Diana M. Knoll



112 Weaver Drive

Glenshaw, PA15116

Work Phone (412) 648-2133

Cell Phone (412) 417-1312

Email -

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude; The OhioStateUniversity, Columbus, OH; June, 1982 (Major-- Education: Exceptional Children).

Master of Education; The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA; August, 1999 (Major-- Early Intervention for Young Children with Disabilities).

EMPLOYMENT

1/00 - presentEarly Intervention Research Associate, University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA)

Designed and taught graduate level university courses for both the Early Intervention Program (EI) including Advanced Research Seminar in Early Intervention, Programming for Young Children with Disabilities, Autism: Characteristics and Interventions, Working with Families of Young Children with Disabilities, Assessment of Young Children with Disabilities, Seminar: Inclusion in the Early Childhood Setting, Seminar: Community Resources for Young Children and Families), and the Combined and Accelerated Studies in Education Program (CASE) including Assessment of Young Children with Disabilities and Pre-K Inclusion. Placed and supervised students in community practicum experiences and facilitated the coordinating seminar. Secured and supervised practicum supervisors. Assisted in the development of personnel preparation grant proposals. Coordinated activities for the Early Intervention Autism Specialization Program and its related personnel preparation grants. Provided coordination, student advising, practicum placement, and securing practicum supervisors for the Applied Behavior Analysis Program.

9/00 – 6/03Developmental Therapist, Independent Contractor (Pittsburgh, PA)

Designed and implemented home- and community-based developmental therapy to young children. Collaborated with other professionals and family members to create an effective treatment team.

6/99 - 9/00Developmental Therapist, Compro/ARC Allegheny (Pittsburgh, PA)

Planned and provided home-based, developmental therapy to young children, ages birth to 3 years. Worked in collaboration with families, caregivers, and professionals from other disciplines.

8/93 - 5/97Inclusion Facilitator, EastWardElementary School (Killeen, TX)

Participated in school restructuring which included the following initiatives: non-graded classrooms, vertical teaming, early intervention, interdisciplinary curriculum, alternative assessment, and inclusion of all special programs. Collaborated and co-taught with classroom teachers to meet the needs of children with a wide range of disabilities, Grades Pre-K to 5.

6/95 - 6/96Instructor, Region XII Alternative Teacher Certification Program (Killeen, TX)

Developed and taught the Early Childhood component for 25-30 adults seeking a Texas teaching certificate. Instruction included lecture, discussion, individual and group activities, skill application with young children, and written evaluation with feedback. Prepared students to take the Early Childhood portion of the Texas certification testing.

8/88 - 5-91Resource Teacher, CarmichaelElementary School (Sierra Vista, AZ)

Designed and implemented a resource program for up to 28 students with various types of mild to moderate disability, Grades K to 3.

8/87 - 5/88Special Education Teacher, BuenaHigh School (Sierra Vista, AZ)

Created and taught a school/community-based curriculum for students with severe disabilities, Ages 13 to 22 years.

8/84 - 6/87Special Education Teacher, RosemoreJunior High School (Whitehall, OH)

Implemented individualized education programs for up to 16 students with mild/moderate levels of developmental disability, Grades 7 and 8.

8/82 - 6/84Special Education Teacher, Amanda-ClearcreekHigh School (Amanda, OH)

Conducted scheduling, assessment, and daily instruction for 20 students with developmental disabilities, Grades 9 to 12.

PUBLICATIONS/ MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT

Coffaro, A. and Knoll, D. (2003). Parent Training Module- Getting the Best for Your Child: Best Practices in Early Intervention. Created for the AlleghenyCounty, PA Local Interagency Coordinating Council

Robinson, H., Knoll, D., & Miller, D. (1996). Restructuring for student success. ERIC (ED405084).

PRESENTATIONS

Kaczmarek, L. and Knoll, D. (November, 2011). A Content Analysis of MEd Portfolios: What Did Students Learn about Autism? Poster Presentation at the 2011 Council for Exceptional Children: Division for Early Childhood Conference, National Harbor, MD.

Kaczmarek, L., Kabashi, L., and Knoll, D. (October, 2010). Development of a Skills List for Autism Practitioners Using Student Practicum Objectives. Poster Presentation at the 2010 Council for Exceptional Children: Division for Early Childhood Conference, Kansas City, MO.

Kaczmarek, L., Kabashi, L., and Knoll, D. (July, 2010). Using Student Practicum Objectives to Develop a Skills List for Autism Practitioners. Poster Presentation at the 2010 US Department of Education: Office of Special Education Programs Project Director’s Conference, Washington, D.C.

Edelman, L., Bagnato, S., Hubley, N., Kondrich, K. and Knoll, D. (April, 2010). Perspectives on Parent-Professional Collaboration: Early Intervention and Preschool Special Education. Presentation sponsored by University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education Applied Developmental Psychology Department, The University Club, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.

Knoll, D. (March, 2010; March, 2009). Autism: One Piece at a Time. Presentation for IL 2500, Foundations of Special Education (G. Zimmerman: Instructor), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.

Knoll, D. (January, 2010). Early Intervention. Presentation for IL 2500, Foundations of Special Education (G. Zimmerman: Instructor), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.

Kaczmarek, L., Kabashi, L. and Knoll, D. (October, 2009). An Empirically-Based Revision of an Early Intervention Autism Specialization Personnel Preparation Program. Poster Presentation at the 2009 Council for Exceptional Children: Division for Early Childhood Conference, Albuquerque, NM.

Kaczmarek, L. and Knoll, D. (July, 2009). Value of Digital Video Supervision and Mastery of Target Objectives in Practicum Students in an Autism Specialization Program. Poster Presentation at the 2009 US Department of Education: Office of Special Education Programs Project Director’s Conference, Washington, D.C.

Kaczmarek, L. and Knoll, D. (October, 2008). A Content Analysis of Practicum Target Objectives. Poster Presentation at the 2008 Council for Exceptional Children: Division for Early Childhood Conference, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Kaczmarek, L. and Knoll, D. (July, 2008). A Content Analysis of Practicum Target Objectives. Poster Presentation at the 2008 US Department of Education: Office of Special Education Programs Project Director’s Conference, Washington, D.C.

Kaczmarek, L. and Knoll, D. (October, 2007). Video Supervision of Practicum Students in an Autism Specialization Program. Poster Presentation at the 2007 Council for Exceptional Children: Division for Early Childhood Conference, Niagara Falls, Canada.

Kaczmarek, L. and Knoll, D. (July, 2007). Using Video in the Supervision of Students Working with Children with Autism. Poster Presentation at the 2007 US Department of Education: Office of Special Education Programs Project Director’s Conference, Washington, D.C.

Knoll, D. (October, 2006). Autism: One Piece at a Time. Presented during inservice training for the Dubois Area School District faculty and staff. Training sponsored by ABOARD (Advisory Board on Autism and Related Disorders), Dubois, PA.

Coffaro, A. and Knoll, D. (February, 2004). Creating the Ultimate IEP. Presented at a Specialized Saturday Seminar for ABOARD (Advisory Board on Autism and Related Disorders), Pittsburgh, PA.

Knoll, D. (October, 2003 – March, 2004). Challenging Behaviors and Writing a Behavior Plan. Presented during the ShalerAreaSchool District Autism Training Program by ABOARD (Advisory Board on Autism and Related Disorders), Pittsburgh, PA.

Hladio, J. and Knoll, D. (October, 2003). Working with Families Around Sensitive Issues. Presented at an AlleghenyCounty, PA Early Intervention Inservice Training, Pittsburgh, PA.

Knoll, D. and Kaczmarek, L. (December, 2002). Extending Interdisciplinary Perspectives through Technology. Presented at the 2002 Annual International Division for Early Childhood Conference, San Diego, CA.

Kaczmarek, L. and Knoll, D. (December, 2002). Teaching Inclusive Practices through Video-Enhanced Simulations. Presented at the 2002 Annual International Division for Early Childhood Conference, San Diego, CA.

Kaczmarek, L. and Knoll, D. (October, 2002). Family-Guided Routines-Based Early Intervention. Presented at Beginnings Home-based Services In-service, Johnstown, PA.

Knoll, D. (February, 2002). Assessment Basics. Presented at the Beaver County Local Interagency Coordinating Council meeting, Rochester, PA.

Kaczmarek, L. and Knoll, D. (February, 2002). Video-Based Assignments in Early Intervention Personnel Preparation: A Student Evaluation Strategy. Presented at the OSEP Personnel Preparation/SIF/CSPD Conference, Arlington, VA.

Tepe, J., Kaczmarek, L., Knoll, D., and Parker, S. (December, 2001). Strategies for Developing and Using Video in Personnel Preparation. Presented at the 2001 Annual International Division for Early Childhood Conference, Boston, MA.

CONSULTING/BOARD MEMBERSHIP

Allegheny County Department of Human Services: Allegheny County Children’s Cabinet (November, 2007 to present).

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIP

Advisory Board on Autism and Related Developmental Disorders (ABOARD)

Association for Positive Behavioral Supports

The Autism Society of America

The Council for Exceptional Children (Division for Early Childhood, Division for Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities)

1VITA: Diana M. Knoll