I was born and raised in LaGrange, Georgia - about 1 hour south-west of Atlanta. I attended the University of Georgia where I obtained my Bachelor's of Science in Special Education. I was placed in an Autism classroom for my student teaching experience and it was there that I realized I wanted to further my education and focus on students with Autism. After graduating with my undergradate degree, I immediately began graduate school at UGA for my Master's in Special Education with a focus on Classic Autism (having an extra year in Athens to continue cheering on the Dawgs wasn't too bad, either). While finishing my last year of graduate school, I began teaching full time in GCPS in the Grayson Cluster in a Level 1, K-2, ASD classroom. I stayed in that classroom for 2 years and then moved to a Level 1, 3-5, ASD classroom for 2 years. Having taught K-5 gives me great insight on the elementary curriculum and how to better develop a well-rounded IEP. While teaching in the Grayson Cluster, I was fortunate enough to be a Mentor Teacher with the Autism Department for the past 3 years. This position helped me develop my leadership skills as well as help teachers learn the best, research based strategies to use with students with Autism. In May of 2015, I graduated from GCSU with my Specialist's Degree in Special Education where I focused my research on typical peers teaching young students with Autism social skills.
Buffy Dekmar Photography
In November of 2014, I married my husband, Ramin, in LaGrange. We now live in Vinings with our two beautiful cats (pictured above). In our spare time, we like to explore Georgia Parks, travel when we can, play tennis and spend time with family and friends. We both enjoy going to Georgia football games to help cheer on the Dawgs! Here are a few of my favorite things: Color: Green Animal: Frog Food: Pizza Place: Lake Candy: Reese Pieces Drink: Diet Dr. Pepper Cherry