Stacey McIntyre, Director of Resource and Training, was recently elected to the Board of Directors for the National Association of Private Special Education Centers. We caught up with Ms. McIntyre, a Licensed Behavior Analyst with over 20 years of experience working with individuals diagnosed with autism, their families, school districts and agencies. We asked her some questions about the importance of NAPSEC and what she will work on in her new role.
1. What is NAPSEC and what work does it do on behalf of Ivymount?
The National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC) represents more than 200 private special education and adult service programs nationally and more than 800 at the state level through the Council of Affiliated State Associations (CASA). NAPSEC members include private early intervention providers, schools, residential therapeutic centers, and adult day and living programs which provide special education services to individuals with disabilities of all ages. NAPSEC unites its diverse membership by advocating for private special education providers, like Ivymount, and shaping public policy to positively impact individuals served in its member programs.
2. What will you do in your role?
I look forward to building relationships between board members and my contacts in the special education and applied behavior analysis fields so that we can strengthen our advocacy for policies and legislation that support special education programs and the students we serve.
3. What issue are you passionate about?
I am passionate about recruiting and retaining special education professionals in schools. Throughout my career, I have valued mentoring professionals who are eager to grow and want to make a positive impact in the field. Investing in educators’ professional development is critical to student success and their educational experience. I’m excited about the opportunity to partner with NAPSEC to support member organizations recruit and retain talented professionals so that we can continue to provide high quality education to our students and support them in realizing their goals.
