Ginevra Courtade, Co-Project Investigator
Dr. Ginevra Courtade (she, her, hers) began her career as a special education teacher for students with moderate and severe intellectual disability. Ginevra earned a PhD in Special Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. During her doctoral program she worked on various projects as a research associate, literacy coach, and project coordinator. She began her career in higher education at West Virginia University and has worked for the past 11 years as a special education professor at UofL. She is currentlythe co-PI of a leadership grant (Project PURPLE) that funds doctoral students. She serves as the Chair for the Department of Special Education, Early Childhood, and Prevention Science (SECP). She has worked on State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) projects since 2012.
Email:
g.courtade@louisville.edu
Terry Scott, Co-Project Investigator
Dr. Terry Scott (he, him, his) worked as a special education teacher for students with emotional and behavior disorders and as a behavioral therapist in residential treatment centers for 10 years. He has worked 24 years as a special education professor. Terry earned a PhD in Special Education-Behavioral Disorders from the University of Oregon. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Special Education-Behavioral Disorders. He serves as the director of the Center for Instructional and Behavioral Research. He has worked on State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) projects since 2012.
Email:
t.scott@louisville.edu
Beth Newberry Gurney, Project Manager and Low-Incidence Content Specialist
Dr. Beth Newberry Gurney (she, her, hers) worked for 10 years in local school districts serving as a special education teacher for students with moderate and severe intellectual disabilitiesin the resource and co-taught settings. Additionally, she has taught several academic methods courses in the Department of Special Education, Early Childhood, and Prevention Science at the University of Louisville. Beth earned a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Louisville. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Masters of Education in Special Education-Moderate and Severe Disabilities. Beth seeks to help schools provide high-quality services for students with disabilities in the general education setting. She has worked on State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) projects since 2017.
Email:
beth.gurney@louisville.edu
Christy Bryce, MTSS Liaison and Behavior Content Specialist
Dr. Christy W. Bryce (she, her, hers) began her career as a special education teacher and school psychologist. More recently, her experience as the Director of Intervention in a culturally and linguistically diverse school district along with her doctoral work has developed her expertise in translating educational research into practice. Christy earned an EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Special Education and a Specialist in Education degree in School Pyschology. Christy seeks to help schools build effective systems and incorporate best practices for disadvantaged students and students who learn differently. Christy has worked on State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) projects since 2019.
Email:
christy.bryce@louisville.edu
Connie DiMercurio, MTSS Liaison and Academic Content Specialist
Connie DiMercurio (she, her, hers) started her career in elementary education as a paraeducator supporting students with moderate and severe intellectual disabilities. After many years as a general education classroom teacher and grade level team leader, she developed a personalized, self-paced learning model, emphasizing student inclusion, performance-based assessment, and co-teaching to ensure agency and equity for all. Connie earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and worked as a trainer in the corporate field for 10 years. She then achieved a Master of Arts in Teaching degree, Rank 1 designation, and is currently working toward the completion of a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. Connie seeks to provide educational leaders and teachers with academic and behavior skills to support inclusive environments using multi-tiered systems of support. Connie has worked on State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) projects since 2019.
Email:
connie.dimercurio@louisville.eduKaren Chelf, Academic Content Specialist
Karen Chelf (she, her, hers) has worked for 27 years serving in various roles in local school districts including paraeducator, primary general education teacher, intermediate general education teacher, middle school librarian, and elementary school principal. She also worked at KDE as a Highly Skilled Educator. She is a two-time graduate of Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Karen also holds certifications in Principalship, Superintendency, and Supervisor of Instruction. Karen seeks to support teachers and administrators in their quest to provide the highest quality education for all students. Karen has worked on State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) projects since 2020.
Email:
Rhonda Bellairs, Academic Content Specialist
Rhonda Bellairs (she, her, hers) has worked for 41 years in education in various capacities including as a mathematics general education classroom teacher, mathematics department head, and elementary principal. She has also worked as a mathematics consultant on various projects including the Appalachian Math and Science Partnership (University of Kentucky), the Partnership Institute for Math and Science Education Reform (Eastern Kentucky University), and privately through Making Math Magic, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Math Education from Louisiana Tech University, a Master of Arts degree in English Education from Eastern Kentucky University, and Rank 1 designation in Educational Leadership from Eastern Kentucky University. She has worked on State Personnel Development Grant projects since 2014.
Email:
rhonda.bellairs@louisville.eduTammy Wall, Academic Content Specialist
Tammy Wall (she, her, hers) has worked in education in various roles for 32 years. Following a career in broadcasting/advertising, she worked in local school districts as a special education teacher and general education teacher at the middle and high school levels for 20 years. She then worked at the Big East Education Cooperative/Kentucky Educational Development Corporation as a math and science education consultant. Tammy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communication/Broadcasting, a Master of Arts degree in Speech/Journalism, a Rank 1 in Secondary Education, and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Marshall University. She has worked on State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) projects since 2014.
Email:
tammy.wall@louisville.edu
