|
 
Cristi Ford, who is originally
from Houston, holds a mask, one of many tools she's used
during her long academic career.
|
Zesty
Educator
By Megan Ryder
Doctoral candidate Cristi Ford is a model
student when it comes to believing education is supposed to be
fun. She is thrilled to be a student again, which translates into
an enthusiasm that's evident in her research, learning and overall
zest for life.
Because of her interest in helping individuals
with special needs, Ford found a way to link her doctoral studies
in the Educational
Leadership and Policy Analysis (ELPA) department at the College
of Education with special education through her work at MU's Thompson Center
for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Find out how
she's growing professionally and as a human being.
Why were you interested in working at MU's Thompson
Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders?
I am pursuing my interest in higher and
continuing education and special education and am pleased that
I have been able to combine these two areas. Working at the Thompson
Center enables me to help autistic children by assisting their
families with their student’s transition into higher education
settings. In previous work experience (at Kennedy Krieger in Baltimore),
I served in a role where I identified actions parents could take
for special needs children to enable them to function well in
numerous environments and to access the needed support systems
for their success. At the Center, I hope to educate parents on
ways to prepare for their child’s next stage of development.
Working one-on-one with children and their families and watching
them progress has been an exceedingly rewarding experience!
Why did you choose the ELPA department
at MU?
I believe ELPA is the greatest match for
my professional experience and my future goals. The work in the
department also complements my previous education — a master's
degree in applied psychology from the University of Baltimore
and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Hampton University.
I've had a great experience with ELPA, and the support and development
from the faculty has far exceeded my expectations.
I believe this quote by George Kuh best describes the impetus
for my educational progression: “A cool passion for talent
development.” I like this quote because it represents how
I started out in psychology, moved toward higher education, and
am now bridging these two backgrounds to address individuals with
special needs.
Overall, I am intrigued by human development and research that
focuses specifically on the undergraduate experience. I enjoy
both expanding my knowledge in the dynamics of this development
and experience and the opportunity and challenges of special needs
populations. ELPA has given me the best resources to pursue this
scholarship.
How has the College of Education
best prepared you?
After enrolling in my courses, I became
heavily interested in research being done in the department. Engaging
in scholarship in this doctoral program has given me a greater
understanding of the work I do in the field and is providing research
competency. I will be able to build on my previous educational
and field experiences using the data I collect.
Why did you decide to pursue a
doctorate?
Without a terminal degree, I felt limited
in my profession and was unable to fully pursue my long-term goals.
I also felt there was a need to increase the body of knowledge
about access and persistence of college students as well as study
ways to more effectively support college students with special
needs. Higher Education is about the effective teaching and learning
that enables individuals to become professionals with the appropriate
knowledge and skills to obtain their desired outcomes. I see myself
as a life-long learner, so I cherish this program as a premier
opportunity to grow and develop, not only as a professional, but
as a human being.
What do you see yourself doing
after graduation?
I could see myself as a faculty member in higher
education, in a place where I could continue my research. I have
been greatly influenced by four College of Education faculty members
— Barbara Townsend, Vicki Rosser and Juanita Simmons from
ELPA and Janine Stichter from special education — and would
like to follow in their footsteps.
Originally published in the 2007 issue
of Ed Life, the magazine for alumni of the College of Education.
Archives
| Comments | Home SUBSCRIPTIONS
Subscribe
| Change Your
Address | Unsubscribe
Copyright © 2008 — Curators of the University of Missouri
DMCA and other copyright information.
All rights reserved.
An equal opportunity/ADA institution.
Published by the Mizzou Alumni Association
Questions? Comments? E-mail comments@mizzoualumni.org
Last Update:
April 1, 2008
|
