2021-08-08
Hi! I’m Amy Bodkin, Special Needs Consultant here at A Charlotte Mason Plenary.
I am a former School Psychologist and I have always homeschooled my children using Charlotte Mason’s philosophy.
I have an Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) with an emphasis in Neuropsychology, a Masters in Educational Psychology, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Mathematics.
Professionally, personally, and as a parent, I have a significant amount of experience with Autism and all the many processing and learning disabilities that can go with Autism. All of these different angles of experience give me a very unique perspective and insight into homeschooling special needs students.
I am uniquely qualified when it comes to teaching children with a wide range of developmental needs and subjects that emphasize “doing.” I strongly believe that families benefit – not from achieving perfection individually in a skill – but from participating together and deepening their relationships with the materials, techniques, and, most importantly, each other.
All of my classes are taught from a developmental approach and are open to the entire family, regardless of age or development.
I am drawn to the Charlotte Mason method because it was the way I wish I, as a child on the Autism spectrum, had been educated. Recognizing early on that our children were also on the Autism spectrum, I knew a Charlotte Mason education would be a perfect fit for many different reasons, but the primary reason is that Charlotte Mason chose to make her first principle “Children are born persons.” Too often children with special needs are viewed as “less than” because of their differences. Charlotte Mason makes respect for their personhood the foundation of their education.
Since having our children, I have continued to consult privately with special needs families. I am also one of the creators of Ani ve-ami, the Jewish Charlotte Mason Curriculum, and a licensed yoga teacher.
Having grown up Protestant, being married to a Jewish man, and being friends with Catholics, Muslims, and Mormons, I feel confident in being able to help families plan a year that respects their core beliefs, their child’s needs, and their family’s needs using the resources that are the best fit possible.
As a consultant, I make it my business to see each child as an individual and not as a diagnosis. I also strive to see each member of your family as an individual, analyzing each person’s needs, and working to provide a balanced plan that will meet your needs as a parent, as well as the needs of each child, while honoring your core beliefs.
I also work as an advocate for all children, but especially children with special needs, through my website, AmyBodkin.com and the podcast “Special Needs Kids Are People Too!”
You can find me at:
Resources I’ve created:
Amy has been featured as a speaker and advocate for children with special needs at the following events and speaking engagements:
The Great Homeschool Convention 2022
The Charlotte Mason Show with Julie Ross
ABAI Convention 2021
Autistic Voices Speaker
Homeschooling Special Needs Conference 2020
The Great Homeschool Convention 2021
Rooted in Rights
Guest Article
Charlotte Mason Inspired Conference
Charlotte Mason Homeschool Summit
Homeschooling Special Needs Conference 2021
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