Tuesday, February 19, 2008

About Debra Kerner

Debby Kerner is far and away the superior candidate for
At Large Position 5 on the Harris County Department of
Education, Board of Trustees and is the only professional
educator running in this race.

As a speech/language pathologist, she has been involved in
the education of children with special needs for more than
three decades. That isn’t just something she does in her
spare time. It is her profession and her passion.

She has dedicated her life to special education and working
with children. She understands how desperately they need
help to succeed and excel outside of school and is ardent
about providing that help.

Her daughter was educated in Houston public schools and
is a graduate of Rice University. She also has two
dogs -- Sparky and Little Guy --- who say if you don’t vote
for Debby Kerner, you are barking up the
wrong tree.


Professional Background:

· Owner Southwest Speech, a private practice in speech language pathology, since 1980 where she works with people with speech, language and learning disorders. She has worked in public schools, private schools, Head Start and ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) Programs

· Works with students with Autism as a speech language pathologist at a private, non-profit school for children with Autism

· Former graduate and undergraduate Instructor and Clinical Supervisor in Speech Pathology at the University of Houston Department of Communication Disorders

Professional Organizations

· Former president of the Houston Association for Communication Disorders, currently on the Publishing Board for the newsletter

· Former vice president of the Texas Speech Language Hearing Association…the state-wide organization of speech language pathologists and audiologists who work with children and adults with special needs, currently member of committees for Private Practice and Assistive Technology

· Former Board member of the Texas Speech Language Hearing Association Political Action Committee

· Fellow in the Texas Speech Language Hearing Foundation, which raises money for scholarships and research

· Member of the American Speech Language Association


Education:

· Syracuse University - B.S. in Speech Pathology and Audiology

· Columbia University - M.S. in Speech Pathology


Licenses and Certifications:

· Texas License in Speech Language Pathology

· American Speech Language Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competence, Award for Continuing Education


Other Activities:

· Volunteer in several community organizations

· Election judge and Democratic Precinct Chair more than 10 yrs.

· Co-founder and former president Meyerland Area Democratic Club

· Active in the Harris County Democratic Party