Author Biography

Laurie Ford

Laurie Ford is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology and Special Education at the University of British Columbia where she currently serves as Coordinator of the School Psychology program. She also teaches and supervises students with the Development Learning and Culture and Special Education programs and is affiliated with the Institute for Early Childhood Education and Research and the Human Early Learning Partnership at UBC. A former special educator and practicing school psychologist, Laurie's research and teaching interests focus in the areas of developmental assessment, factors that promote early school readiness and family-school-community relationships.

Email: laurie.ford@ubc.ca

Debbie Amaral

Debbie Amaral is a Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology and Special Education at the University of British Columbia where she is completing her internship in School Psychology and her dissertation research about parents' perspectives of the role they play in the education of their
adolescent. A special educator in the public school system since 1976, Debbie's research and teaching interests include assessment, special education teaching assistant training, and parent involvement. Debbie is involved in facilitating educational programs
about the development of young children for parents of children from birth to age 5, working with parents of children with special needs, and supporting parents of children with mental health concerns.

Email: dmamaral@interchange.ubc.ca