From Student to Educator
About Jamilyn
How my own learning journey shaped the work I do today.
I entered special education at age four and received services through high school. Accommodations and support continued through college, where I experienced firsthand how the right tools and environments can unlock potential.
I was the student we were worried about. Today, I help others see what's possible.
Over the past 25 years, I have worked across museums, youth programs, special education, Montessori and independent schools, and employment support services. As a special education teacher, Learning Specialist, instructional coach, and teacher trainer, I have helped educators, families, schools, and organizations better understand how people learn, reduce barriers, and create environments where everyone can thrive.
Those experiences shaped my understanding of learning, inclusion, and human potential. Today, I combine lived experience with more than 25 years in education to help schools, families, organizations, and leaders create conditions where more people can contribute, belong, and thrive.
Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Jamilyn lives with her wife, Angela. Together they enjoy traveling, and in her free time, Jamilyn loves knitting, exploring U.S. National Parks, and finding new ways to make learning more accessible.
M.A., Tufts University
B.A., Hollins University
Montessori Elementary I & II Certifications
Orton-Gillingham Training
Trauma-Informed Practice Training
Autism Certifications
Tennessee Licensure in General Education (K–8) and Special Education (K–12)
Credentials & Experience
Media & Upcoming Events
Follow my latest articles, podcast interviews, and speaking engagements as I continue helping schools and organizations create environments where more people can contribute, belong, and thrive.
Chalkbeat Tennessee featured my perspective as both a former special education student and educator. The article explored how lived experience can inform teaching, advocacy, and support for students with learning differences—ideas that continue to shape my work with schools, families, and organizations today.
In this conversation with a neuropsychologist and Orton-Gillingham trainer, I share my journey from receiving special education services as a child to becoming a Learning Specialist, educator, trainer, and speaker.
I'm honored to partner with schools, organizations, and educational communities across the country to support learning, belonging, and neuroinclusive practices.
Listen to the episode →
Upcoming Events & Presentations
Chalkbeat Tennessee
Podcast Interview: From Special Education Student to Learning Specialist
Upcoming appearances include:
Bodine School — Wired for Learning: Lessons from a Life of Learning Differently
Childhood Potential — Neuroinclusive Montessori for Neurodivergent Children
Ready to bring this work to your school or organization?
To schedule a speaking engagement or training, click here:
My work helps schools, organizations, and leaders learn from neurodivergent experiences to create environments where more people can contribute, belong, and thrive.
Whether I'm working with educators, school leaders, nonprofit organizations, or other teams, my goal is the same: helping people better understand how environments shape success and creating practical strategies that allow more people to contribute, belong, and thrive.
Why This Work Matters
Every person deserves the opportunity to contribute their strengths. Throughout my career, I've seen how often the barriers people face are not created by who they are, but by environments that were never designed with them in mind.
"Montessori While Neurodivergent with Jamilyn was empowering! Getting my ADHD diagnosis in my mid-20s had been validating, but I still felt overwhelmed about working with my brain instead of against it. Jamilyn made me feel so seen, shared great ideas and resources, and—shockingly—showed me that I had already been making small changes in the right direction. I showed up feeling exhausted and lost; I left feeling energized and connected!"
— Lindsay Webster
Montessori Teacher
"I learned so much from Jamilyn and still use the materials and strategies she shared in my classroom today. She generously mentored teachers, led professional learning, and consistently met students where they were. She is personable, knowledgeable, and a passionate advocate for both educators and students."
— Emily Britton
Elementary Teacher
Let's Work Together
Whether you're looking for a keynote speaker, professional learning, executive coaching, or organizational consulting, I'd love to learn more about your goals.
