04/11/2023 -
Name:
Andrea Wells
Years at SELPA:
7
Job Title:
Program Specialist, M.S. CCC-SLP, SELPA Adaptive Technology Center Supervisor
How do you describe your job to people outside SCOE?
Simply, I work with school administrators, teachers, parents, and special education service providers within our SELPA to help support the understanding of their role in special education, and to educate and promote best practice instructional strategies, including the implementation of assistive technology, for students with disabilities.
Where did you grow up?
Danville, CA
Who was your favorite childhood teacher and why?
My 7th grade science teacher. It was the first educational experience where I was given an opportunity to choose “how” I would complete an assignment to demonstrate my learning. The information we were learning felt very complex and having a choice to demonstrate my learning was incredibly motivating and made me want to learn more. It was the year I really learned how to practice being a student which turned into a love for learning and a desire to be a lifelong learner.
What is your favorite thing about SCOE or SELPA?
My favorite thing about our work is the partnerships and relationships we build with educators. I appreciate the opportunity to support them in designing and creating instructional environments for all students to be successful. Working as part of a collaborative team and keeping the student’s needs and success at the forefront of our work, teaches me a lot and is very rewarding.
What is one of your most memorable moments as a SELPA employee?
Recently, the SELPA’s team of Adaptive Technology Specialists provided a 2 day AAC-Augmentative Alternative Communication Foundations training. Forty educators including teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and administrators attended to learn best practice strategies in facilitating communication for students with complex communication needs. The team worked incredibly hard, for almost a full year, leading up to the training and it was a wonderful collaborative accomplishment.
Outside of work, what is your favorite hobby or way to unwind?
I like to sew and crochet but if I had a garage full of tools (and some extra time), you’d probably find me designing and constructing “useful” projects for the yard or garden.
Do you have a favorite TV show, movie or book that involves a school setting?
Isn’t life a school setting?
What is your favorite place in Sonoma County?
Any one of the Sonoma County regional parks we are blessed with.
What might people be surprised to learn about you?
I consider myself an endurance athlete. I believe I’m a better version of myself when I am planning, training, and focusing on pushing myself, athletically, to complete long endurance events. It wouldn’t be unusual to see me riding my bike 60-70 miles/day on the weekends.
