Intro

Hello Fellow EDUC 422 Students:

My name is Melissa Pattullo, I am from South Orange County, CA. Currently I am employed by Capistrano Unfied School District in the Special Education-Assistive Techology Department. Last summer, I earned my Assistive Technology Certificate through CSUN at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Working in AT and assisting students with disabilities is my passion-I really enjoy seeing students become empowered through education, technology and their own tenacity. I grew up in the city of Irvine, attending Irvine public schools.

My own experiences with technology are facinating in that I don't truly think I'll ever consider myself a 'tech' person-there are far too many people out there that are so much 'tech-ier' and better versed than I will ever be. I am comfortable with daily operations of computers and technology, but particularly Educational/Assistive Technology where I feel I can make a difference with the students I work with. Traditionally, I have totally been a PC person, but our professor is getting me to appreciate the Mac some more-a difficult task! I feel very dependent on the Internet for all sorts of daily, useful information and check both personal and work email frequently. That said, sometimes I like to "check out" for a day or more and not feel so tethered to the email.....

I truly respect, admire and abide by the CSUSM Mission Statement. I have to confess, I wasn't familiar with it when I first applied to CSUSM, but have become well versed in it since. Social justice, equity and dignity and respect for all people are cornerstones of my educational philosophies, and I am pleased to attend a university that supports them.