MEET THE BOARD
Meagan Ackerman is the President of the Colorado Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children. She began her membership in 2016 as the student chapter President at the University of Colorado Denver and currently works as a fifth grade teacher in Mapleton Public Schools. In addition to advocating for and supporting our students, she is deeply passionate about supporting those who support others. Our goal is for Colorado CEC to be a place of advocacy, support, and collaboration. We are excited to be working alongside you.
President
Meagan Ackerman
Secretary
Maya Valdivia
Maya Valdivia is currently an elementary school teacher. Her journey with CEC began in 2019 after she attended her first Courage to Risk Conference. She is a member of CO-CEC because she believes that all humans deserve access to fair and equitable learning and through support, education, and community, it is possible.
Treasurer
Charlie Merrow
Charlie Merrow, Ph.D., has dedicated his career to special education, bringing his expertise to classrooms across North America, Asia, and Africa. His roles have included K-12 special education teacher, school leader, educational researcher, professor, and currently, Director of Special Education for Denver Public Schools. Since joining the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) in 2014 during graduate school, Dr. Merrow has remained an active member, serving as President of the CEC University of Colorado Denver chapter. Committed to dismantling systems of oppression and ensuring equitable access for people with disabilities, he values his involvement in CEC for its connections, access to current research, and professional development opportunities.
CO Student CEC
Caron Westland
Caron A. Westland, Ph.D., Student Council for Exceptional Children (subdivision). I started on the road of education not planning on being an educator. Everything I did kept pointing to becoming a teacher – from the first day I taught a little girl I babysat to tie her shoes! Since then, I have taught K-12 (special education and general education) in a variety of settings. Currently, as an Associate Clinical Professor at University of Colorado Denver, I am now preparing teachers in the field. I joined CEC during my teacher prep program and looked for a chapter in Denver when I moved here. I joined for the professional development and networking opportunities.
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is a professional association of educators dedicated to advancing the success of children and youth with exceptionalities. Through the dedication of its members, CEC sets the standard for high-quality education and special education practice through advocacy, standards, and professional development.
Membership Chair
Bob Barrows
Bob Barrows is a seasoned special education consultant with over 30 years in the field, dedicated to enhancing outcomes for students with special needs. Starting as a special education teacher, his expertise in individualized instruction and inclusive education quickly established him as a leader. Bob holds a Master's from the University of Denver and is well-versed in IDEA and relevant laws, helping schools meet compliance standards. As a consultant, he advises on program development, staff training, and student assessment, creating inclusive, effective learning environments. Known for his advocacy and commitment to quality education, Bob remains a trusted voice in special education.
Communications Chair
Ariel Nieto
Ariel Nieto, M.A., is a passionate special education teacher focused on neurocognitive development and inclusive practices. Currently working with Denver Public Schools, she supports students with diverse needs through a strengths-based approach, advocating for equity in education. As Communications Chair for the Colorado Council for Exceptional Children, Ariel is dedicated to building connections among educators and sharing resources that empower students with exceptional needs. Originally from New Mexico, she now calls Denver home, where she enjoys family life with her husband and four kids.
Representative Assembly:
Julia Lang
I started my teaching career in PA: first I taught preschool for 6 years, next I was a special needs teacher assistant for 3 years and then I taught special education for 3 years. After these, I moved to CO and taught there for 21 years at the high school and transitional program levels. I joined CO-CEC because I wanted opportunities to network with others in the special education field.