Working with a Specialist and Children with ASD

1.5 CPDs, Run time 28:13

This video explores how a Head Montessori Teacher and Learning Specialist work together to create a supportive, collaborative, and enriching environment for children that are enrolled in a full time Montessori program and diagnosed with Autism. This video includes strategies for engaging your students diagnosed with ASD, and shows the importance of working with a specialist and families to best support a child’s needs and potential. 

Lainie Santos Torres has been a Montessorian for the majority of her life. She was a Montessori child from the age of two through sixth grade and has two children that were Montessori kids from the time they were six weeks old, all the way through 8th grade. She was trained at the Barrie Institute for Advanced Montessori Studies, and along with her Administrator's credential, she holds American Montessori Society credentials at the Early Childhood, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary levels. Lainie has taught at the Primary, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary levels for over 25 years. She has also worked in administration as a Curriculum Coordinator, Assistant Head of School, and Principal of a Montessori charter school.. Lainie is also now the Co-Head of the Lower School at Barrie School and helped launch their 6th grade back into their Upper Elementary program after more than twenty years.

Rachel Watanabe Tate is the Learning Specialist at Barrie School, serving grades 4-12. She spent her first five years teaching Special Education in Prince George's County where she obtained her master’s degree in Special Education with her certification in Autism and Behavior Disorders. She served as an administrator for five years prior to coming to Barrie School. Rachel has her administrative certification from McDaniel College, and loves working with students that have learning differences and is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others.