VICKI CHRISTENSEN
I am passionate about advocating for families of special needs children
through the IEP process always with a child-centered approach. Equally important
is educating parents/guardians on the rights of a person with a disability and on
communication strategies to allow for a positive and open relationship with the
IEP team, school & district. My background is a unique combination of 10 years of
special education advocacy both as a parent and a professional with a Certificate of Special Education Advocacy from USD, a small business owner giving back to the special needs community and over 10 years as a professional in the healthcare field allowing me to utilize my degree and experience in Communication Studies. I am a mother of a 16 year old (who wears Blue Glasses) with global developmental delays and am experienced in early intervention, the IEP and 504 processes as well as working with the Regional Center. I am widely networked with both parents of special needs children and professionals in the San Diego area and look forward to continuing to provide advocacy services to many more families. I am currently on the Special Education Advisory Committee in the Carlsbad Unified District working to increase awareness and inclusion for our special education students.
Experience/Education
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University of Kansas, B.A. Communication Studies
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University of San Diego, Certificate of Special Education Advocacy
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Special Education Advocacy Internship at Compass Family Center
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10 years as a private advocate
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Worked in multiple school districts in San Diego & Orange Counties
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Parent of a child with global developmental delays
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Trained on mental illness and mood disorders
Professional Affiliations
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Unique-rare chromosome support group
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SOFT-Support Organization for Trisomy
Volunteer/Areas of Interest
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Special Education Advisory Committee-Carlsbad Unified School District
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Parent Partners-parent networking group
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Early Intervention Group-San Diego Unified
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San Diego Food Bank
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Multiple disabilities, assistive technology, elementary/middle school & transitions