About Chris

Meet Christine Sullivan, Ed.D., Special Education Advocate, K-12  Special Education Teacher, Educational Evaluator and Physical Education Teacher, in New York State

Advocacy and inclusion have always been at the core of my interdisciplinary career in special education.

For 30 years, I was a special education teacher and conducted educational evaluations. I’ve worked with children ranging from early childhood through high school, and I’ve helped many children and families with navigating the academic and administrative areas of the special education process.

At Teachers College, Columbia University, I  earned a Master’s degree in Special Education (Intellectual Disability and Autism) with a focus in early childhood education.  Then I earned a Doctor of Education degree in Special Education (Intellectual Disability and Autism). In my doctoral studies, I focused on executive function and the impact it has on learning. My Doctoral dissertation was entitled, The Effects of a Gross Motor Development Program on Executive Functions in Children with Intellectual Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorders, and Learning Disabilities.

Now as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, I develop coursework and teach about the use of assistive technology to support learning.

As I saw the increasing need for special education advocacy, I decided to become an advocate myself. I completed Special Education Advocacy Training (SEAT I and SEAT II) with Council of Parents, Attorneys, and Advocates (COPAA).

I’ve always been passionate about finding the best possible ways to help children with unique intellectual and physical capabilities, and looking at a child’s development in a holistic way. This includes a multisensory and interdisciplinary approach, with thorough understanding of how each child experiences writing, reading, math, and other “academics” – as well as the arts, music, sports, lunch, after school enrichment, and other academic and social learning and activities happening at school.

Education:   

• Doctor of Education in Special Education (Intellectual Disability and Autism), Teacher's College, Columbia University
• Master of Arts in Special Education (Intellectual Disability and Autism) and Kappa Delta Pi, International Honors Society in Education, Teacher's College, Columbia University
• Master of Science in Education (Adapted Physical Education)
  and Phi Epsilon Kappa, Physical Education Honors Society, 
  State University of New York, College at Brockport  
• Bachelor of Science in Education (Physical Education), 
  Concentration in Adapted Physical Education/Minor in Psychology of Exceptional Children, State University of New York, College at Cortland
• Physical Education Exchange Program,
  Deutsche Sporthochschule (German Sport High School)

Training:

• Special Education Advocacy Training (SEAT I and SEAT II) with Council of Parents, Attorneys, and Advocates (COPAA)

Certifications:

• New York State Special Education K-12
• New York State Physical Education K-12

Past Experience:

• Teacher's College, Columbia University, Department of Health and Behavior Studies
  • Assistant Adjunct Professor, Instruction and Curriculum for Students with and without Disabilities
  • Assistant Adjunct Professor, Field Observation in Special Education
  • Curriculum Development, AHRC Fellowship, work with students with intellectual disabilities

• Mamaroneck Union Free School District
  • Special Education Teacher in specialized class settings
  • Co-Teacher  in elementary and middle school classes
  • Educational Evaluator
  • Member, Central School Planning Council 
  • SEPTA Representative at School District Meetings 

• New York City Department of Education
  • Special Education Teacher Support Services Provider, District 75, 
    IS 227, The Louis Armstrong Middle School 
  • Special Education Teacher, PS 160, The Walt Disney School
  • Adaptive Physical Education Teacher, PS 160, The Walt Disney School   

• New York State Early Intervention Specialist: 
  • Conducted educational evaluations 
  • Provided special instruction and behavioral analysis services

Professional Memberships:

• Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
• Council for Exceptional Children
• American Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
• New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance