Linwood Center Welcomes New Education Director

Ellicott City, MD – Linwood Center has hired Diann Butler as the new Education Director for the Linwood School program. Linwood School is a year-round, nonpublic special education program for students with autism, ages 5 through 21. Ms. Butler will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the school program, which includes coordinating academic and vocational activities as well as supervising and evaluating staff and student progress.

Ms. Butler comes to Linwood Center with 35 years of experience supporting children with special needs. She began her special education career as a supervisor at St. Vincent’s Child Care Center while pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education at Towson University. After four years at St. Vincent’s, Ms. Butler worked as a preschool teacher at Kennedy Krieger Institute for 11 years before going on to open a preschool for students with emotional disabilities at Sheppard Pratt Health System. This program expanded into the Forbush School’s first autism program at Sheppard Pratt and later into a separate stand-alone program, The Forbush Therapeutic Preschool at Towson, where Ms. Butler was the Principal for 6 years. Ms. Butler has a Master of Science degree from Johns Hopkins University, an advanced degree in Severe and Profound Handicapping Conditions, and a graduate certificate in the Education of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Disabilities.

“We are excited that Diann has joined Linwood’s team of professionals,” said Bill Moss, Linwood’s Executive Director. “She comes to us with the credentials and experience that will bring our programs and services to the next level in yet another dynamic school year.”

Linwood is pleased that their former Education Director, Genese Neal, will remain a part of the school team as IEP Chair/Assessment Coordinator. Ms. Neal will be responsible for conducting assessments on student skill levels, providing case management for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and managing state assessments.

Linwood Center, Inc. provides education, vocational training, residential support and employment opportunities throughout the lifespan for individuals living with autism and related developmental disabilities. All Linwood Center programs and services are based on best practice models in education, Applied Behavior Analysis, the concepts of self-determination, enhancement of self-esteem, and a commitment to treating participants with dignity and respect.

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