From Student to Educator
About Jamilyn
Based in Memphis, Tennessee, I live with my wife, Angela. Together we enjoy traveling, and in my free time, I love knitting, exploring U.S. National Parks, and finding new ways to make learning more accessible.
How my own learning journey shaped the work I do today...
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.
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.
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.
I was the student we were worried about. Today, I help others see what's possible.
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 & Training Clips
Training Clip: Neuroinclusive Montessori
Podcast Interview:
Chalkbeat
This 20-minute training sample highlights Jamilyn’s engaging, neuroaffirming facilitation style. Blending lived experience, professional expertise, storytelling, and practical strategies, she helps educators rethink behavior, examine environments, and leave with concrete ideas they can apply in classrooms and schools.
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.
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.
Tennessee
Follow my latest articles, podcast interviews, and training clips as I continue helping schools and organizations create environments where more people can contribute, belong, and thrive.
Listen on Apple→
From Special Education Student to Learning Specialist
I'm honored to partner with schools, organizations, and educational communities across the country to support learning, belonging, and neuroinclusive practices.
Upcoming:
Tennessee Association of Independent Schools, Annual Conference- Empowering Neurodivergent Learners with AI Tools and Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms
National Association of Independent Schools - Gather Conference Affinity Group Leader for Neurodivergent Staff
Bodine School — Wired for Learning: Lessons from a Life of Learning Differently
Montessori Alliance of TN, Fall Conference- Supporting Executive Function: A Neuroaffirming Approach
Montessori Alliance of TN, Fall Conference- When the Prepared Adult Is Neurodivergent: Finding Fit in the Environment
Council for Exceptional Children- Wired for Learning: Why Executive Function Isn’t a Character Trait
Previous:
Childhood Potential— Neuroinclusive Montessori for Neurodivergent Children
Events & Presentations
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.
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.
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.
