Fellow Neuro-Educators
SPECIAL EDUCATION, BILINGUAL LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
Carol Xiang Lam, Ed.D.
Dr. Carol Lam currently works as a special education teacher in a G6-7 learning center class at Portland Public Schools.
Carol uses the NsLLT as a theoretical foundation aligned with VLMs, e,.g, story frame, I story, picture dictionary, in my classroom and during 1:1 general education support. “In my spare time, I connect with younger learners to help with bilingual language acquisition. I also like to explore how VLMs can be accommodated with technology and apply the methods to secondary or upper-level classrooms.”
INSTRUCTOR, TEACHER EDUCATION, SPECIAL EDUCATION, EDITOR
Chris Merideth, Ed.D.
Dr. Christopher Merideth is an instructor at the University of Portland who teaches future educators in the areas of Neuro-Education and special education.
Dr. Merideth is the co-editor of the 2017 book Neuro-Education: A Translation From Theory to Practice, a pioneering collection of essays and case studies from multiple authors documenting how they have changed their students’ lives by incorporating knowledge about language and the brain into their classroom practices. “I am passionate about helping future teachers develop strategies that will include students with exceptionalities in inclusive classroom settings.”
EDUCATOR, VICE PRINCIPAL
Aaron Green-Mitchell, Ed.D.
Dr. Aaron Green-Mitchell currently works as vice principal at Helensview Alternative School.
In that role, Aaron works with teachers individually and in group professional development settings. He’s been a guest speaker and resource for university classes, educators, and UP doctoral students.
TEACHER, PRINCIPAL
Faith Kempf
Faith Kempf is a teacher and a principal of a small, private Secondary school.
“I work hard to help students and faculty learn to identify and operate comfortably in the learning systems they were given. “
“My staff knows the importance of structuring our classrooms to allow all learners access to information; teachers know they are not the only brain in the room.”
EDUCATOR, RESEARCHER, SPEECH AND LANGUAGE
Ana Lia Oliva, Ed.D
Dr. Ana Lia Oliva is a leader, educator, researcher, and advocate who aims to promote inclusive and culturally responsive practices that honor neurodivergence and recognizes the unique learning potential of every individual.
Her research has focused on the advancement of knowledge in the area of adult transformative learning by examining socio-cognitive processes mediated by language and culture. “I have a passion for empowering educators to embrace brain based learning and language practices to support students’ lifelong learning.”
TEACHER, WRITER, RESEARCHER, ADJUNCT FACULTY
Bonnie Robb, Ed.D
Dr. Bonnie Robb is a 23-year veteran and multiple award-winning educator with a doctorate specializing in Neuro-Education. She is a public-school teacher and also serves as an adjunct faculty member in the School of Education at the University of Portland.
After seeing a growing achievement gap between children diagnosed with special learning needs and general education students in the classroom, Dr. Robb began collaborating with Dr. Ellyn Arwood to more effectively reach all learners by understanding Neuro-Semantic Language Learning Theory (NLLT). Educators from throughout the country visit her classroom to observe these innovative and inclusive strategies. “I began collaborating with Dr. Ellyn Arwood to more effectively reach all learners by understanding Neuro-Semantic Language Learning Theory (NLLT) and implementing Viconic Language Methods™ (VLM). These inclusive strategies were very effective in helping me guide all students to academic success.”
In 2008, Dr. Robb’s classroom success garnered the notice of the Oregon Department of Education and the Milken Family Foundation who named her Oregon Teacher of the Year in 2008. She was honored again as one of only 25 educators nationwide in 2011 to be awarded the Kappa Delta Pi Teacher of Honor award.
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST, EDUCATION SPECIALIST
Carole Kaulitz, M.Ed.
Carole Kaulitz, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, has been in the field of education for 50 years as a Speech-Language Pathologist, Deaf/Hard of Hearing Education Specialist, and Autism/Behavior Consultant in Vancouver, WA. She has extensive training in multiple methodologies related to working with deaf/hard of hearing individuals with social cognitive differences across the life span, with a focus on visual thinking strategies and pro-social communication. “As a consultant, I specialize in working with school district teams who serve children who are significantly impacted and have co-occurring conditions no matter what their age or cognitive levels. I have presented numerous workshops nation-wide on a variety of topics using the lens of Neuro-Semantic Language Learning Theory as my foundation.”
Ms. Kaulitz is the proud recipient of the Washington Speech and Hearing Association, 2009 Clinical Achievement Award, for advancement of clinical services in the profession.
TEACHER, MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST
Alyse Rostamizadeh, M.S.Ed.
Alyse Rostamizadeh, M.S.Ed., is an elementary and middle school teacher, author, and educational consultant, known for her inclusive practices that build learning communities. Alyse is well-known for her implementation of Viconic Language Methods™ with learners, which allows marginalized students to be a part of the classroom community. “I wholeheartedly believe that all children can learn.”
Alyse is also a Mental Health Specialist from the American School Counselor Association. As a counselor, Alyse supports learners academically and socially to develop prosocial behaviors and advocate for their own learning needs.
Lastly, Alyse is the co-author with Dr. Ellyn Arwood of Neuro-Viconic Education System: A Systemic Approach to Learning.
TEACHER, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Leslie Woodhouse, M.Ed.
Leslie Remington Woodhouse, M.Ed., is an early childhood classroom educator with nearly 30 years experience in grades pre-kindergarten through 1st grade.
Ms. Woodhouse regularly implements the NsLLT when refining young students’ play-based and experiential learning and development. Leslie currently works as an Instructional Specialist, mentoring teachers in a Federally-funded Head Start program for Portland Public Schools, serving neurodiverse students living in poverty, 50% of whom are dual language learners. “I am passionate about consistently honing a more equitable instructional practice by building on student’s unique culture, identity, and prior experience, through the paradigm shift of the NsLLT.”