Introduction

My name is Amber Downey and I am the Speech-Language Pathologist at Pioneer Ridge Middle School this year.  This is my 9th year in the ISD and I spent my previous 8 years at Spring Branch Elementary.  I received my Bachelor of Science degree in 1999 and Masters of Science degree in 2002 from Central Missouri State University (since renamed University of Central Missouri).  I have 2 daughters in ISD also.  Deryan attends the 3rd grade at Spring Branch Elementary and McKenna attends William Chrisman (GO BEARS!) as a sophomore this year.  My passion is teaching children to communicate effectively with an extra special place in my heart for working with kids with autism.

Like most, I use technology in my everyday life.  Most of my everyday experiences are with the basics including email, calendars, drive, ipad apps, phone apps, etc.  I created a drive for my fellow ISD SLPs and myself to share therapy materials as well as a Special Education drive for special educators to share materials.  I use the ipad in my therapy sessions on an everyday basis from taking data to educational apps to using game apps as reinforcers.

I don't have any experience with blogging.  I love to read them and learn a great deal of information from them professionally, but didn't have the foggiest idea where to even start creating one myself.  I am looking forward to making that journey and being able to share information and collaborate with others.