A bit about April...

headshot.jpg
11334190_10205044739171409_6268840178085

Qualifications

  • Masters Degree - Exceptional Education emphasis on marginalized populations
       University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee​, USA
​
  • Bachelor's Degree - Double major
       Elementary Education​
       Special Education
       Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, USA

Affiliations

  • I serve on the International, European, and Swiss boards of SENIA and work to bring the message of inclusive education to international schools.
A US citizen, but a resident of Switzerland since 2013, I have been a teacher for over 20 years in three different countries, teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades as well as extensively with students K-12 who have additional learning needs such as Autism, learning disabilities, and intellectual disabilities.
 
Throughout my tenure, I have noted a pervasive struggle, for families and school staff, to clearly and concisely communicate students’ needs. Specifically, when students transfer from one school to another or progress from grade to grade.

 

The good news is that these problems can be overcome with the right level of preparation and support! 

​

I bring all of this knowledge and experience to the relationship I create with families and schools to address individual needs and concerns.

​

Originally from Iowa, I grew up in a family of five. Both of my parents are music teachers and my daily life was filled with listening to and playing jazz and classical music.
 
My brother struggled with ADHD and I volunteered in the classroom for students with multiple physical disabilities from the 3rd grade. Both of these experiences sent me down my professional path starting in 1994.
​
At the ripe old age of 24, my husband and I embarked on our first experience abroad in Paris. It whet our appetite for living the expat life and knew we wanted to raise our future children in a similar environment.
​
Fast-forward 13 years and we moved our family of three to Switzerland and are reaping the benefits of raising a Third Culture Kid. It would be a lie to say it has always been easy, but it has been an extremely enriching and rewarding experience.
​