M.A. Special Education
Joanne Lara is an autism education expert, and an adjunct special education faculty member at National University, with a masters in Special Education and a B.A. in dance.
She is the founder of Autism Movement Therapy® and the aut-erobics DVD, a successful innovative sensory integration strategy developed to unlock and increase communication skills and cognitive awareness in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Like President John F. Kennedy in the 1960's, Ms Lara feels that our country needs to support a vigorous physical education program for all it's youth, and more importantly for students with Autism.
Joanne earned her M.A. in Special Education, Moderate/Severe & Multiple Disabilities at California State University, Northridge and has a B.A. in Dance from the University of South Florida. She has a California Mod/Severe Education Specialists K-12 teaching credential and taught for over 10 years in the Los Angeles Unified School District, working exclusively with students with autism.
As a survivor of a difficult adoption (Inventing Savannah) Joanne knows all too well childhood feelings of being an outcast and alone. Indeed, her early challenges and eventual triumphs have given her a particular affinity for the problems that children with autism face every day. It's a strength she clearly draws upon, and imparts with vigor and purpose to her young clients.
Ms Lara danced professionally in New York City with the Louis Falco Dance Company. Joanne taught dance in the Los Angeles Unified School District Arts Prototype program, delivering standard based instruction to K-6th grade general education students as well as special needs students.
Ms Lara has written extensively about Environmental Toxins and Autism, and lectures at conferences throughout the US.
Ms Lara is a faculty member in the Special Education Department at National University in Sherman Oaks, California.
Dr Martha Herbert Ph.D., Pediatric Neurology Professor at Harvard Medical School & leading expert in the field of autism states;
"Joanne Lara knows that the brain needs the body to move. In her aut-erobics DVD she gives the gift of her artful knowledge to children with autism, helping them to fulfill their wholeness."
Contact Joanne Lara Today.
Because Autism Costs All of Us!
Joanne@TheAutismExpert.com
(323) 240 0361
