and divisions.
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rachel Brown, Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Special Education, University of Southern Maine (Leadership CEC 2022-23 Cohort Member) | ME | 2025 |
| Will Hunter, Ed.D. | Professor of Special Education, College of Education, Instruction Curriculum & Leadership, The University of Memphis | TN | 2025 |
| LaKisha Stanley, M.Ed. | DHH Special Student Services, Cobb County School District (Leadership CEC 2022-23 Cohort Member) | GA | 2026 |
| Jennifer Webb, Ph.D. | Chair, Department of Education, Associate Professor of Education, Malone University | OH | 2026 |
| Xaviera Johnson, Ed.D. | Principal, Envision Science Academy | NC | 2027 |
| Keita “Kay” Rone Wilson, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Educational Curriculum and Instruction | LA | 2027 |
| Gianna Marshall, M.A. | Program Specialist, Academics, University of Iowa REACH Program (Leadership CEC 2023-24 Cohort Member) | IA | 2025 |
| Lyndsay Palach Shelton, M.A. | FUTURE SLTP, Founder & Transition Specialist (Leadership CEC 2023-24 Cohort Member) | IL | 2025 |
View the Committee Job Description
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
Advisory Committees
Charge
The Convention Program Advisory Committee (PAC) is an advisory group assists CEC staff with the planning and development of the annual convention program. The PAC is responsible for bringing a comprehensive and balanced program that will provide the highest quality professional development that addresses the varied interests and needs of convention attendees. Along with CEC staff, the PAC works to improve the quality and diversity of presentations and improve the convention program planning process.
The PAC Co-Chairs represents a practitioner working in a school or early intervention agency and an individual from academia. The committee is comprised of a representative from each of the Council's special interest divisions and other individuals selected by CEC staff based on expertise and convention program topic area. Each division selects its own representative to serve as a member of this advisory group.
Members and Division/Topical Area Represented
- Nicole Barrion, Co-Chair
- Theresa Garfield, Co-Chair
- Joe DeMarsh, Co-Chair
- David Peyton, Co-Chair
- Anna Adl, Board Liaison
- Erin Maguire, CASE
- Ramona Lee, CASE
- Emily Smith, CEDS
- Robin Ennis, DEBH
- Autumn Bauer, CCC
- Cate Smith, CCC
- Mike Weinroth, CEC-DLL
- Jessica Toste, CEC-DR
- Amber Ray, CEC-DR
- Bree Jimenez, DADD
- Cindy Perras, DADD
- Susan Harvey, DARTS
- Jen Ward, DCD
- Nick Solomon, DCD
- Dale Matusevich, DCDT
- Stacie Dojonovic, DCDT
- Julie Esparza Brown, DDEL
- William Proffitt, DDEL
- LaShorage Shaffer, DEC
- Serra Acar, DEC
- Rebekka Jez, DISES
- Brooke Moore, DLD
- Adam Graves, DVIDB
- Kathleen Stanfa, DVIDB
- Sam Choo, ISET
- Claire Hughes, TAG
- LaRon Scott, TED
- Brannan Meyers, TED
- Elizabeth Zagata, ACCT
- Tammy Barron, COLL
- Kelly Carrero, MALT
- David Peyton, MEASURE
- Lisa Goran, MTSS
- Shana Haines, PFSP
- Paul Riccomini, STEM
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
The Diversity Committee is charged with providing leadership and guidance on ways to promote and support inclusivity, equity, and justice. This includes developing, reviewing, and recommending programs and resources that are supportive to the CEC membership; especially, those from marginalized, historically underserved, and underrepresented populations. CEC views diversity to include identity markers such as race, ethnicity, culture, language, dialect, age, ability, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion/spirituality, geographic location, national origin, education, and professional role.
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keishana Barnes, M.Ed., Co-Chair | PhD Candidate & Assistant Professor of Teaching, University of Memphis | TN | 2024 |
| April McClain, B.A., Co-Chair | NC Family Child Care Professional Development Anchor, Southwestern Child Development Commission | NC | 2024 |
| Tameka Burroughs, Ed.D. | Special Education Department Chair, Fairfax County Public Schools / VCU | VA | 2025 |
| Carlos Lavin, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor, College of Charleston | SC | 2025 |
| Nicole Green, M.Ed. | Special Education Teacher, Scarsdale Middle School | NY | 2026 |
| Nikita McCree, Ph.D. | Post Doctoral Fellow, University of Missouri | MO | 2026 |
View the Committee Job Description
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
Committee Charge
- Serve an advisory function to the Board of Directors and staff on the mutual implication and impact of activities of CEC and divisions.
- Facilitate collaboration and communication among divisions and between divisions and CEC.
- Provide leadership to enhance the functioning and benefits offered by divisions and the diversity of the association’s members.
- Make proposals to enhance structural, functional and policy relations between CEC and divisions and among/within divisions.
- Facilitate division member recruitment, engagement and retention initiatives.
- Act as a facilitator in resolution of disputes among divisions.
- Review division annual reports and ensure compliance with all CEC policies.
Members
| Name | Division Size Represented | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ted Burke, B.S., Co-Chair | Small | Consultant | HI | 2023 |
| Juliann Dorff, M.A., Co-Chair | Large | Senior Lecturer, Kent State University, School of Art | OH | 2023 |
| Sheila Bailey, Ph.D. | Small | Executive Director, Virginia Council of Administrators of Special Education | VA | 2024 |
| Jugnu Agrawal, Ph.D. | Large | Program Manager, Fairfax County Public Schools | VA | 2024 |
| Chelsea Guillen, M.A. | Small | Early Intervention Ombudsman, EI Training Program, University of Illinois | IL | 2025 |
| Parthenia Cogdell, M.A. | Large | Retired | NJ |
2025 |
View the Committee Job Description
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
Committee Charge:
- Promote and enhance the educational, advocacy, and outreach goals of CEC by planning and overseeing a development program.
- Create awareness within the CEC membership, stakeholders, divisions/units as fundraising teams, external partner organizations.
- Create ongoing communication with donors and potential donors; shape development strategies and plans; monitor results against the development plan.
- Ensure that the organization is investing strategically and appropriately in its fundraising program.
- Develop and regularly review policies and procedures (including ethical standards and organizational accountability) for all development activities of CEC.
Members
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Bogdan, Ed.D., Chair | Educational Leadership Consultant | VA | 2025 |
| Kurt Hulett, Ph.D. | Special Education Consultant and Author | TX | 2025 |
| Danielle Kovach, Ed.D. | Special Education Teacher, Tulsa Trail Elementary School | NJ | 2025 |
| Susan Fowler, Ph.D. | Professor Emerita, University of Illinois, Department of Special Education | IL | 2024 |
| Jennifer Lesh, Ph.D. | Associate Professor, Exceptional Student Education, Lynn University | FL | 2024 |
| Denise Griffin, Ed.D. | Special Education Teacher, Little Axe High School | OK | 2026 |
| Laural Jackson, EDL | Grants Manager and Education Consultant, Delta/Greely School District | AK | 2024 |
| Luann Purcell, Ed.D. | Consultant | GA | 2026 |
View the Committee Job Description
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
The Honors Committee selects the recipients of the CEC Professional Awards. The Honors Committee also periodically reviews the CEC Awards program and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for enhancements.
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin De Anda, M.Ed. | Special Education Transition and Career Teacher, Pulley Career Center, Fairfax County Public Schools | VA | 2024 |
| James “Jimmy” Nuse, Ed.S., Co-Chair | Director of Special Education, Ionia Public Schools; Assistant Professor, McNeese State University | MI | 2024 |
| Mina Chun, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor, California Lutheran University | CA | 2025 |
| Monique Evans Newsome, M.A. | Coordinator II Special Education, Dekalb County School District | GA | 2025 |
| Clarisa Elliott, B.A. | Education Specialist- Low Incidence Disabilities, Education Service Center, Region 15 | TX | 2026 |
| Melissa Gilliam, Ed.D. | Special Education Coordinator, Delaware Public Schools | DE | 2026 |
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
Charge:
- Develop recommendations for consideration by CEC’s Board of Directors with regard to special education legislative and regulatory issues at the national level and provide information to units that may be relevant at the state or local level.
- Assist CEC in ensuring that the organizations’ position statements are current, relevant, reflect CEC’s mission and values and adhere to CEC’s Principles and Guidelines for Developing Position Statements.
- Stay informed about policy and legislative issues related to the education of infants, toddlers, children, and young adults with exceptionalities. NOTE: Day-to-day public policy functions are conducted by staff and consultants, reporting to the executive director. The committee will be provided with updates on impending or emerging issues.
Members:
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitchell Yell, Ph.D., Co-Chair | Chair in Teacher Education and a Professor in Special Education, University of South Carolina | SC | 2024 |
| Jim Shriner, Ph.D., Co-Chair | Associate Professor, Department of Special Education, University of Illinois | IL | 2024 |
| Lisa Goran, Ph.D. | Director of Teacher Education and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Special Education, College of Education & Human Development, University of Missouri | MO | 2025 |
| Angelica Ramirez, M.Ed. | Exceptional Student Education Lead Administrator, Detroit Public School Community District | MI | 2025 |
| William Jeffreys, M.Ed. (practitioner)* | Director of Special Education, Pottstown School District | PA | 2026 |
| Elizabeth Zagata, M.A. (higher ed)* | Doctoral Candidate, University of Connecticut | CT | 2026 |
*Beginning with appointments made in 2024, one practitioner and one higher education representative will be selected to fill the two committee vacancies each year.
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
Charge:
- Study the area of professional standards and their implication to CEC members and others involved in the education of children and youth with exceptionalities
- Advise the Board of Directors regarding CEC standards and related activities
- Develop guidelines and other materials to assist the field in meeting CEC professional standards
Members:
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jessica Bass | Education Consultant, J & A Bass Consulting, LLC | DE | 2026 |
| Dee Berlinghoff, Ph.D., Chair | Retired | NC | 2025 |
| Alex Keesling, M.A. | ASD Teacher Consultant, Genesee Intermediate School District | MI | 2024 |
| Kevin Miller, Ed.D. | Adjunct Professor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Special Education and Communication Disorders | NE | 2024 |
| Megan Purcell | Clinical Associate Professor and ECEEN Program Coordinator, Purdue University | IN | 2026 |
| Nastassia Rosas. Ed.D. | Special Education Coordinator, Harlandale ISD | TX | 2024 |
| Midge Simmons | Assistant to the Dean, School of Education & Behavioral Sciences, Wayne State College | TX | 2026 |
| Joanne Murphy Van Boxtel, Ph.D. | Associate Professor/Faculty Director for Special Education, Vanguard University, School of Education | CA | 2025 |
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
Committee Charge
Journals
- Recommend editorial policy of CEC’s two journals to the CEC Board of Directors
- Oversee journal editor selection (for approval by CEC Board of Directors)
- Provide feedback on annual reports of editors
- Provide general oversight and support for the editors
- Ensure the high quality of CEC journals as a trusted source of research findings that support and enhance advances in the field and facilitate putting research into practice
- Ensure equity in editor and reviewer selection, as well as in published authors
Publications and Products
- General oversight of books other publications published and sold by CEC
- Direct a regular needs assessment, market research and product evaluation to set publishing priorities
- Recommend strategies for solicitation, review, and approval of new publications, as well as ongoing review of current publications’ viability
- Monitor the relationships between CEC publications; specifically, potential issues of overlap, competition, and/or, redundancy
- Promote equity and engagement of diverse members in publications-related activities
- Incorporate input from subject matter experts as needed to ensure diversity of ideas and topics in publications
Members
- Victor Torres, Co-Chair
- L. Lynn Stansberry Brusnahan, Co-Chair
- Sandy White
- Meredith Walling
- Chris Bernick
- Elizabeth Harkins
- Marcus Fuller
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
The Student and Early Career Committee advises the Board of Directors on ways to recruit, mentor, and support individuals entering the profession, especially those from diverse backgrounds, and enhance the experience of student and early-career CEC members. It also plans and conducts a Student and Early Career Special Educator Forum and/or other events relevant to students and early-career teachers at the annual CEC Convention & Expo, providing opportunities for student attendees to engage with CEC in order to improve their practice, network with peers, and maximize their experience.
(PS) = Pre-service; (EC) = Early Career
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shasta Brooks (EC) | Special Education Teacher, Nine Mile Falls School District | WA | 2025 |
| Christina Fligner, Co-Chair (PS) | Intervention Specialist, New Albany-Plain Local Schools; Graduate Student, Miami University | OH | 2025 |
| Abby Camara (PS) | Undergraduate Student, Central Michigan University | MI | 2026 |
| Sarah Hornback, B.S. (EC) | Special Education Teacher, Avon Community School Corporation | IN | 2026 |
| Anna Ballard (EC) | Special Education Teacher, Lone Grove Public Schools; Graduate Student, Southeastern Oklahoma State University | OK | 2027 |
| Aaliyah Haney (PS) | Undergraduate Student, Winthrop University | SC | 2027 |
View the Committee Job Description
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
The Yes I Can Committee publicizes the Yes I Can Awards to ensure outstanding entries; seeks and solicits nominations; evaluates the nominees for each category; select recipients; and periodically reviews award categories and criteria.
Name Professional Role State/Province Term Expiration Alyssa Marcum, Co-Chair Special Education Teacher, Alexandria City Public Schools VA 2023 Helen Flores, Co-Chair Graduate Student, Florida International University FL 2023 Erika Pinter Assistant Professor, Winona State University MN 2024 Mariya Davis Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University, San Antonio TX 2024 Emily Hardeman Graduate Student, University of Texas TX 2025 Michelle Buchanan Clinical Instructor, University of Central Arkansas AR 2025
View the Committee Job Description
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
