The I’m Determined project, a state-directed project funded by the Virginia Department of Education, focuses on providing direct instruction, models, and opportunities to practice skills associated with self-determined behavior. This project facilitates youth, especially those with disabilities to undertake a measure of control in their lives, helping to set and steer the course rather than remaining the silent passenger.

Students have the right to autonomy, competence, and relatedness when it come to determining their futures.

Join us on February 3rd at 7PM ET for a panel discussion of professionals and student leaders who are a part of I'm Determined.

Come ready to ask your questions, share your experiences, and learn how we can help students find their path.

PANELISTS:

Chloe Sutterfield is a student at VCU. Chloe is studying to become a journalist and wants to travel the world. She also really loves making music and playing sports. Her favorite type of music is rock’n’roll and pop. Her favorite sport is skiing. Chloe believes that everyone has a purpose in the world and her purpose is to give people a different perspective on life.

Jonathan Brooks is a youth leader for VA’s I’m Determined Project . He is currently a sophomore at Longwood University, and is the President of the Call Me Mister Cohort at Longwood University - a program designed to help African American males who are interested in Elementary School Teaching. He has already received three job offers to teach after graduation in Prince William, Loudoun and Fauquier County Public School for the 2023-2024 School year, as well as some scholarship offers to pursue a master’s degree. Jonathan has a brother named Jorden in the 5th grade. In his free time, he enjoys going on vacations and spending time with his family.

Chat is currently a sophomore at James Madison University, majoring in Sports Recreation and Management with a minor in General Business. He hopes to eventually work for a professional sports team organization once he graduates from college. He recently got a job with the University Recreation Adventure Center and works there throughout the school year. Not only does he help with the I’m Determined, but he is also on the Inclusion Project Steering Committee. He enjoys running, playing video games, watching sports (especially the Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Braves), volunteering in his community, and working out in his free time.

Jesse Rodriguez is an Education Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Education's Region 5 Training & Technical Assistance Center at James Madison University. His focus areas include self-determination and low-incidence disabilities, and is always poking around with some sort of educational or assistive technology. In his current role as Co-State Coordinator of I'm Determined, a state-directed project funded by the VDOE that focuses on providing direct instruction, models, and opportunities to practice skills associated with self-determined behavior, he helps coordinate and support the work happening in all eight superintendent regions in Virginia. Before becoming an Education Coordinator, Jesse worked with students with intellectual disabilities and autism as a K-12 special education teacher.

Kendal Swartzentruber is the Co-State Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Education’s I’m Determined Project at James Madison University. His work focuses on educating youth with disabilities to be self-determined leaders in their communities and schools. Kendal was a special educator and behavioral specialist. Kendal is currently a Ph.D student in Organizational Leadership. His research is focused on reconceptualizing inclusive leadership through a lens of hospitality ethics. Kendal is an instructor at James Madison University where he teaches courses on intellectual disability. Kendal also serves in his local community as an executive board member for Pleasant View Inc, a housing initiative for adults with intellectual disabilities. Kendal Swartzentruber is a member of DCDT and an active contributor to conferences, townhalls, and symposiums that relate to self-determination and the design of educational opportunities for young adults with disabilities.

Rebecca Muller is the creator and facilitator of Exceptional Circumstances for Exceptional Children. She is a special education teacher at Collingswood High School in New Jersey, currently teaching higher level math to juniors and seniors. Additionally, she tutors over 60 students nationwide and has started a tutoring/advocacy business to help families navigate these uncertain times related to COVID-19. This is work she hopes will continue well beyond the pandemic.