Dr. Whitney H. Rapp is an Associate Professor of Inclusive Education at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York, where she teaches courses on inclusive education pedagogy, assessment, classroom management, and diversity issues. She is currently serving as Associate Dean of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., School of Education. Dr. Rapp holds a B.A. in elementary education and psychology from the State University of New York at Potsdam and an M.A. and a Ph.D. in special education from Michigan State University. Prior to her 14 years of experience in teacher education programs, Whitney taught many different grade levels in a variety of settings, from fully inclusive classrooms to residential special education schools. All of these experiences reinforced her belief that all children can learn and that all children should learn together in inclusive settings. Whitney's current research interests include universal design for learning—particularly strategies to support executive functioning abilities. She presents often at local, state, and national conferences on differentiation of instruction and teacher education. Whitney's spare time is spent with her husband and three children, riding bikes, hiking, gardening, reading, watching movies, and enjoying Owasco Lake.
Dr. Clarissa E. Rosas is an associate professor and Chair of the Culturally Responsive Special Education Graduate program at Concordia University Texas. She earned her Ph. D. from the University of New Mexico with a focus on Bilingual/Multicultural Special Education. She has a robust background in administration at the building, district and higher education level in four states (California, New Mexico, Ohio and Texas). Her classroom experience includes general education, special education both mild to moderate and moderate to intense, English as a second language, bilingual and multicultural education. Her expertise includes developing innovative programs and curriculum to prepare pre–service and in–service teachers to meet the social and educational challenges of children with special needs who come from vulnerable populations. Dr.Rosas has published in national and international journals on issues related to teacher preparation. She also serves as a consultant and conducts numerous seminars on Bilingual/Multicultural Special Education both nationally and internationally.
Susan M. Hildenbrand, Ed.D., is an Associate Professor of Inclusive Education and the Associate Dean of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. School of Education at St. John Fisher College. She teaches courses on inclusive education pedagogy, assessment, and classroom management. Dr. Hildenbrand earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education form the University of Michigan and her master’s degree in reading and learning disabilities form DePaul University. She recieved her Ed.D. from the University of Rochester in teaching and curriculum. Dr. Hildenbrand's research interests include positive classroom management, student teaching, and service learning. She has also created and delivered professional development training sessions for in-service teachers and administrators entitled, "Creating Trauma Senstive School Communities" with Dr. Donna Riter.
