Jennifer Smith Stepanek, Ph.D. Consultant/Newsletter Editor Department of Special Education 1308 Benjamin Building College Park, MD 20742 drjeni2008@aol.com

Dr. Jeni Stepanek works as a consultant to the Connections Beyond Sight and Sound team. In addition to  creating newsletters and brochures, she serves on the Advisory Committee and shares insights on many issues related to working with children with disabilities and their families and service providers. Jeni earned her Ph.D. in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 2008. She is also the parent of  four children who had disabilities, all of whom are now deceased, and one of whom had Cortical Visual Impairment. A published author or editor of numerous books, articles, and chapters, Jeni is also a noted motivational speaker on topics ranging from disability and collaboration to bereavement and spirituality. She serves as the Chair of the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation, a National Vice President   for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and a Governor for the We Are Family Foundation. When she grows up, Jeni wants to become a 'beach chair philosopher.'