Kayla Burkholder
Springfield,MO
Summary
Dedicated and passionate about disability advocacy and supporting families. I have strong skills in community outreach, teaching, communication and relationship building. Experienced in supporting families in navigating special needs resources and advocating for inclusive education.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Homeschool Teacher
Self
Springfield, MO
01.2018 - Current
Delivered tailored instruction to special needs son, fostering his growth until he passed in October 2024.
Implemented customized teaching methods to improve daughter's learning outcomes.
Developed and organized educational plans for both children, tracking their progress and supporting their learning journey.
Family Peer Support Specialist
Missouri Family To Family Resource Center
Kansas City, Missouri
11.2020 - 08.2021
Connected with families in Missouri to help them navigate Special Needs resources in their community
Helped LifeCourse and UMKC develop this position for a year as they navigated change
Worked on Social media and did trainings with others on the team
State Interagency Coordination Council (SICC)
State of Missouri DESE
Jefferson City, Missouri
09.2012 - 04.2017
Participated in budget discussions for First Steps and Early Childhood education, contributing insights to enhance program funding.
Provided input to Counsel during development and refinement of by-laws for DESE, influencing governance structure.
Shared personal experiences in community meetings, inspiring others to pursue positive change.
Public Education Liaison
Abilities First
Springfield, MO
12.2015 - 03.2017
Cultivated community relationships through targeted networking to strengthen support systems.
Advocated for inclusive living, working, and recreational opportunities for all individuals.
Oversaw social media strategy for Abilities First, increasing outreach and engagement with target audiences.
Collaborated with government officials to advocate for community needs, driving initiatives for positive change.
Education
Hand In Hand Certificate - Hand In Hand Deaf-Blind Training
Missouri School For The Blind
St Louis, MO04-2020
Cosmetology - Cosmetology
Paul Mitchell The School Springfield
Springfield10-2016
Public Speaking Class - Public Speaking
Ozark Tech Community College
Springfield, MOSpecial Needs Motherhood
Parent Experience
Basic Studies
OTC
Springfield, MOPartners In Policy Making
Skills
- Task management
- Special needs education
- Community outreach
- Resource navigation
- Networking skills
- Public speaking
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
- Team collaboration
- Social integration
- Lesson planning
- Technology integration
- Special education support
- Conflict resolution
- Self motivation
- Multitasking Abilities
- Task prioritization
- Verbal and written communication
- Interactive learning
- Schedule management
- Time management
- Diversity and inclusion
- Emotional intelligence
Affiliations
RBC Ministry Leader for Remarkable Women and Families
Timeline
Family Peer Support Specialist
Missouri Family To Family Resource Center
11.2020 - 08.2021
Homeschool Teacher
Self
01.2018 - Current
Public Education Liaison
Abilities First
12.2015 - 03.2017
State Interagency Coordination Council (SICC)
State of Missouri DESE
09.2012 - 04.2017
Hand In Hand Certificate - Hand In Hand Deaf-Blind Training
Missouri School For The Blind
Cosmetology - Cosmetology
Paul Mitchell The School Springfield
Public Speaking Class - Public Speaking
Ozark Tech Community College
Special Needs Motherhood
Parent Experience
Basic Studies
OTC
Partners In Policy Making