Discussion Forums

The Juvenile Bipolar Research Foundation (JBRF) is pleased to sponsor an Educational Forum for parents, educators and other professionals. The purpose of the forum is to establish and encourage an ongoing national dialogue that will promote a better understanding of the educational challenges that confront children with juvenile-onset bipolar disorder. The Forum will be co-moderated by a team of experienced advocates and educators including: Christine E. Garcia, M.Ed., Anne Marie Smith, M.Ed., and Daunna Minnich.

Christine E. Garcia is a high school special education teacher. She also has taught in elementary and middle schools in general and special education, (self-contained and resource classrooms). Garcia graduated from UCLA and holds 3 teaching credentials and has a Master’s degree in Education with a special education emphasis (from CSUS). She is also certified to teach ESL students. She has personal and professional experience advocating for students with many different learning disabilities.

Anne Marie Smith has a Master's Degree in Special Education and Family Relations and is dually certified as a regular education teacher. Her teaching experience stretch from preschool through adult education in all types of settings (school based, home based as well as institutions). Ms. Smith has served as an instructor of the "Family to Family" Education Course of the National Association for the Mentally Ill for three years and she continues to teach two of the modules of the course: a section on the brain; and a section on psychiatric medications.

Formerly, Ms. Smith served as a list moderator for the Child & Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, and was a member of its education team. Ms. Smith currently works in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts juvenile justice system, conducting judicially appointed investigations for care and protection matters, guardian ad litem work, Roger's Order review and monitoring (use of psychiatric medications with children in state custody), and private special education advocacy.

Daunna Minnich chairs the Community Advisory Committee for Special Education, a parent group that advises officials in her school district on special education issues, helps parents navigate the special ed maze, and supports parents and teachers through educational programs, a hot line, handbooks, and other activities. The mother of two school-age daughters, she knows IEPs to be Interesting, Enlightening Processes as well as Intimidating, Excruciating Procedures.

Read About The Educational Issues of Students With Bipolar Disorder >

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Forum Moderators
Christine E. Garcia
Anne Marie Smith
Daunna Minnich

Read About The Educational Issues of Students With Bipolar Disorder

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