Kari Payne
Discipline: Special Education, Family Trainee
About:
My educational background includes: Exercise Science undergraduate degree from the University of Alaska, State of Maine certificate in regular education (K-8 020) from the University of New England, a special education certificate (birth to 5, 282) from University of Maine Farmington and most recently I am completing my last course for the graduate program at the University of Maine in Special Education, Early Intervention. I have been working in the education field for 20 years, with 13 of those years at Sandcastle Clinical and Educational Services as an inclusion classroom special education teacher for children 18 months to 3 years old. As an educator with the passion to serve the youngest population, I feel I need to continually pursue the highest level of understanding and knowledge available in order to be an effective communicator, versed in all areas of early childhood development, teaching strategies and advocacy.
I am also a parent of 4 children, 2 of which have a diagnosed disability and Individual Education Plans within the school system. I have served on many school committees to include the leadership roles of: Vice President of the Martel Elementary School PTO, Girl Scout Leader of troop 1230 and Secretary of the Lewiston High Boys Lacrosse Boosters Club. I can bring a different perspective weaving my experience from life and work. I want to be more impactful as I learn how policy can be impacted by advocacy and to impart knowledge to improve the health of children and youth with disabilities and for their families. I recognize that there is strength in numbers and value collaboration to make a collective voice. Leadership is less daunting when working with others, sharing the passion and workload.
