Former Questar III BOCES New Visions: Pathway in Education students Ashleigh Mein and Sydney Davey both suffered accidents at a young age that left them with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). After the accidents, their learning methods changed significantly, and they had to navigate the challenges of living with a TBI. These personal experiences influenced them to join the New Visions: Pathway in Education program to become special education teachers.
Ashleigh Mein
Ashleigh Mein is a Class of 2022 graduate of Averill Park CSD, and currently studying Early Childhood Education and Special Education at Siena College. She was in 4th grade when the car she was traveling in with her family was rear-ended at 60 mph, resulting in her traumatic brain injury. Once she returned to school after recovery, she had an Individual Education Plan (IEP) with support she still uses today in college. Hear from Ashleigh about her decision to become a special education teacher and how her personal experiences shaped it.
Sydney Davey
Sydney Davey is a Class of 2024 graduate of Averill Park Central School District and will begin studying Early Childhood Education with a minor in Special Education at Russell Sage College in the fall. In 5th grade, she was thrown from a horse, resulting in a broken wrist, a broken jaw, compression fractures in her back, and a permanent traumatic brain injury. Tutors helped her complete the school year at home, and special education teachers supported her throughout middle and high school. Hear from Sydney about her decision to become a special education teacher and how her personal experiences shaped it.
Ashleigh and Sydney were actively involved in the Best Buddies global volunteer program at Averill Park CSD which creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships and creates an inclusive culture for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Both Ashleigh and Sydney completed student teaching hours in their school districts through the New Visions: Pathways in Education program. Sydney student taught in a 4th-grade class at Gardner Dickison, and Ashleigh is currently subbing at Averill Park CSD while also working for the Greenbush Child Caring before and after school programs. To learn more about the Questar III BOCES New Visions: Pathways in Education program visit our website.
