As a 16-year-old volunteer, Amigos gave me my first opportunity to experience and be a part of another culture.  At the time, my life experiences were limited to those of most high school students: sports, social clicks and weekend parties.  For the first time I was able to put my life in perspective, look outside of my immediate needs and realize that in many ways I have a responsibility to others. My AMIGOS experience influenced my decision to work in the field of education and more specifically with students with disabilities.  As an educator, the skills I learned in AMIGOS of youth leadership, community partnerships, sustainability, and multi cultural understanding are critical parts of a successful educational model.  As a parent and member of the Tucson community I want to make sure that the same opportunity I had continues to be available for other young adults.

 

What did you go on to do after AMIGOS?

After my last summer with AMIGOS I enrolled in the University of Arizona and received my B.S. and M.S. in Rehabilitation Services.  I subsequently went on to obtain my teaching credentials with an endorsement in teaching students with severe disabilities. I am married to Colleen Sand and have two children, Mason (Vol ’00, ’01; PSup ’04, ’07; PD Dominican Republic 2008, Panama 2010) and Keli (Oaxaca 2005).  I have been on the board of the Tucson Chapter of Amigos de las Américas for the last 10 years where I have served a term as the Treasurer and President.  

 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you're up to today.

 

I am currently employed by Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) as the Program Coordinator of the Community Transition Program.  The program provides specialized instruction and transition planning to high school students with disabilities.  TUSD is the second largest school district in Arizona and is very culturally and economically diverse.  My day is spent working directly with students, their families and community partners to insure the unique educational needs of students with disabilities are being met.

 

What have you accomplished that you are proud of doing?

I have worked in the field of Rehabilitation and Education for the past 32 years.  During this time, I have worked with numerous students and families from all parts of Latin America.  It is apparent that regardless of your country origin, disabled or not, education can be a great equalizer and makes the difference in a person’s quality of life.  One of the highlights of my career is the development and implementation of the TUSD’s Community Transition Programs.  The program uses a researched based educational model to provide high school students with disabilities with a meaningful instruction.  Located in the community and not on high school campuses, this exemplary model offers students the opportunity to continue their learning in integrated community environments with non-disabled peers.  Students work, volunteer, and interactively apply their academics in “real life” settings.

 

Additional Facts:

As an interesting tid bit, my partner in Honduaras 1972 was Andy Howick.  After many years of not being contact with him, we both found ourselves at IO’s annual Presidents meeting together.  Andy was the President of the Madison, WI Chapter of Amigos and I was the President of the Tucson Chapter.  One additional factoid is that when I was a volunteer in Paraguay in 1973, Emily Untermeyer was on Senior Staff.