PROFESSIONAL

• Adjunct Faculty, KVCC
• Executive Director, Maine Developmental Disabilities Council
• Selectman, Fayette

EDUCATION

• Masters in Arts in Counseling Psychology, Lesley University

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• Association of Meterial & Child Health Programs
• National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities

RESEARCH INTEREST

• Autism and Developmental Disabilities
• Quality Improvement for Healthcare Equality and Efficiency
• Chidren with Special Healthcare Needs

PERSONAL

My “bio” says:

"Nancy Cronin is the Executive Director of the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC). Prior to becoming the Director of the MDDC, Nancy was the Coordinator for the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Systems Change Initiative and the State Autism Implementation Grant Manager in Maine. In that role, she facilitated an interagency effort to achieve a cost-effective and efficient comprehensive system of care for persons with ASD. Nancy joined the staff of the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council in January 2008, having previously served for over four years as the Executive Director of the Autism Society of Maine. While at the Autism Society, Nancy's work at the local, state and national level focused on the development of effective services and supports for persons with ASD of all ages and their families."

In addition to my bio, I am the mother of a wonderful son. I live in Fayette Maine and serve as a selectman in that town.

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

Rarely in life is one given the opportunity to ask questions and grow professionally. College provides this opportunity chance. As a teacher, I want to expand my student’s way of thinking. There are few absolutes in life. Every issue has many angles to be evaluated. It is important for scholars to be able to recognize and acknowledging those points-of-view. Once a student is able to look at the various perspectives and analyze the positives and negatives of each position they gain the ability to make educated decisions for themselves.

Another word for this skill is critical thinking. Whatever class I teach, I hope that my students gain the skills needed to understand multiple perspectives and sift the information into salient points meaningful to them.

I hope that my students will, as Ms. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus book series says, “Ask questions, take chances, and get messy.”