02/04/2024
Look who was highlighted on the SELPA Administrators of California page? Our very own Rae Lynn Nelson, South Orange County SELPA Director. We agree, she is pretty amazing!
Meet Rae Lynn Nelson, South Orange County SELPA Director and SVUSD Interim Director of Special Education!
Rae Lynn explained her journey to special education by sharing, "My father has been completely deaf in his left ear for all his life, and I am acutely aware of the impact that his disability has and continues to have on every stage of his life. When I was young, I naturally learned to advocate for him and his needs without thinking too much of it. As it turns out, it was a genetic issue that impacted the males in my family, and thus my son is also hearing impaired."
When asked what she loves most about SELPA leadership, she said, "I am by nature a fairly positive individual, and I see my job as being a champion for kids who have disabilities. I love helping teams think outside the box, create personalized programs for kids, and help to build capacity to better serve our exceptional students. I want to get in there and roll up my sleeves and make sure everyone feels heard, included and involved."
As for a book that inspired her, she answered, "There are too many to list. Every book I read, whether fiction or non-fiction I can somehow tie to what I do, and who I serve. I am on the search for inspiration everywhere I look."
