LAURA MEEHAN
EDUCATOR - THERAPIST- -ADVOCATE
BACKGROUND & BIO
Laura Meehan is originally from Dallas, Texas. Although she is a Texas girl at heart, she loves the Florida sunshine!
Laura has her bachelor’s degree in music education from Texas Tech University and her master’s degree in music therapy from Florida State University. Currently, she is pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership and policy with a focus in special education at the University of South Florida
Ms. Meehan is the music specialist at Caminiti Exceptional Center, a public school for students with moderate to severe disabilities in Tampa, FL. She has experience working with children and adults in various settings in individual and group settings both as a music therapist and as an educator. In addition to her classroom, Laura is the special learners chair for the Hillsborough Elementary Music Council, on the Florida Music Educators Association state board for special learners in music, serves on the board for the Tampa Bay Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), as well as the board for the CEC division of visual and performing arts education (DARTS).
BIO
Laura is a board certified music therapist (MT-BC), and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Music Therapist (NICU MT), and is also certified to teach in subject areas of music and special education. She is the member of multiple professional organizations such as the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
While continuing her education, Laura found a love for research, particularly in the field of students with disabilities and music. She has presented both research and clinics at the state, national, and international levels and hopes to continue educating others on the benefits of arts education.
In addition to her work as a music therapist and music educator, Ms. Meehan advocates for those with low-prevalence disabilities and strives to make their place in the community a stronger one. Laura is well versed in special education law and advocates for better policies regarding students with severe and profound disabilities.
Laura has spoken at multiple conferences and events supporting education, educational rights, and policies for her students- unfortunately, a population most people know little about.
Meehan believes there is a place in schools and communities for people of all ability levels.
My Misson
I am doing this for my students.
I have the fortunate opportunity to work with some really great children and young adults. I also have the opportunity of working with some amazing educators. However, our students and our staff are constantly overlooked, underfunded, and disregarded in the community.
This has to change.
I know there are so many wonderful people and educators out there who see a person for what they are worth and the capabilities they can contribute to the community, but time and time again these same people also get into negative conversations about how the rest of the world isn't as inclusive. I've been a part of these conversations and finally I became sick of complaining and decided to do something.
This website is a small corner of the world where I hope to help other educators, administrators, and community stakeholders understand the lives and needs of people with disabilities and to open their classrooms and local businesses to all students, patrons, and stakeholders. I also aim for policy makers to understand how the currently policies are affecting students and to realize we need better protections and policies that are truly written to encompass everyone.
I hope to network with you so we can all join in and make a difference to create an education system truly made for all students.
In equity,
Laura Meehan