MEET THE BOARD
President:
Jisele Mitchell
Jisele Mitchell is the current president of the Colorado Council for Exceptional Children. Jisele taught special education for several years. She was an instructor and then director of the Alternative Licensure Program at MSU Denver. Being a CEC member provides resources, current research, legislation and support for teachers, students, parents and families.
Vice President
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.
Secretary:
Maya Valdivia
My name is Maya Valdivia and I am the Secretary of the CEC Colorado chapter. This is my 10th year as an elementary school teacher! I joined CEC after attending my first Courage to Risk Conference in 2019.
Treasurer:
Meagan Ackerman
Meagan Ackerman is currently a teacher with Mapleton Public Schools and started her role with CEC as a student in 2015. She is a member of CO-CEC because she believes that all students and individuals have the potential to achieve and feels passionate about supporting educators, self-advocates, and families.
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.
CO Student CEC:
Caron Westland
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.
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.
Bylaws Chair