Merissa Waddey serves as the Director of Exceptional Education and Diverse Learners at GRREC. Her extensive educational background, including a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, a Master's in Reading Education, certification as a Director of Special Education, and a Bachelor's in Special Education, reflects her commitment to supporting diverse learners.

Merissa holds positions on the Executive Board of the KY Council for Exceptional Children and the Council for Exceptional Children as well as ASCD. She has co-authored work in publications like "Integrating the Affective Domain: Challenges and Implications for Instruction and Assessment," emphasizing classroom interest assessment for students.

She is passionate about fostering accessibility and removing barriers for all learners. Merissa excels in implementing best practices and adult learning principles, creating impactful professional development opportunities for educators, staff, and administrators. Her focus on inclusive learning environments establishes her as an advocate for educational equity and accessibility.

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