Kelly J. Grillo, PhD Portfolio, Connections & Tools....
A Professional Educator's Story!
Who is Dr. Grillo?
Dr. Kelly Grillo, is an award-winning educator who has served Special Education and Education Justice for over two decades. Currently, Dr. Grillo is a Director of Special Education and Student Services for North West Hendricks School Corporation. Dr. Grillo has served as a member of the AIM-AT-UDL Florida State oversight Committee, on Florida Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) State board for and as the Education Director of Mills Aviation Charities. Dr. Grillo is on the Leadership Development Committee for the International Council for Exceptional Children and a newly announced board member of IN*SOURCE Parent Resource Network in Indiana. Most recently, Dr. Grillo is the International Teacher CEC of the Year 2020. She holds other esteemed awards including, 2019 International Division of Learning Disabilities Teacher of the Year and in 2018 she was named the Florida CEC Teacher of Year. Having been a student with a significant learning difference, Dr. Grillo expresses that a highlight to her career is being a nominee in Washington as a STEM Champion for Change in 2010. Dr. Grillo has numerous publications, conference presentations and awards. Dr. Grillo is a national advocate for persons with Learning Disabilities so that she herself can accept her own disability. Follow her on Twitter @kellygrillo.
This professional website is a testament to the life in advocacy and hard work I have contributed to over the last 25 years. Often the work is relianent of others, giants if you will and advocates who often are the silent voices behind amazing-powerful people. People like me, with disabilities who stop at nothing to be a voice for others. I am lucky to be able to have such amazing people, advocates and things in my life that fuel me in this work. My son, step-daughters, and my husband who is also a lifelong learner, educator and advocate. This work does not go unrecognized without the power of my friends in advocacy and International colleagues that impress me everyday, support and keep me energized to move forward despite educational legislation, funding cuts, regulation and what otherwise could bring us down. My husband and I do creative projects when time allows and we hold the mission of equality and human justice close to our hearts!
My son, Carver, has shown me how to love, laugh and live each day to its fullest!!!
I have recently taken on a new journey into D/deaf Education this site will grow with tools from the field, professional standards and service to other educators of students who are D/deaf to grow in knowledge. The standards for teachers of students who are deaf or hard of hearing emphasize a comprehensive understanding of the field, including historical, philosophical, and legal foundations, as well as student characteristics, assessment, and individualized program planning. Teachers are expected to apply this knowledge to create effective learning environments, instructional strategies, and language and communication skills, while also focusing on social skills, positive behavior interventions, and successful life transitions. Additionally, these educators must demonstrate professionalism in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities in D/deaf education, I look to embody these qualities and represent our field well.
Dr. Grillo also continues to serve as the primary field consultant to educational-based non-for-profit agencies, Title I schools, charter schools and government agencies for TBD Partners. She has done so for over a decade and is now functioning as the owner and operator of this company who's mission it is to increase access design. She will continue to provide advocacy related to Special Education, Instructional Technology, and Inclusion through the Council for Exceptional Children, the International Dyslexia Association and provides service to families in need of advocacy at IN*SOURCE as a volunteer.