Justin Gardner, MEd
Guilford,CT
Summary
Psychosocial healthcare professional highly skilled in working with individuals with disabilities, including advocacy and education. Extensive mentoring and liaison experience with multiple stakeholders and school systems. 20+ years serving pediatric oncology and hematology patients and families.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
School Support Coordinator
Yale University Child Study Center
New Haven , CT
2022.08 - Current
- Establish position to screen and serve patients undergoing treatment for cancer and hematological disorders
- Increase awareness among clinical staff and other services lines of educational needs of patients
- Provide education to patients and families of impact of disease and treatment on learning and of educational laws that protect them
- Collaborate with other psychosocial service lines to improve and inform family-centered care through QI projects and research
- Supervise tutoring staff, providing inpatient bedside instruction to school aged students
- Provide advocacy to ensure appropriate educational services in home community school district.
- Attend Individual Education Plan and Section 504 Plan meetings alongside parents and patients
- Guide patients and families through key transitions at various levels of education
- Use knowledge of Individual with Disabilities Education Act and Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to advocate for service needs of patients and to educate parents about their rights and responsibilities with regard to special education services and accommodations.
Manager - School Program And Liaison Services
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis , TN
2002.08 - 2022.07
- Served as liaison between hospital and school/college personnel, advocating for educational needs of patients diagnosed with childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases.
- Member of multidisciplinary team that created and implemented new psycho-social transition program for survivors of childhood cancer.
- Responsible for screening and interview of new staff.
- Managed school advocacy staff of 6 direct reports, conducting yearly reviews and development modules
- Partnered with St. Jude staff in order to understand patient's overall medical, cognitive and academic issues.
- Interpreted psycho-educational evaluations and data
- Consulted with students, parents, and school counselors to resolve academic needs.
Camp Director
Children's Oncology Foundation, Camp Mak-a-Dream
Missoula , MT
2008.06 - 2008.08
- Planned and directed first pediatric brain tumor survivors' conference for young adults in coordination with Children's Brain Tumor Foundation.
- Managed camp staff members and volunteers.
- Coordinated and led weekly volunteer training
- Developed and directed programs suitable for children between ages of 6 and 25.
Education
Masters In Science - Instruction And Curriculum Leadership
University Of Memphis
Memphis, TNBachelor of Science Degree - Special Education
University Of Memphis
Memphis, TNSkills
- Academic counseling,
- Leadership
- Special Education Law
- Post-secondary education
- Program development and management
- Hiring and recruitment
- Staff development
- Project management
Affiliations
- Association for the Education of Children with Medical Needs (AECMN) Vice-President
- St. Jude Shared Decision Making Committee/ Chair for School Program
- International Outreach Program: Curriculum Development and Presentations
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Educational Specialists (APHOES)
- St. Jude Rehabilitation Conference, Memphis, TN
- International Outreach Cure 4Kids Global Summit, Memphis, TN
- Counsel for Exceptional Children National Conference, Nashville, TN
- Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)
Licensure
Professional Educator License (PEL)
State Of Connecticut, Department of Education
Endorsements: Special Education: Comprehensive, K-12
Timeline
School Support Coordinator
Yale University Child Study Center
2022.08 - Current
Camp Director
Children's Oncology Foundation, Camp Mak-a-Dream
2008.06 - 2008.08
Manager - School Program And Liaison Services
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
2002.08 - 2022.07
Masters In Science - Instruction And Curriculum Leadership
University Of Memphis
Bachelor of Science Degree - Special Education
University Of Memphis
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