Parenting your Special Needs Child in a Pandemic: Parent/Teacher Collaboration
2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Panellists
Ms. Jacqueline Hendricks
Ms. Jacqueline Hendricks’ professional and educational career spans over 28 years. She is currently the Campus Coordinator for the Lyssons Center of Excellence which caters for post primary students diagnosed with intellectual disabilities. She is also the current Chairperson of the JTA Special Education Committee. She is the mother of a special needs son who is 19 years old.
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Ms. Hendricks obtained a Diploma in Primary Education from St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College, a Bachelor of Education in Educational Administration from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and a Master of Education in Special Education at the Mico University College.
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Ms. Hendricks is the recipient of the Ministry of Education Region 2 Excellent Teacher Award, 2018. She is also the recipient of other awards including the 2013 JTA St. Thomas 50TH Anniversary Award for Service in Education, the JTA R. C. Tavares Award, 2013, and the Edith Dalton James Award, 2017, for Service to Education and Community, respectively.
Mrs. Racquel Rhoden-South
Mrs. Racquel Rhoden-South is the Principal of Woodlawn School of Special Education in Mandeville. Prior to that, she spent sixteen years at Christiana Leased Primary and Infant School, most which was spent teaching students with learning challenges. Her passion lies in getting students with exceptionalities to learn and optimize their potential, ultimately achieve the best they can, and live their best lives.
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Mrs. Rhoden-South is a graduate of Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College where she obtained a Diploma in Education. Since then, she earned a Bachelor in Primary Education from Knox Community College and a Master’s degree in Education – Special Education from The Mico University College.
Mr. Everton Anthony Tyndale
Mr. Everton Anthony Tyndale is the Principal of Porus Infant School and also a Minister of Religion. He is the father of Mathew Daniel Tyndale, a special needs 17 year old who attends the Woodlawn School of Special Education.
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Matthew has been diagnosed with Sotos syndrome, (which affects 1 in 1000 persons), epilepsy and some learning difficulties. However, individuals’ constant support, love and treatment of him have caused him to rise above the many challenges.
Matthew is very active in school, masters the use of technology, rides his bicycle, and is one of the chief musicians at church.
The support from his teachers, Miss Andrene Wiltshire and Mrs. Blackwood has ignited a genuine love for learning. In his own words, “I am a Rock Star!”
Ms. Yannette Holness
Ms. Yannette Holness, an educator for over 45 years. She is a Literacy Specialist and currently an APSE Coach at Robert Lightbourne High School, in charge of the Remedial Unit. She has worked at the Early Childhood and Secondary levels and has served as principal of Calvary Basic School for several years.
Ms. Holness served as a secretary, Public Relations Officer (PRO) in the Blue Mountain Valley District Association of JTA, and also as PRO at the St Thomas parish level.
She is living with special needs.
Mr. Handel Young
Mr. Handel Young, Handel Young, is 21 years old and suffers from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
He is currently attending Lincoln College where he is pursuing an associate degree in Medical Sciences in an attempt to matriculate to a full Medical Sciences programme.
He has encountered and overcome many challenges during his high school years, as result of this disability which continues to impact his life.
Mr. Joshua Counsell
Mr. Joshua Counsell is 13 years old and attends the Lyssons Center of Excellence in St Thomas.
Moderated by:
Mrs. Samantha Radway-Morrison
Centre Manager, CTC Educational, Assessment & Intervention Centre
Mrs. Samantha Radway - Morrison is a Principal Lecturer (Acting) at Church Teachers’ College: Mandeville where she manages the Educational, Assessment and Intervention Centre.
Her involvement in the field of education spans over 30 years, which has provided her with invaluable teaching and administrative experiences from the kindergarten to the tertiary levels.
Mrs. Radway Morrison has qualifications in Education - Church Teachers’ College: Mandeville; Media and Communication - University of the West Indies (CARIMAC); Special Education - Nova Southeastern University, and Business Administration - Walden University. Her range of studies has furnished her with a gamut of skills and wide repertoire of knowledge.
She is an effective teacher of language arts, written and oral communication, business communication and special education. She has successfully conceptualized, implemented and managed several projects and has organized conferences and workshops covering several areas.