M. Alexandra Da Fonte

27 Pages·2016·0.29 MB·English

1 CV- M. Alexandra Da Fonte

M. Alexandra Da Fonte
Vanderbilt University, Peabody College, Department of Special Education
PMB 228 Peabody College, Nashville, Tennessee 37203
[email protected]; 615.322.8898

CURRENT POSITION
Assistant Professor of the Practice in Special Education
Department of Special Education, Vanderbilt University

AREA OF SPECIALIZATION
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), severe and multiple disabilities, and
communication disorders.

EDUCATION
2008 Ph.D., Purdue University
Special Education Program; Department of Educational Studies
Emphasis in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and severe
disabilities special education

2001 M.S. in Education, Purdue University
Special Education; Department of Educational Studies
Severe disabilities special education and AAC

1998 Specialization, University Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho, Venezuela
Special Education and Integrated Rehabilitation

1993 Venezuelan Institute of Audiology and Language, Venezuela
(Instituto Venezolano de la Audicion y el Lenguaje -IVAL)
Speech and Language Therapy

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2008-Present Assistant Professor of the Practice in Special Education
Vanderbilt University, Peabody College, Department of Special Education

Consultant and Training
2009-2013 Cooperating Teacher Mentoring Summer Program Workshop. Severe Disabilities
Program Mentor. Grant Principal Investigator: Dr. Kim Paulsen
Vanderbilt University, Peabody College, Department of Special Education

2012 Consultant. Schools services in Cyprus (September 2012)
Nicosia and Limassol, Cyprus

2009 AAC consultant. Project: Joint Engagement, Enhanced Milieu Teaching and Play.
Ann Kaiser, site PI. Funded by Autism Speaks (2009 -2012)
2 CV- M. Alexandra Da Fonte

Vanderbilt University, Peabody College, Department of Special Education

2001-2010 AAC Consultant
Foundation Paso a Paso, Venezuela

Adjunct Faculty
2002-2003 Venezuelan Institute of Audiology and Language
Courses taught: Introduction to Augmentative and Alternative Communication
(AAC); Feeding and Swallowing Disorders
Caracas, Venezuela

Practicum Supervisor and/or Field Placement Coordinator
2008-Present Student Teaching Field Placement Coordinator. Severe Disabilities Program
Undergraduate and graduate student teaching field coordinator
Vanderbilt University, Peabody College, Department of Special Education,
Nashville, TN

2008-Present Field Placement Coordinator. Severe Disabilities Program
Undergraduate and graduate field coordinator
Vanderbilt University, Peabody College, Department of Special Education,
Nashville, TN

2005-2008 Field Placement Coordinator and Supervisor. AAC Program
Graduate program field coordinator and supervisor
Faculty: Dr. Lyle Lloyd
Purdue University, Department of Educational Studies, West Lafayette, IN

2003-2008 Field Placement Coordinator and Supervisor. Severe Disabilities Program
Undergraduate and graduate program field coordinator and supervisor
Faculty: Dr. Teresa Taber-Doughty
Purdue University, Department of Educational Studies, West Lafayette, IN

2004 Practicum Supervisor. Mild Disabilities Program
Undergraduate program supervisor
Faculty: Mrs. Sarah Templin
Purdue University, Department of Educational Studies, West Lafayette, IN

2000-2001 Practicum and Student Teacher Supervisor. Severe Disabilities Program
Undergraduate and graduate program supervisor
Faculty: Dr. Teresa Taber-Doughty
Purdue University, Department of Educational Studies, West Lafayette, IN

1994-1997 Supervisor. Speech-Language Pathology Program
Undergraduate program supervisor
3 CV- M. Alexandra Da Fonte

PAPAGAYO Special Education Center, Caracas, Venezuela

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Services
2005-2007 AAC Consultant. Greater Lafayette Schools: Special Services
In school consulting and direct services for children with AAC needs
Graduate Assistant: Purdue University, West Lafayette Indiana

2003-2005 AAC Assistant. Greater Lafayette Schools: Special Services
In school consulting and direct services for children with AAC needs
Graduate Assistant: Purdue University, West Lafayette Indiana

2001-2003 AAC Direct and Consult Services. Homebound Services
Caracas, Venezuela

2003 AAC Specialist. Centro Integral HUMANA S.A
Caracas, Venezuela

1998-1999 AAC Specialist. Homebound Services
Caracas, Venezuela

Special Education Teacher
1993-1998 Special Education Teacher. PAPAGAYO Special Education Center
Caracas, Venezuela

1994-1996 After School Activities Coordinator. PAPAGAYO Special Education Center
Caracas, Venezuela

1994-1998 Homebound Intervention Services.
Caracas, Venezuela

Speech Therapist
2001-2003 Feeding Disorders Therapy. Homebound Services
Caracas, Venezuela

1995-1998 Communication Disorders Specialist. MIMAR, Integrated Rehabilitation Center
Caracas, Venezuela

PROFESSIONAL LICENSURES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Indiana Special Education Teaching Licensure, Severe Disabilities, All Grade Major (K-12)
South Carolina It Takes Two to Talk (ITTT), The Hanen Centre

AWARDS
2015 Faculty of the Year Award
4 CV- M. Alexandra Da Fonte

Tennessee Council For Exceptional Children
Nashville, TN

2014 Junior Faculty Teaching Fellowship
Center for Teaching 2014-2015 Teaching Fellow Program
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

2008 College of Education Graduate Student Support Program Award
Support student initiated research projects: Dissertation
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

2007 Purdue Research Fellowship (PRF)
Summer Fellowship Award
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

2007 College of Education Graduate Student Support Program Award
Support student initiated research projects: Prelims
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

2006 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Institute
AAC Student Scientific Paper Award. First Place.
Project: Storybook interaction: A comparison of vocabulary usage
ASHA Annual Convention, Miami Florida

2006 American Speech-Language Hearing Association Student Research Travel Award
ASHA Annual Convention, Miami Florida

CREATIVE ENDEAVOR, RESEARCH, SCHOLARSHIP
Grants
2015 Peabody College Instructional Improvement Grant
Project: Providing Effective Feedback to Pre-service Teacher Candidates with
Fidelity
PI: Kim Paulsen, Ph.D.; Co-PIs: Alexandra Da Fonte, Ph.D, Andrea M. Capizzi,
Ph.D., Karen Blankenship, Ph.D.
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

2014 Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Grant
Project: Delivering Evidence-Based Education for Students with Severe Disabilities
in High-Need Schools
PI: Erik Carter, Ph.D.; Co-PI: M. Alexandra Da Fonte, Ph.D.
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

2009 Peabody College Instructional Improvement Grant
Project: Module-Based for Training for Educational Assistants
5 CV- M. Alexandra Da Fonte

PI: M. Alexandra Da Fonte, Ph.D.; Co-PI: Andrea M. Capizzi, Ph.D.
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

2007 Department of Educational Studies, Student Research Grant
Project: The Use of Graphic Symbols to Demonstrate Intentionality During Early
Communicative Interactions (Dissertation)
PI: M. Alexandra Da Fonte, M.S.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

2007 College of Education, Student Research Grant
Project: There a Hierarchy of Aided-visual Symbols? A Review of the Literature
PI: M. Alexandra Da Fonte, M.S.
Faculty: Lyle L. Lloyd, Ph.D.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

2006 Department of Educational Studies, Student Research Grant
Project: The Use of Graphic Symbols in Infancy: How early can we start?
PI: M. Alexandra Da Fonte, M.S.
Faculty: Teresa Taber-Doughty, Ph.D.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

2006 College of Education, Student Research Grant
Project: Storybook Interactions: Implications for Children with Augmentative and
Alternative Communication Needs
PI: M. Alexandra Da Fonte, M.S.
Faculty: Teresa Taber-Doughty, Ph.D.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

Journal Articles (* student as author)
Boesch, M. C., & Da Fonte, M. A. (2014). Best practices for assessing communication skills prior
to preference assessments for students with severe developmental disabilities. Evidence-
Based Practices Briefs, 9 (3), 1-9.

Capizzi, A. M., & Da Fonte, M. A. (2012). Supporting paraeducators through a collaborative
classroom support plan. Focus on Exceptional Children, 44 (6), 1-16.

Da Fonte, M. A., Boesch, M. C., Edwards-Bowyer, M. E., Restrepo, M. W., Bennett, B. P., &
Diamond, G. P. (in press). A 3-step reinforcer identification framework: A step-by-
step process. Education and Treament of Children.

Da Fonte, M. A., & Boesch, M. C. (in press). Recommended augmentative and alternative
communication competencies for special education teachers. Journal of International
Special Needs Education.
6 CV- M. Alexandra Da Fonte

Da Fonte, M. A., & Capizzi, A. M. (2015). A module-based approach: Training paraeducators on
instructional practices. Physical Disabilities: Education and Related Services, 34 (1), 31-
54. doi: 10.14434/pders.v34i1.13823

Da Fonte, M. A., Pufpaff, L., & Taber-Doughty, T. (2010). Vocabulary use during storybook
reading: Implications for children with augmentative and alternative communication
needs. Psychology in the Schools, 47 (5), 514-524.

Da Fonte, M. A., & Taber-Doughty, T. (2008). The use of graphic symbols in infancy: How early
can we start? Early Child Development and Care, 180(4), 417-439.

*Diamond, G. P., Da Fonte, M. A., & Boesch, M. C. (in press). I am working for ___: Succesfully
using token reward systems. Journal of the International Association of Special
Education.

*Edwards, C. C., & Da Fonte, M. A. (2012). The 5-point plan: Fostering successful partnerships
with families of students with disabilities. TEACHING Exceptional Children, 44(3), 6-13.

Paulsen, K., Da Fonte, M. A., & Barton-Arwood, S. (2015). The role of mentors in developing
and implementing high-quality field-based placements. Intervention in School and
Clinic, 51(2), 1-9.

*Torelli, J. N., Lambert, J. M., Da Fonte, M. A., Denham, K. N., Jedrzynski, T. J., & Houchins-
Juarez, N. (2015). Assessing preference of mand topographies during functional
communication training. Behavior Analysis in Practice. doi 10.1007/s40617-015-0083-y

Yadav, A., Bouck, E. C., Da Fonte, M. A., & Patton, S. (2009). Instructing special education
pre-service teachers through literacy video cases. Teaching Education, 20 (2), 149-162.

Manuscripts Under Review (* student as author)
Boesch, M. C., Da Fonte, M. A., & Douthwaite, C. (under review). A review of AAC training in
U.S. special education teacher preparation programs. Journal of Special Education
Technology.

Boesch, M. C., Da Fonte, M. A., & Douthwaite, C. (under review). Reflections on the current and
future state of AAC training in special education programs in the U.S.

Boesch, M. C., Da Fonte, M. A., Ostroff, A. E., Wilson, J. B., & Paranczak, J. (under review).
Culturally Sensitive Considerations: Identifying and Using Reinforcers in the Classroom.
International Journal of Disability, Development, and Education.

Boesch, M. C., Mehta, S., & Da Fonte, M. A. (under review). A review comparing AAC
intervention components yields a list of studied components, but conclusions regarding
comparative effectiveness appear flawed. Evidence-Based Communication Assessment
7 CV- M. Alexandra Da Fonte

and Intervention.

Boesch, M. C., Mehta, S., & Da Fonte, M. A. (under review). A review comparing AAC systems
yields mixed results indicating that a broad focus may lead to narrow recommendations.
Evidence-Based Communication Assessment and Intervention.

Book Chapters
Da Fonte, M. A., & Boesch, M. C. (in preparation). Venezuela. In M. L. Wehmeyer and J. R. ‚
Patton. Hanbook of International Special Education. Santa Barbara, CA: Praeger.

Da Fonte, M. A., & Capizzi, A. M. (2015). Working collaboratively with support staff for
inclusive education. In D. Chambers. Working with teaching assistants and
other support staff for inclusive education: International Perspectives on
Inclusive Education, Volume 4. United Kingdom: Emerald Group Publishing.

Conference Proceedings
Da Fonte, M. A., & Lloyd, L. L. (2007). The Acquisition of Manual Signs. Clinical AAC Research
Conference Proceedings. Paper presented at the 2007 Clinical AAC Research
Conference, Lexington, KY.

PEER REVIEWED PRESENTATIONS - COMPETITIVE SELECTION: INTERNATIONAL
Boesch, M. C., Da Fonte, M. A., & Douthwaite, C. N. (July 2014). AAC training: The current
trends in teacher preparation programs. Council for Exceptional Children -Division of
International Special Education and Services (DISES): Embracing inclusive approaches for
children and youth with special education needs. Braga, Portugal.

Boesch, M. C., Da Fonte, M. A., & Diamond, G. P. (July 2014). Evaluating reinforcer
assessments: A systematic literature review. Council for Exceptional Children -Division of
International Special Education and Services (DISES): Embracing inclusive approaches for
children and youth with special education needs. Braga, Portugal.

Da Fonte, M. A., Boesch, M. C., & Douthwaite, C. N. (July 2014). Enhancing AAC use in the
classroom: Setting the stage for success!. Council for Exceptional Children –Division of
International Special Education and Services (DISES): Embracing inclusive approaches for
children and youth with special education needs. Braga, Portugal.

Da Fonte, M. A., Boesch, M. C., & Diamond, G. P. (July 2014). How do I encourage student
engagement? Identifying reinforcers. Council for Exceptional Children -Division of
International Special Education and Services (DISES): Embracing inclusive approaches for
children and youth with special education needs. Braga, Portugal.

PEER REVIEWED WEBINAR PRESENTATIONS – COMPETITIVE SELECTION
Da Fonte, M. A., Knight, V., & McKissick, B. R. (2014, September). iAccess: Using mobile devices
to promote participation and core content for students with significant needs. Council
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for Exceptional Children, Division of Physical, Health, and Multiple Disabilities.

PEER REVIEWED PRESENTATIONS - COMPETITIVE SELECTION: NATIONAL
Boesch, M. C., & Da Fonte, M. A. (2016, January). AAC Pre-service Teacher Training:
The Past and Future Trends. Division of Autism and Developmental Disabilities 17th
Annual Conference. Honolulu, HI.

Boesch, M. C., & Da Fonte, M. A. (2016, January). Preference Assessments: How to Accurately
Identify Reinforcers for Students Who are Challenging to Assess. Division of Autism and
Developmental Disabilities 17th Annual Conference. Honolulu, HI.

Da Fonte, M. A., & Boesch, M. C. (2016, January). Enhancing participation in the classroom
setting: Implementing the SETT model. Division of Autism and Developmental Disabilities
17th Annual Conference. Honolulu, HI.

Capizzi, A. M., & Da Fonte, M. A. (2015, November). Field Placement Challenges and Needs:
Identifying Commonalities Across Institutions. 38th Annual CEC Teacher Education
Division Conference. Phoenix, Arizona.

Da Fonte, M. A., & Capizzi, A. M. (2015, November). Supporting 1st year special education
teachers: What would this mentoring process look like? 38th Annual CEC Teacher
Education Division Conference. Phoenix, Arizona.

Paulsen, K., Da Fonte, M. A., Capizzi, A. M., & Blankenship, K. (2015, November). Developing
Assessments and Scoring Guides to Meet CAEP Requirements. 38th Annual CEC Teacher
Education Division Conference. Phoenix, Arizona.

*Torelli, J. N., Lambert, J. M., Da Fonte, M. A., Houchins-Juarez, N. J., Denham, K. N., &
Jedrzynski, T. M. (2015, May). Assessing preference for mand topographies during
functional communication training. In Casey Clay, Chair, Anibal Gutierrez Jr., Discussant,
Preference Assessment Procedures: Methodology, Presentation Mode, and Stimulus
Selection. Symposium presented at 41st annual meeting of the Association for Behavior
Analysis International, San Antonio, TX.

Boesch, M. C., & Da Fonte, M. A. (2015, April). Making a Case for 2- or 3-Step Preference
Assessments: Which is better? Council for Exceptional Children National Convention and
Expo. San Diego, CA.

Da Fonte, M. A., & Boesch, M. C. (2015, April). Using the SETT model in the classroom setting:
Increasing communication and participation. Council for Exceptional Children National
Convention and Expo. San Diego, CA.

Boesch, M. C., Da Fonte, M. A., & Douthwaite, C. N. (2014, November). AAC in special
education teacher preparation programs: Current status and future needs. American
9 CV- M. Alexandra Da Fonte

Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Annual Convention. Orlando, FL.

Capizzi, A. M., & Da Fonte, M. A. (2014, November). Making assessment meaningful and
effective for pre-service teachers. 37th Annual CEC Teacher Education Division
Conference. Indianapolis, IN.

Da Fonte, M. A., & Capizzi, A. M. (2014, November). Providing pre-service teachers skills to
support paraeducators in inclusive settings. 37th Annual CEC Teacher Education
Division Conference. Indianapolis, IN.

Da Fonte, M. A., & Capizzi, A. M. (2014, November). Collaborating with partner-schools:
Making field-placements work! 37th Annual CEC Teacher Education Division Conference.
Indianapolis, IN.

Boesch, M. C., Da Fonte, M. A., Diamond, G., & Belfy, A. (2014, April). Identifying reinforcers for
students with special needs: A systematic literature review. Council for Exceptional
Children National Convention and Expo. Pittsburg, PA.

Capizzi, A. M., & Da Fonte, M. A. (2014, April). Supporting paraeducators through a
collaborative classroom support plan. Council for Exceptional Children National
Convention and Expo. Pittsburg, PA.

Da Fonte, M. A., Boesch, M. C., & Douthwaite, C. N. (2014, April). Training the trainers: What
every special education practitioner should know about AAC. Council for Exceptional
Children National Convention and Expo. Pittsburg, PA.

Da Fonte, M. A., Hampton, R., & May, J. (2013, December). What tool to use? Assessing
students with multiple disabilities and special health-care needs. TASH 2013 Conference.
Chicago, IL.

Barton-Arwood, S., & Da Fonte, M. A. (2013, November). Ri-joo-uh-ney-shum within School
University Partnerships: Increasing Contextualization of Field Experiences. 36th Annual
CEC Teacher Education Division Conference. Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Capizzi, A. M., Da Fonte, M. A., & Paulsen, K. (2013, November). Making Room for an Honors
Program in a Teacher-Licensure Program. 36th Annual CEC Teacher Education Division
Conference. Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Da Fonte, M. A., & Capizzi, A. M. (2013, November). Is this measurable? A training procedure
for writing meaningful and measurable IEPs. 36th Annual CEC Teacher Education Division
Conference. Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Paulsen, K., Da Fonte, M. A., & Barton-Arwood, S. (2013, November). Mentoring teachers
during their first three years through online modules. 36th Annual CEC Teacher Education
10 CV- M. Alexandra Da Fonte

Division Conference. Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Paulsen, K., Da Fonte, M. A., & Barton-Arwood, S. (2013, November). Implementing the
mathematics common core standards into pre-service methods course. 36th Annual CEC
Teacher Education Division Conference. Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Da Fonte, M. A., & Capizzi, A. M. (2013, April). Evidence-Based Practices: Instructional Modules
for Paraeducators. Council for Exceptional Children National Convention and Expo. San
Antonio, TX.

Paulsen, K., Barton-Arwood, S., Capizzi, A. M., & Da Fonte, M. A. (2012, November). Engaging
Mentor Teachers = Successful Program Changes. 35th Annual CEC Teacher Education
Division Conference. Grand Rapids, MI.

Da Fonte, M. A., Hampton, R., & May, J. (2012, April). Monitoring of students with severe-
profound multiple disabilities: Teacher accountability. Council for Exceptional Children
National Convention and Expo. Denver, CO.

Da Fonte, M. A., Hampton, R., & May, J. (2012, April). Assessing skills of students with severe-
profound multiple disabilities. Council for Exceptional Children National Convention and
Expo. Denver, CO.

Da Fonte, M. A., & Capizzi, A. M. (2012, April). Equipping paraeducators with evidence-based
practices: A module-based approach. Council for Exceptional Children National
Convention and Expo. Denver, CO.

Paulsen, K., Barton-Arwood, S., Capizzi, A. M., & Da Fonte, M. A. (2011, November). Mentoring
teachers during their first three years through online modules. 34th Annual CEC Teacher
Education Division Conference. Austin, TX.

Barton-Arwood, S., Capizzi, A. M., & Da Fonte, M. A. (2011, November). Evaluating treatment
integrity with preservice teachers: Supporting correct and sustained use of evidence-
based practices. 34th Annual CEC Teacher Education Division Conference. Austin, TX.

Capizzi, A. M., & Da Fonte, M. A. (2011, November). Module-based instruction for
paraeducators: Involving teacher candidates in paraeducator training. 34th Annual CEC
Teacher Education Division Conference. Austin, TX.

Da Fonte, M. A., & Capizzi, A. M. (2011, April). Who does what? Preparing educational
assistants to work with students with exceptionalities. Council for Exceptional Children
National Convention and Expo. National Harbor, MD.

Da Fonte, M. A., Hampton, R., & May, J. (2011, April). Where do we start? Assessing students
with severe-profound multiple disabilities. Showcase Presentation for the Division of