Untitled

Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Awards

Valedictorian

Jill Bodily
Jill Bodily graduated in December 2000 with a degree in elementary education and special education with an emphasis in mild/moderate. She is currently teaching math and history in the Resource Department at Logan High School. Jill would like to express her love and gratitude to her family for all of their support.

Scholar

Connie England
Connie England is a senior majoring in special education with an emphasis in early childhood and severe. She is currently doing her student teaching in Montpelier, Idaho. Connie would like to thank her professors and advisors for the time and expertise they have shared with her. She would also like to give special thanks to her family and her husband, Clint, for their patience and support.

Outstanding Students in Areas of Emphasis

Mild/Moderate Disabilities

Anne Sampson
Anne recently graduated from Utah State University as a dual major in elementary education and special education with an emphasis in mild/moderate. She is currently substitute teaching and will be teaching in Cache Valley next year. She appreciates the tremendous love, dedication, and patience that her husband, family, teachers, professors, cooperating teachers, and many others have put forth in her behalf. She is excited to help her own students succeed as these people have helped her to succeed.

Severe Disabilities

Sara Copenhaver
Sara graduated in December of 2000 with a degree in severe special education and elementary education. She grew up in Kalispell, Montana, and Logan, Utah. Sara enjoys being in the outdoors, especially hiking and running with her dog, Timber. Sara would like to express her appreciation to her parents and mentor teachers for all of their support.

Infants and
Preschoolers
w/Disabilities

Jamie Jo Reese
Jamie is a dual major in early childhood and severe special education. She is presently student teaching in the special education preschool classroom at River Heights Elementary and in the self-contained classroom at Spring Creek Middle School. Jamie is honored to receive this award and she wants to thank all the people who have helped her to succeed. Jamie looks forward to a satisfying job as a special education teacher.

Distance
Mild/Moderate
Disabilities

Heather Goodliffe
Heather lives in Deweyville, Utah. She has worked as a paraeducator for six years and appreciates the distance program, which allows her to keep her job in special education while earning her degree at Utah State University. She would like to thank her family, friends, fellow students, and Utah State University Special Education faculty for all their encouragement and support in reaching her goal.

Outstanding
CECSEP
Student

Karen Borg
Karen teaches in the Development Preschool Program in Box Elder and loves her job! Her educational experience at USU was astounding! Not only did it prepare her well for her classroom duties, but also every teacher contributed so much on personal, as well as a professional level that Karen feels she has been well mentored, and that she leaves behind priceless friendships. She and her husband Tom, are the parents of four children who think it's unfair that Mom gets to go to school and play. Karen's degree is dedicated to her father who did not live to see her graduate.

Graduate Program Awards

Outstanding
Doctoral
Student

Don Stenhoff
Don wishes to thank God who has put all of this into place. He is indebted to his wife, children and family; it is through their sacrifices that he is able to pursue this work. Don would like to express his gratitude to the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, his professors and peers for the opportunity to study under this grant and for their pursuits that encourage him beyond their knowledge.

Outstanding Graduate in the Master's Off-Campus Rehabilitation Counseling Program

Cindy Ycaza Stroschein
Cindy Ycaza Stroschein lives in Breezy Point, Minnesota and completed the Rehabilitation Counselor Education program in August, 2000. She currently works as a Rehabilitation Counselor in the Psychiatric Unit at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, MN, and is a job placement specialist providing services to vocational rehabilitation and workers compensation clients. Cindy appreciates the support of her husband, Larry, and she credits her coworkers at SJMC and the State of Minnesota's Vocational Rehabilitation program for inspiring her to complete the program.

Outstanding Graduate in the Master's On-Campus Rehabilitation Counseling Program

Ann Otteson
Ann is currently a rehabilitation counselor for the State of Utah in the South Salt Lake District. She credits her father and the example he set for the value she places on education and joy for learning. She would like to thank her family particularly her mother for their support through her master's program. Finally, the enthusiasm of the faculty and training she has received in the vocational rehabilitation program has greatly increased her passion and effectiveness in her profession.

Awards to Faculty

Teacher of
the year

Tim Slocum
Tim is an Associate Professor in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation. He came to Utah State University from the University of Washington where he received his Ph.D. in 1992. Tim's interests include effective strategies for teaching students with mild/moderate disabilities and research methods.

Advisor of
the year

Barbara Fiechtl
Barbara Fiechtl has been a clinical instructor in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation at USU for 14 years. She has worked in programs serving all ages of children with disabilities. Her main interests are in young children with disabilities and family-teacher interactions. She sees the USU students as a great group and appreciates the opportunity to work with them.