REQUEST A SPEAKER
Lifelong learning has a different meaning when passion and compassion are combined.
The faculty at Gateway Academy is one of the most dynamic groups of educators, with a flair for creativity and a compassionate spirit. Educational outreach is an extension of who we are and it is our goal to freely share the success of practical applications supported by the wisdom of solid research with our community. We are excited to experience and share our light bulb moments with diverse groups of people from all related fields.
Please reach out if you are looking for speakers for educational outreach events. Below are the biographies and prepared presentation topics for several of our highly qualified faculty members.
Michele Bauman Joseph, EdD
Head of School
Michele holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and a Master’s degree in Education. She has served students with social and learning differences for over 30 years. She obtained her Doctorate in Educational Leadership with a Dissertation topic of Predictors of Post-Secondary Participation of Neurodiverse Individuals: A Quantitative Exploratory A Posteriori Study. Michele has been a resource teacher in public school, the principal of The Joy School and the Co-Founder and Head of School for Gateway Academy and the Advance Program. Michele’s unique background and her track record in addressing social, behavioral and learning challenges make her a relevant and engaging speaker. She has shared her knowledge at conferences such as CHADD, LDA, TAAPS, various school in-service workshops, and has created curriculum around important topics impacting teens with learning differences. She is pleased to share her knowledge and is prepared to address teacher, professional, parent and student audiences.
Michele’s Ready Topics
Bonnie Jones, MS, CCC-SLP
Director of Admissions
As a Certified and Licensed Speech Language Pathologist, Bonnie worked for several years as both a lead Preschool Teacher and part of the support team in multiple elementary classes facilitating group language remediation at The Parish School. In 2017, Bonnie joined the Gateway team to create the Social Communication program aimed at helping students share space effectively with one another cultivate 21st Century Skills (e.g., communication and collaboration), build relationships and become effective public speakers. Bonnie’s varied background and experience in addressing language, social, and learning challenges make her equipped to speak on a variety of topics. She has shared her knowledge at conferences such as HBIDA, early childhood conferences, various school in-service workshops, and parent education, and has created curriculum around important topics impacting student’s social emotional learning.
Bonnie's Ready Topics
Sue Hoyer, MEd
High School Principal
Sue worked in a suburb of Chicago as a classroom teacher for 15 years. During this time she started and ran an award-winning Best Buddies program, started a district-wide Special Olympics team, and organized and taught a peer buddies elective class. She recently joined Gateway Academy to teach with the transition program, teaching Internship, Culinary and Digital Citizenship classes. Along with her teaching duties, she helps with Assistive Technology and Instructional Technology for the entire student population. She headed a successful move to distance learning during the Covid Pandemic. Sue has recently spoken at the Texas Autism Conference, as well as CHADD in 2020.Sue's Ready Topics