add*ed Leadership
Jordan Shurr, Director
|
Jordan Shurr, PhD, is a professor of special education at Queen's University. In addition to his roles as a teacher educator and research, his 20+ years in the field also include serving as a teacher, assistive technology consultant and inclusion coordinator. His current university teaching focuses on inclusive education and his research centres on curricular supports for students with autism and intellectual disability in addition to teacher identity and professional development.
To learn more about Dr. Shurr's work visit his website here |
|
Haley Clark, Project Manager
|
Haley Clark (she/her) is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Education at Queen’s University. Her research focuses on inclusive education, well-being, mentorship, and critical disability studies. Her research explores how systemic barriers, stigma, and educational structures impact the well-being and self-determination of students with ADHD. Haley’s background in the sociology of education, mentorship, and disability studies spurs her active involvement in inclusive education as a Special Education Advisory Board member for Autism Ontario and add*ed Research Group Projects Manager.
To learn more about Haley's work visit here |
|
Akomaye Undie, Partnerships Coordinator
|
Akomaye Undie is a doctoral student in the Faculty of Education at Queen's University. He holds an undergraduate degree, a master’s degree, and a Ph.D. all in Guidance and Counselling from the University of Calabar, Nigeria. His research focuses on the availability and utilization of assistive technologies in the educational programme of learners with special needs at the lower basic schools in the south-south, region of Nigeria.
To learn more about Akomaye's work visit here |
|
Rebecca Cooke, Magazine Editor
|
Rebecca Cooke is a Master of Education student in the Faculty of Education at Queen’s University. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in French Studies and her Bachelor of Education through the Concurrent Education program, earning her Ontario Certified Teacher designation, from Queen’s University. Her research focuses on improving Individualized Education Plans in Ontario schools through the integration of standards and AI tools. As Managing Editor of add*ed, she oversees the design and layout of research-based publications.
See our magazine here |
|
Adrianna Arsenault, Engagement Coordinator Adrianna is a doctoral student in the Faculty of Education at Queen's University. She completed an Honours Bachelor of Social Science (major: Criminology, Minor: Women’s Studies) at the University of Ottawa in 2020, a Bachelor of Education at Queen’s University in 2021 and a Master of Arts in Education at the University of Ottawa in 2023. Her research interests focus on examining the experiences of disabled students and their families through a critical disability studies lens. Her broad research interests include parent involvement, advocacy, narrative methodologies and systemic ableism. Currently, Adrianna is working as a teaching assistant and research assistant in the Faculty of Education at Queen’s University.
|
|
Undergraduate Leadership Team
Hannah Burrows [Magazine Lead]
I am a PhD student in Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) at Queen’s University, where I also completed my BScH and MSc in Psychology. My research in the Social Cognition Lab examines the reciprocal nature of dog–human relationships, with applications for training and supporting working and service dog teams. Beyond my thesis work, I am committed to improving pedagogy and student learning. As a member of add*ed, I contribute to initiatives that enhance equity in education, and I have experience teaching. I also collaborate on projects that build financial literacy among youth, including the development of open-access resources in partnership with national organizations. In my free time, I enjoy playing music, exploring the outdoors with my dogs, and spending time with friends.
Aardhraya Nair [Research Lead]
My name is Aardhraya Nair (a.k.a Ardi) and I am a 4th year Psychology Specialization student at Queen’s University. I have a strong interest in developmental psychology, which inspired me to join the add*ed Research Group. My passion for supporting people with disabilities grew through my research, including an abstract I wrote on women with autism, and I am especially interested in how inclusive education can improve equity and opportunity for learners. I love working with children and hope to continue this work through graduate studies in clinical psychology. In my free time, I enjoy painting and cooking for my friends and family.
Liz Arminen [Engagement Lead]
My name is Liz and I am a fourth-year Concurrent Education Student (P/J) with a major in Psychology. As a future teacher, I hope to create a positive environment where learning is accessible for every student. I have always been passionate about working in special education as well as promoting inclusive learning. I look forward to working with the add*ed team to expand my knowledge and continue to explore my passion for supporting students with developmental disabilities. I am very excited to have the opportunity to work alongside such an amazing group of people!
Marissa Little [Research Lead]
My name is Marissa Little. I am in my fixth year of the Concurrent Education program at Queen’s University, majoring in History with a minor in English Language and Literature. I am in the primary/junior stream of Con Ed and plan on specializing my studies in Special Education, with intentions to work in educational consulting or curriculum development after pursuing my Master of Education. As a teacher candidate who has a passion for working with complex learners and students with exceptionalities, I am thrilled to be involved in the add*ed research group once again this year!
Catherine Park [Partnership Lead]
Hi, my name is Catherine Park, and I’m thrilled to be part of the add*ed Research group. This opportunity allows me to deeply explore my passions for education and human behavior. I’m excited to examine the connection between education and behavior, and how psychological principles can be applied to enhance student learning and promote inclusivity. Being a part of add*ed helps me better understand how behavior shapes effective educational strategies, and I view this experience as a significant step toward my future career in education and beyond.
Chelsea Lam [Research Coordinator]
Chelsea is in her final year of the Concurrent Education program. As a future educator, she hopes to create a classroom that welcomes students of different intersectionalities and promotes inclusive and accessible learning. Her work with Add*Ed has sparked a passion for research, inspiring her to continue contributing to the evolving field of special education. She looks forward to applying this knowledge to her future work with children.
Hannah Minsky [Magazine Lead]
Hi, I’m Hannah Minsky (she/her), and I am a third-year student in the Concurrent Education program, majoring in Global Development Studies within the Intermediate/Senior (I/S) stream. With a strong passion for education, I bring valuable experience working with children of various ages through coaching and teaching. Since joining add*ed last year, I have been excited to continue developing my research skills and contributing to the growth of our journal. This year, I look forward to helping expand add*ed’s reach and impact, supporting educators by sharing accessible, meaningful resources and spreading my love for education to those who need it most
Undergraduate Members
Arabella Mew [Research Team]
Arabella Mew is a student at Queen’s University in the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program. Her interest in special education was sparked by experiences working with children and youth with disabilities in education settings, where she observed both effective support and areas needing improvement. She is also very interested in the scientific aspects of developmental disorders and hopes that this experience will add to a well-rounded understanding of their impacts and approaches to support across systems. Arabella is excited to contribute to the add*ed Research Group’s work and to learn from the leadership team and other group members.
Sabrina Du [Research Team]
My name is Sabrina, and I am a second year Concurrent Education student and I am working towards a Psychology specialization and an biology minor. As a teacher candidate, I am hoping to create an environment where all students can grow and explore their interests. I am excited to be a part of the add*ed team where I am looking forward to contributing to more accessible and inclusive education.
Julia Havey [Partnership Team]
My name is Julia (she/her), and I am a fifth-year Concurrent Education student in the Primary/Junior stream, majoring in Exceptional Learners. My participation in Best Buddies, and my work as an Emergency Educational Assistant, and Disability Support Worker have nurtured a special interest and passion for facilitating the social and academic inclusion of children and youth with disabilities in mainstream education. I have enjoyed working with the Ad*Ed team and the opportunity it has given me to learn about the field of inclusive education and investigate how research best practices can be implemented within school settings. I am excited to be a part of the team again this year, contribute to bridging the gap between research and practice, and learn about effective inclusion strategies to integrate in my future classroom!
Adele Liao [Partnership Team]
My name is Adele (she/her), and I am a second-year Health Sciences student. I love neuroscience and neurodevelopment studies and am passionate to continue advocating for inclusive education for students with autism under the research group. I look forward to working with the add*ed team and I can't wait to see the research we do.
Rachel Efrem [Engagement Team]
My name is Rachel Efrem and I am a fourth-year Health Studies student at Queen’s University. I am passionate about improving the quality of life and health outcomes for individuals with disabilities and developmental differences, and I am excited to contribute to the add*ed team to support inclusive education and equity in learning. In my spare time I enjoy playing music, spending time outdoors, and being with friends and family!
Julianna Ricciuti [Research Team]
My name is Juliana and I am a third year Concurrent Education student at Queen’s University majoring in Psychology (BScH). I’m passionate about working with children and promoting best practices for inclusive education for students with autism and other developmental disabilities. In particular I am interested in helping students with developmental speech and language disorders meet their communication and education goals and finding strategies that support learning in schools. I’m looking forward to working with the add*ed team and contributing to research around inclusive education.
Eleanor Balgopal [Magazine Team]
I’m Eleanor Balgopal (she/her), and I’m in my third year of Concurrent Education, majoring in Health Studies in the P/J stream. My role as head program instructor at Variety Village Children's Charity has provided valuable experience in inclusive learning and accessible programming. As a teacher candidate and member of add*ed, I’m looking forward to deepening my knowledge of special education research and its practical applications in the classroom.
Anastasia Radisic [Magazine Team]
Anastasia Radisic is a Consecutive Bachelor of Education student in the Primary/Junior division, concentrating in French as a Second Language. They earned their Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto in 2024 with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. Their research interests lie in the intersection of second language acquisition and attrition, Autistic experiences in early education, and critical pedagogical theory. Through their participation in the add*ed group, Anastasia hopes to gain key insights into the nuances of the implementation, execution, and effectiveness of special education programs. Anastasia intends to use this learning to inform their future endeavours in the study of education.
Meredith Peters [Magazine Team]
|
My name is Meredith Peters and I am a second year Concurrent Education student at Queen’s University, pursuing a double major in History and Sociology in the Primary/Junior stream. Through my past experiences as Camp Supervisor with Queen’s Athletics and Recreation, and as a Buddy with Queen’s Adaptive Sport, I have grown a deep passion for inclusive education, and I hope to expand my knowledge to best support my future students. I am excited for the opportunity to be a member of Add*Ed and contribute to meaningful research and outreach regarding special and inclusive education.
|
Sarah Croxan [Partnership Team]
My name is Sarah Croxon (she/her) and I am in my second year of concurrent education majoring in health studies. I have recently found a deep passion for special education and inclusive learning through my job as an instructor therapist at a private school in my hometown. Through the opportunity to be a member of add*ed, I hope to continue to explore and learn about special education practices through research so that I can best support my current and future students.
Rachel Cheung [Magazine Team]
|
My name is Rachel, and I am a second year Concurrent Education student in the Primary/Junior stream, majoring in Psychology. As a future educator, I want to learn more about how to make an inclusive environment where students can learn and reach their full potential. This summer, working at a Multiple Exceptionalities/Developmental Disorder classroom at a summer school has allowed me to develop an interest in seeking the best strategies to support students with autism or other developmental disabilities. I am so excited to be working with add*ed and to learn more about special education!
|
Lucille Gilliland [Partnership Team]
|
Lucille is in her second year of a psychology specialization at Queen’s. She has experience supporting children in a wide range of settings, including those navigating socio-emotional difficulties, mental health challenges, and neurodivergencies. She is particularly interested in examining the systemic barriers faced by neurodivergent children and working alongside them to foster supportive environments where they can thrive. Lucille is excited to join the add*ed team and expand her knowledge on inclusive education!
|
Tooba Abid [Engagement Team]
Add*Ed Alumni
|
|
|