Kathryn Sheridan Stiefel

Kathryn is a doctoral candidate in Special Education, whose research focuses on evidence-based practices for increasing and optimizing the inclusion of students with emotional, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities at the K-12 and postsecondary levels. More specific interests include the continuum of special education services and alternative placements, the impacts of restrictive and exclusionary placements, supporting executive function and thinking or “soft” skill development, and the centering the voices of people with disabilities in the research process.

Kathryn is a graduate of the Special Education M.Ed. Program at Lesley University. In her home state of Massachusetts, she worked as a preschool teacher, middle-school paraprofessional, and special educator in the MetroWest area for seven years. In her leisure time, Kathryn enjoys reading mystery novels, exploring different genres of music, and spending time outdoors.