CABA Virtual Lunch & Learn - Paul Reed, Morning Star Catholic School: Children Who Learn and Think Differently

Description

Join CABA Tuesday at 12 noon as we welcome Guest Speaker Paul Reed of Morning Star Catholic School. Paul will provide an overview of the challenges facing children who think and learn differently and overcoming these challenges to build confidence and security.

Lunch And Learn Topic: Children Who Learn and Think Differently

This session will include an overview of challenges facing children who learn and think differently.  Information covered incudes:

·         Overview of learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and other related learning difficulties like ADHD. 

·         What do I do if I think my child may have a learning difficulty?

·         Should I have my child tested?

·         State of Florida Scholarships available for children who need extra help

·         How does Morning Star School educate children who learn and think differently?

I currently work for Morning Star Catholic School in Tampa as the Administrative Coordinator and have been working in this capacity since 2005. In my role, I strive to develop close relationships with Morning Star School students, parents, caregivers, alumni and benefactors. I work with these groups to help ensure that we have a high level of satisfaction with our specialized education program and that we have the funds needed to continue our mission of helping children with special learning challenges. I work closely with parents on two parent-driven charity events each year: Our annual Golf Classic and our annual Tennis Classic. In addition, I undertake public awareness efforts for Morning Star School when possible and in the COVID environment I assist with teaching distance learners.

Prior to working for Morning Star School in Tampa, I worked for IBM as a Systems Engineer, Systems Engineering Manager and Consulting Services Manager. I then worked for some smaller IT consulting firms before transitioning to the non-profit world. My first non-profit position was that of Contract Manager for the Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas Country (JWB). This three-year assignment was an eye-opening experience that helped me grow professionally and as a Christian. I worked closely with various non-profits including: CASA (Community Action Stops Abuse), The Haven of RCS, RCS Grace House, PARC, UPARC, Carlton Manor, the YWCA and others. I saw first-hand that many within our community desperately need our compassion and assistance.

Life Purpose:

I believe strongly that schools should provide a safe and caring environment where children can grow spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally and physically. I believe as a Christian that God has called me to work with families whose children struggle with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and other challenges.

I believe my purpose is to follow God’s plan for my life and to serve others.

Previous Non-Profit Experience:

· Board member of United Methodist Cooperative Ministries in Clearwater

· Board member of the Healthy Start Coalition in Pinellas County

· IBM representative to Annual United Way Campaign in Tampa – Multiple Years

· IBM representative on Morning Star School Advisory Board – Multiple Years

· Advisory Board Member of St. Paul Catholic Preschool

· Advisory Board member of Morning Star Catholic School in Tampa

· Member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

· Member of Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society