Faculty & Staff

Faculty in the program are well known for their research and teaching in various areas of exceptionality.

Current Faculty

• Associate Professor of Practice Ashley Barkel specializes in the education of children and youth with learning disabilities and English Language Learners with an emphasis on writing instruction. 
• Assistant Professor Taucia González specializes in issues of equity and inclusion for racially, ethnically and linguistically diverse students with learning disabilities.
• Assistant Professor of Practice Marcella Hangen specializes in early intervention, assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior.
• Associate Professor of Practice Rebecca Hartzell specializes in autism and Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Associate Professor Sunggye Hong specializes in visual impairments and STEM learning of students with disabilities.
• Assistant Professor Kirsten Lansey specializes in systemic educational change toward equity and inclusion, particularly for students with complex support needs.
• Professor and Department Head Carl Liaupsin specializes in developing individualized behavior interventions and single-case design research methodology.
• Associate Professor of Practice Stephanie McFarland specializes in the education of children and youth with severe and multiple disabilities.
• Associate Professor of Practice Christina Rivera specializes in the education of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. She is the director of the Special Education-Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) teacher preparation program and Accelerated Master’s Program.
• Associate Professor of Practice Toni Sparks specializes in the education of children with mild/moderate disabilities and is the director of the Special Education-Mild/Moderate Teacher Preparation Program.
• Associate Professor Adai Tefera specializes in special education policy, disability intersections (e.g., race, socioeconomic status, and language), and research-practice partnerships. 
• Assistant Professor of Practice Garrison Tsinajinie specializes in visual impairments students and is the director of the visual impairment program.
• Associate Professor of Practice Jennifer White specializes in reading, writing and math instruction for students with learning disabilities.

Faculty of Emerita

• Professor Emerita Jane Erin specializes in education of blind and visually impaired children, youth, and adults.
• Associate Professor Todd Fletcher specializes in bilingual and multicultural special education.
• Professor Emerita Nancy Mather specializes in learning disabilities with an emphasis on reading and written language.
• Professor Emerita C. June Maker specializes in the education of gifted children and youth.
• Professor Emeritus John Umbreit specializes in positive behavioral support and behavior analysis.

Featured Faculty of the Month

COMING SOON!