The goal of this State Transition Leadership Team is to steer movement on transition on a statewide scale—to identify needs, rally resources, coordinate efforts, and spur improvements.
This team will have input on the design of a new state transition conference, how technical assistance for school districts is delivered, and new trainings that will be developed.
The team is comprised of exceptional education directors, teachers, representatives from state government agencies and representatives from advocacy organizations, and others.
Marie Wicks | Transition Coordinator, Williamson Co.
Jennifer Aprea | Family Engagement Project Coordinator, The Arc TN
Sarah Huffman | Assistant Superintendent, Germantown MSD
Vanessa Johnson | Program Instructor, Putnam Co.
Michelle Pittman | Special Education Specialist, Knox Co.
Emma Shouse | Public Information Specialist, TN Council on DD
Ben Roberston | Transition School to Work Coordinator, Kingsport City Schools
Jordan Herald | Field Supervisor I, VR
Jerre Maynor | Senior Director, Articulated Pathways Division of College, Career and Technical Education, TDOE
Joey Ellis | Postsecondary Transition Specialist, TN STEP
Blake Shearer | Transition Director, VR
Erik Carter | Cornelius Vanderbilt University Professor
Elise McMillan | Co-director, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center
Dawn Rowe | Associate Professor, East TN State University
Rachael Jenkins | Educational Consultant, Transition TN
Devin Curtis | Media Specialist, Transition TN
Kyle Kurlick | Media Specialist, Transition TN
Tim Robbins | Supported Employment Director, The Access Program
Jessica Awsumb | Research Associate, TransitionTN
Shimul Gajjar | Educational Consultant, TransitionTN
Erin Maves | Educational Consultant, TransitionTN
Wendi Gearing | Educational Consultant, TransitionTN
Jena Galster | Educational Consultant, TransitionTN
Ben Schwartzman Galster | Educational Consultant, TransitionTN
Melvin Jackson | Self-Determination Trainer/Transition Consultant, UTCLEE
Paula Knisley | Director, VR
Alison Gauld | Behavior and Low Incidence Disabilities Coordinator, TDOE