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Lisa Finnegan, Ph.D. earned her doctorate from the University of Central Florida (UCF), in Orlando FL. She is currently an Associate Profession in the Department of Special Education supporting the preparation of both in-service and pre-service teachers to meet the needs of their ¼ø»Æʦapp with exceptional needs and their families. Her passion for developing engaging and student-centered learning environments is founded on her research interest in universal design for learning (UDL) and the implementation of multi-tiered systems of supports both academically and behaviorally. Dr. Finnegan has a particular interest in teacher retention and induction and encourages ¼ø»Æʦapp to build their network of support while in their program.

Dr. Finnegan was born in Ontario, Canada and moved her senior year to Wisconsin. She has taught in Kindergarten through 8th grade as a self-contained teacher for ¼ø»Æʦapp with emotional and behavioral disabilities as well as an inclusive general education teacher supporting ¼ø»Æʦapp with varying exceptional needs. She also taught middle school mathematics and science where her interest in UDL stemmed. Before joining ¼ø»Æʦapp, she worked for UCP of Central Florida as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction supporting teachers of ¼ø»Æʦapp with varying exceptional needs in grade K-12.

Key Words: Inclusive content & behavior practices & strategies; universal design for learning; multi-tiered systems of support; family supports; teacher advocacy and support.