Meet The Team

Alison is an Operations Manager for the Professional Development and Training team at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Alison’s work focuses on supporting financial management, human resources, and day-to-day business operations to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the team. 

Prior to joining the Haring Center, Alison worked as a Manager for Hitachi Consulting. She received her Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington in 2003. 

Get to know Alison!

What keeps me inspired: Seeing students with disabilities actively included in their school community.

Books on my nightstand:  A good thriller!

If I could learn one new skill: I would love to learn to play pickleball and mahjong!

Ariane’s work focuses on supporting schools, school districts, and communities to become more inclusive. Ariane is the Senior Director for the Professional Development and Training team at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Ariane’s work centers on creating sustainable systems that build long-term support structures for inclusive schools. She partners with schools serving children and families across all age groups.

Prior to joining the Haring Center, Ariane worked as a teaching professor, coach, special education teacher, and early intervention provider. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Washington in 2015.

Get to know Ariane!

What keeps me inspired: Seeing school leaders create more inclusive communities and watching children of all abilities learn and thrive together

Books on my nightstand: I’m always looking for different instructional leadership books focusing on inclusive schools and school districts, and always listening to something on Libby!

If I could learn one new skill: Gardening! I’d love to grow more flowers than weeds and have more than one single slug-eaten zucchini and a few tomatoes in my garden!

Cassie is an Education Specialist on the Professional Development and Training team at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Cassie’s work focuses on training, coaching, and consultation with early learning professionals to implement evidence-based inclusive practices that promote belonging and celebrate diversity. Cassie supports early learning programs across Washington State, facilitates both synchronous and asynchronous online professional development in partnership with DCYF, and serves as a HUB member and coordinator with Project ECHO.

Prior to joining the Haring Center, Cassie worked as a behavior and education consultant at the University of Washington Autism Center, where she held roles including parent trainer, behavior interventionist, and supervisor. She also taught in toddler and preschool classrooms at the Experimental Education Unit. Cassie received her master’s degree in education, Washington State teaching certification with a Special Education Endorsement, and completed BCBA coursework at the University of Washington in 2015. She is also a DCYF State-Approved Trainer.

Get to know Cassie! 

What keeps me inspired: Seeing the positive impact of inclusive practices on children and families and witnessing the growth and development in communities that come from celebrating individual differences. My goal is to empower children, families, educators, communities, and leaders to cultivate inclusive environments through a lens of trauma-informed care that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and social justice for all. We all deserve a place where we can truly belong!

Books on my nightstand: A combination of professional resources on inclusion, belonging, and behavior analysis, alongside fiction that allows for introspection and reflection of everyday life. 

If I could learn one new skill: I’d love to become fluent in another language to better connect with diverse families and expand my ability to provide culturally responsive support.

Julie is a Partner Manager and Education Specialist on the Professional Development and Training team at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Julie’s work focuses on coaching, consultation, and professional development for school and center-based teachers and leaders working to improve inclusive education practices. Julie blends expertise in applied behavior analysis, motivational interviewing and uses Practice-Based and transformational coaching strategies to support professional growth.

Julie enjoys working with administrators to strengthen systems that promote inclusion and with teachers to implement best practices for supporting neurodiverse learners, including developing pro-social and emotional skills.

Prior to joining the Haring Center, Julie worked as a teacher in childcare centers and preschool classrooms, as well as a behavior therapist providing in-home support to children and families with autism spectrum disorder. Over the past 25 years, she has also served as a Project DATA teacher and coordinator, professional development research assistant and trainer, and family resource coordinator at the Haring Center.

Julie earned her master’s degree in special education from the University of Washington in 2001 and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2002. She is also a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Washington state and a DCYF State-Approved Trainer.

Julie is a Partner Manager for the Professional Development and Training team at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Julie’s work focuses on coaching and leading professional development opportunities for early childhood providers. Julie provides coaching on inclusive practices in ECEAP (Early Childhood Education Assistance Program), Head Start, SPP (Seattle Preschool Program), and community preschool programs. Julie also delivers in-person and remote training on inclusive practices for early childhood providers and coaches across the state of Washington in English and Spanish.

Prior to joining the Haring Center, Julie worked as an Early Childhood Special Education and General Education ECEAP teacher in an inclusive early childhood program at the Experimental Education Unit for 7 years.  

Julie received her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Family Studies in 2012 from the University of Washington. She received her Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Washington in 2014. Julie is a DCYF State-Approved Trainer. 

Get to know Julie!

What keeps me inspired: Seeing the significant impact that quality early childhood programs make in the lives of children and families!

Books on my nightstand: A rotation of professional development books and a cozy mystery! 

If I could learn one new skill: I would love to learn to speak Japanese! 

Dr. Katy Bateman’s work focuses on Applied Behavior Analysis, inclusionary practices in early childhood special education, and Positive Behavior Supports. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D). In addition to coaching and professional development, she conducts research in early intervention and special education, with a focus on using the Project ECHO (Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes) service delivery model, which she uses to deliver training and support. She currently leads state-funded projects that expand access to high-quality ABA services for children with autism and other developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Prior to joining the Haring Center for Inclusive Education, Dr. Bateman completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Virginia. During her doctoral program, Dr. Bateman was a head teacher and lead of Project DATA (Developmentally Appropriate Treatment for Autism) at the Experimental Education Unit (EEU) at the Haring Center, and a practicing Behavior Analyst in the Seattle area.

Dr. Bateman received her PhD from the University of Washington in 2017. In 2019, Dr. Bateman completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Virginia working under the Supporting Transformative Autism Research (STAR) Initiative.

Get to know Katy!

What keeps me inspired: Seeing caregivers of children with challenging behavior excited about the implementation of strategies to support their children at home.

Khadijo’s work focuses on creating inclusive education content in Somali and delivering training to support its use in early learning settings. Khadijo is a content developer and trainer for the Professional Development and Training team at the Haring Center, where she prepares research-based content on best practices for supporting all children in early learning programs.

Prior to joining the Haring Center, Khadijo worked as a Family Education Specialist and Early Learning Coach.

Khadijo received her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Science at The Ohio State University in 2020. She is also a DCYF State-Approved Trainer.

Get to know Khadijo! 

What keeps me inspired: I enjoy hearing feedback from early learning professionals on the success they’ve had with their teaching practices after implementing our trainings. 

Kristin’s work focuses on coaching and leading professional development for school and center-based personnel in the field of inclusive education. Kristin uses Practice-Based Coaching and transformational coaching strategies to support teachers’ professional growth in inclusive practices. Kristin enjoys working with teacher teams to strengthen collaboration, supporting individual educators in enhancing social-emotional instruction, and partnering with elementary teachers and leaders on implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

Kristin also has expertise in helping families navigate special education systems and school transitions.

Prior to joining the Haring Center’s professional development team, Kristin taught special and general education in preschool and kindergarten classrooms at the Experimental Education Unit. She has also written a curriculum for national centers focused on inclusive teaching and learning at the University of Washington.

Kristin received a master’s degree in early childhood special education from the University of Washington in 1998. She is also a DCYF State-Approved Trainer.

Get to know Kristin!

What keeps me inspired: I’m inspired by teachers who may start out resistant to coaching, but who end up doing whatever it takes to make a student feel capable, confident, and that they belong. Teachers who may not have experience teaching a student with a disability, but who commit to changing “the way they’ve always done things” to create a classroom where all students get what they need to learn. This type of commitment from a teacher is life-changing for the students, for students’ families, and ultimately, for the teacher themselves. 

Books on my nightstand:  I’ll always have a travel book or two lying around, and always one or two mysteries. 

If I could learn one new skill: To bake delicate French pastries! 

Lara Francisco is an Education Specialist for the Professional Development and Training team at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education.

Prior to joining the Haring Center, Lara worked as a Special Educator and 1st/2nd grade Teacher in the Highline School District, as well as a Special Educator and Math Interventionist in Seattle Public Schools.

Lara received her Special Education and Elementary Teaching degree from Western Washington University in 1993. 

Get to know Lara!

What keeps me inspired: Seeing the work I do being put into action, along with my amazing colleagues at the Haring Center.

Books on my nightstand: Yes We Can! General and Special Educators Collaborating in a Professional Learning Community by H. Friziellie, J.A. Schmidt, J. Spiller; Assessing Students, NOT Standards: Begin With What Matters MOST by Lee Ann Jung; Elevating Co-Teaching with Universal Design for Learning by Elizabeth Stein

Something that I would like to learn more about: How to support inclusive practices in school communities while working within an outdated system. 

Laura is an Education Specialist on the Professional Development and Training team at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Laura’s work focuses on providing professional development in curriculum adaptation, bilingualism, and inclusive education for toddlers and preschoolers, supporting the Latino early childhood community in Washington State.

Previously, Laura was a university professor and researcher for 10 years in the areas of literacy, ELE, preschool development, and Indigenous social studies in Colombia. In the Seattle metropolitan area, she has also worked as a translator, after-school tutor, and lead teacher at Villa Comunitaria Preschool. Her research explores language revitalization, traditional knowledge, and oral storytelling with children, particularly Múruï-Muina (Uitoto) children in the Amazon. In the Seattle area, she has worked with children and families from diverse ethnic minorities, primarily Muckleshoot, Purépecha, and Ñuu Savi.

Laura holds a degree in Hispanic Philology from the University of Antioquia (2013), a Master’s in Amazonian Languages and Cultures from the National University of Colombia (2016), and an Early Childhood Education degree from North Seattle College (2024). She is also a DCYF State-Approved Trainer.

Get to know Laura!

What keeps me inspired: Oral traditions and Native knowledge that shape inclusive education, with children as their keepers. Also, the ocean and mountain roots inspire me.

Books on my nightstand: A mix of devotional poetry, haikus, children’s books, Native literature, and mythology. Right now, I am reading Japanese Death Poems. My favorite children’s book is Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, with my favorite being how Max time-travels through the seconds, minutes, days, and weeks. 

If I could learn one new skill: I’d love to master wind instruments like the Andean and Native flutes to connect with my roots and inspire creativity in children and families.

Lisa is an ECEAP (Early Childhood Education Assistance Program) Coach for the Professional Development and Training team at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Lisa works with teachers and staff in preschool classrooms to support meaningful inclusion, ensure equitable access to early learning, and help create a sense of belonging for all students and families.

Prior to joining the Haring Center, Lisa worked as a K-6 special education teacher in self-contained and resource settings as well as a general education kindergarten teacher.

She received her Bachelor of Arts in Special Education and dual teaching certificates from Western Washington University in 2000. She received her Master of Education in Creative Arts in Learning from Lesley University in 2004.

Get to know Lisa!

What keeps me inspired: Teachers’ bravery in showing up every day for their children.

Books on my shelf: Bridge to Terabithia, Born a Crime, Coaching for Equity, and anything by Mo Willems

If I could learn one new skill: I would love to be fluent in Spanish. I will keep practicing!

Lissa is an Inclusion Specialist for the Professional Development and Training team at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Lissa’s work focuses on increasing exemplary and sustainable practices in inclusive education through partnership with early childhood and K-5 school settings across the state.

Prior to joining the Haring Center, Lissa worked as a K-5 special education teacher, technical assistance team facilitator, IEP compliance coach, new teacher mentor, and K-5 curriculum coach. 

Lissa received her Master of Science in Special Education from the University of Oregon in 1998 and her National Board Certification Renewal from the State of Washington in 2019. 

Get to know Lissa!

What keeps me inspired: Hearing from students and families about the meaningful ways inclusive learning communities have directly impacted their lives.

Books on my nightstand: “Disability Visibility” by Alice Wong, and a well-loved copy of  “The Maritime Northwest Garden Guide” by Tilth Alliance

If I could learn one new skill: A new dance! I enjoy exploring how movement and music can foster connection, communication, and learning across all ages and abilities. 

Molly is an Education Specialist for the Professional Development and Training team at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Molly’s work focuses on coaching and training teachers, providers, and coaches in early childhood programs. Molly provides support around individualization using a trauma-informed lens. Molly works with educators in ECEAP (Early Childhood Education Assistance Program), Head Start, early childhood special education, and preschool programs, providing Practice-Based Coaching, consultation, and training to support best practices in the classroom. 

Prior to joining the Haring Center, Molly worked as a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst with families and teachers in home, school, and community settings. She has expertise in supporting mealtime behaviors and supporting learners in their natural environments and within inclusive, community-based settings. Molly has also worked in the Infant and Toddler Program, Preschool, and the DATA Project at the EEU.

She received her Master’s degree in Special Education and Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of Washington in 2017. She is also a DCYF State-Approved Trainer.

Get to know Molly!

What keeps me inspired: Seeing all children develop friendships in inclusive early learning settings. 

Books on my nightstand: A stack of cookbooks

If I could learn one new skill: I’d love to be able to surf!

Molly is a Program Coordinator at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Molly’s work focuses on coordinating trainings and process improvement for diverse groups of stakeholders. Molly has supported both Inclusionary Practices and Reducing Restraint and Eliminating Isolation Demo Sites since 2020. Being the parent of a child with special needs, she has also developed a strong passion for inclusive education and has become a fierce advocate for inclusive practices in her community.

Prior to joining the Haring Center, Molly worked in higher education operations at City University of Seattle. She received her Master’s in Nonprofit Leadership from the City University of Seattle.

Get to know Molly!

What keeps me inspired:  My amazing family!

Books on my nightstand:  Anything by TJ Klune!

If I could learn one new skill:  I’d love to speak another language fluently.

Paige is an ECEAP (Early Childhood Education Assistance Program) Coach for the Professional Development and Training team at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Paige works with teachers and staff in preschool classrooms to support meaningful inclusion, ensure equitable access to early learning, and help create a sense of belonging for all students and families.

Prior to joining the Haring Center, Paige worked as a middle and high school reading and writing teacher in Seattle Public Schools. She received her BA in English from Pacific Lutheran University and continued to receive her Master’s in Teaching from City University.

Get to know Paige!

What keeps me inspired: The pure, raw sense of hope youth embrace…something I aspire to hold onto.

Books on my nightstand: Always something by a Black author, something by a woman of color, something by a queer author, something by an Indigenous author, something by a disabled author (and all the intersections). Those next to a heaping stack of poetry.

If I could learn one new skill: Mountain biking down steep switchbacks without feeling scared, putting a foot down or falling quite so much.

Phoebe is a Program Assistant for the Professional Development and Training team at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Phoebe’s work focuses on coordinating PDU trainings and providing assistance to participants. 

Prior to joining the Haring Center, Phoebe worked as a preschool teacher, serving low-income and immigrant families. She has also volunteered for over 20 years at a local non-profit, teaching at their summer day camp. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood and Family Studies from the University of Washington.

Get to know Phoebe!

What keeps me inspired: Nature, specifically the water and mountains

If I could learn one new skill: I would like to learn how to garden and grow fruits and vegetables.

RinaMarie is the Demonstration Sites Project Lead at the UW Haring Center for Inclusive Education. RinaMarie’s work focuses on system change and professional development to sustain inclusive education. 

Prior to joining the Haring Center, RinaMarie was a special education teacher, supervisor of teacher residents, graduate course instructor, and worked on grants focused on inclusion. Most recently, she has been in private practice working with individuals ages preschool to young adults and their families. RinaMarie received her Ph.D. in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Washington in 2006. She has been a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) since 2004. 

Get to know RinaMarie!

What keeps me inspired: My 3 kids and my running buddies.

Books on my nightstand: The stack grows faster than I can read. Last page turner was Covenant of Water.

If I could learn one new skill: Learning to speak Chamoru, the language of Guam.

Shane is an Inclusion Specialist for the Professional Development and Training team at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Shane’s work focuses on inclusive practices in K-12 education with a particular interest in systems change, early childhood and elementary support, social-emotional learning, and physical activity.

Prior to joining the Haring Center, Shane has worked as a paraeducator, classroom teacher, clinician, business owner, parent trainer, district autism consultant, university instructor, practicum supervisor, and researcher.

Shane received her master’s in early childhood special education and her doctorate in special education from the University of Washington in 2006 and 2012, respectively. In addition, Shane is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst and holds both a special education teacher credential and a program administrator credential from Washington State. 

Get to know Shane!

What keeps me inspired: What keeps me inspired in education is the incredible network of passionate educators I get to collaborate with. The sharing of innovative ideas and the opportunity to learn from so many amazing teachers always reminds me of the impact we can make together.

Books on my nightstand: My ever-growing pile of books includes a mix of historical fiction, beach reads, and educational texts.

If I could learn one new skill: In another life, I’d run a vibrant ETSY store, so I’d love to learn to sew and knit more complex creations!

Stacia is an inclusion specialist for the Professional Development and Training team at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Stacia’s work focuses on professional development and coaching to expand and sustain inclusive education.

Prior to joining the Haring Center, Stacia’s work in inclusive education began as a high school science teacher, where she honed her skills in creating supportive learning environments and meeting diverse student needs. Her dedication to inclusive practices expanded as she gained expertise in Response to Intervention (RtI), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). These experiences led her to a role as an instructional coach, where she shared her knowledge and mentored colleagues in implementing effective, inclusive teaching strategies.

She received her Master’s Degree in Education from Seattle University in 2007.

Get to know Stacia!

What keeps me inspired: Working with young people – including my seven nieces and nephew. 

Books on my nightstand: They are mostly for looks, as I most often read cozy murders on my Kindle. 

If I could learn one new skill: I would love to learn to play the piano or relearn ASL. 

Zoe is an Inclusion Coach for the Professional Development and Training team at the Haring Center for Inclusive Education. Zoe’s work focuses on increasing inclusive opportunities for all students, regardless of ability, race, language, gender, and socio-economic status. Presently, she is working with Seattle Public Schools (SPS) Early Learning Department to coach early learning educators and provide professional development. Before that, Zoe also worked with SPS to provide similar technical assistance with elementary and K-8 schools. 

Prior to this educational coaching position, Zoe was a special educator in a K-5 school for 8 years. She also taught blended preschool and Kindergarten at the Experimental Education Unit for 6 years. 

Zoe earned her Master’s in Education at the University of Washington and is National Board Certified. 

Get to know Zoe!

What keeps me inspired: The many educators who are open to learning and adjusting their practice, even when it is hard! 

Books on my nightstand: Octavia Butler, sudoku, and mysteries with women detectives

If I could learn one skill: To land a cartwheel with grace and poise.