My son was recently diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, anxiety and depression so school was hard for him. He was having a hard time focusing and advocating for himself. When overstimulated he would completely shut down and often times hide at school. He was often in fight or flight mode. I was at a loss I didn’t know how to help him, I felt like I was failing him.
Hillary’s wealth of knowledge and experience was reassuring. Not only did she help me but also worked with the school department to create a safe place for him to learn and thrive. She knew exactly what he needed for extra support. She had tips and tricks that I had no idea of. When Hillary offered to attend school meetings to help create a plan for my son put all my worries at ease. I knew having her on our team is just what we needed.
Hillary is professional and compassionate. Her drive for wanting children to succeed is heartwarming. She works so well with everyone she meets and is respected by many. I knew right from day one Hillary was going to help set my son up for success.
-Kristen Druoin, parent
From following Hillary on social media, I was aware of her positive mindset and her inspirational advocacy for all people. With that in mind, I asked her to speak to the educators in our community at the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Hillary prepared a virtual session with music, interaction, and valuable resources that were specifically tailored to our needs. She is a truly collaborative partner and seeks to support meaningful change!
Hillary provided opportunities for participants to reflect on their current practice, learn new information, and plan for the future. Participants shared that despite current challenges in education, Hillary inspired and motivated them to strive for more equitable and learner-centered instructional design. Participants also felt more confident in their ability to select and use accessible educational materials (AEM) in their learning experiences.
It is certain that Hillary’s passion fires her undeniable ability to inspire and lead others to practice inclusive education for all learners.
Jaimie Fons, M.S., CCC-SLP
Assistive Technology Consultant, Macomb Intermediate School District, Macomb County, Michigan
Hillary is a collaborative partner that knows best practices, seeks solutions, and keeps students and clients at the heart of everything she does.
Hillary is well versed in UDL, Assistive Technology, and other instructional tools that helps all students learn.
Hillary is passionate about her work, about those she works with, and about finding what works to help all individuals succeed.
Hillary has been instrumental in helping design and develop successful collegiate level programming to train the next generation of Assistive Technology specialists and Special Education teachers.
Dr. Kevin Good
Assistant Professor/Director Center for Assistive Technology, University of Maine at Farmington. Co Author: “Growing Innovators: Inspiring Candidates to Create Using an AT Makerspace“.
“Hillary and I have collaborated on early childhood education as it relates to educational technology and have worked to support organizations that are curating content for school districts and families. Hillary and I have presented at the local and state level around assistive technology and special education. Hillary’s style as a presenter is one marked by confidence and compassion. She is articulate and educated to the most granular of details but is able to reach even the most reluctant and under-nurtured attendees. She is approachable and well resourced and gives her time and energy for the greater good of all learners!
She is a committed educator and has dedicated significant time and energy to her craft. I give Hillary my highest recommendation for delivering professional development and public speaking. She is a gift to the field and will enhance any educational convening! “
Audrey O’ Clair, Educational Consultant
Educational Specialist, Soundtrap, CO-Author “Touch and Grow”
“I have been honored to have Hillary present at the York School Department’s Google Apps For Education (GAFE) Peak conference over the last couple of years. She is one of the finest assistive technology leaders and presenters that I have observed with in my 17 years in education. She sees the entire picture and is willing to help out and assist anyone.
Hillary showcased some incredible apps and extensions for Google Chrome that would benefit all learners and led conversations with attendees about the importance of these free assistive technologies. She also highlighted her incredible knowledge for tools that reinforced the Universal Design for Learning model and pushed the thought process of her attendees to think about the whole child and the entire class when creating lessons.
Hillary is not afraid to think outside of the box and come up with ways in which programs, activities, or even slight modifications could impact a single student, the school, or the entire district for the better. Hillary is always willing to implement new strategies and structures to improve instruction and curriculum and stretch people’s thinking.
She sees the positives in changes and grasps the concepts to make it work for the program and staff. I am extremely impressed by Hillary’s work ethic and commitment to education.”
Eric Lawson, Google Certified Trainer, Director of Technology
York School Department, York, Maine
”Thank you for the very interactive presentation about providing AT/AEM services to youth in transition to adulthood. You nailed it! The hands-on experience was fun and empowering and it generated some great discussion. Your knowledge and passion about your work is inspiring. Thanks for sharing your time and expertise!”
Janet Hinchee-Barns
Maine Transition Council, Spurwink Services
“Over the past five years, Hillary Goldthwait-Fowles has presented to the Maine Down Syndrome Network numerous times. She has been an absolute go-to for conferences, smaller group meetings and one to one frantic communications. She has a wealth of technology information that she constantly adds to, and is incredibly generous and articulate in sharing what she knows. Hillary has been an invaluable resource for teachers, aides and parents of our members. She has introduced us to communication tools and showed us how to incorporate them into our lives. She has shown and shared dozens of apps that enhance learning for our members.
Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her ability to find appropriate, helpful and inspiring apps is unmatched. Hillary is able to communicate at all levels, whether she is working with a non verbal child, or a confused parent, or a highly educated professional.
She has a great sense of humor and a sense of purpose that drives her interest in searching, researching and sharing highly beneficial tools that we may have not discovered without her.
Maine Down Syndrome Network is deeply grateful to Hillary for her consistent willingness to share her time, energy and unique expertise.”
Betsey Mahoney
Maine Down Syndrome Network, Kennebunk, Maine
Want to learn more? Contact Hillary today.