Past Project Participants

Richard M. Cash
District Supervisor of Gifted and Talented Programs
rcash@bloomington.k12.mn.us
952-681-6438

Richard M. Cash holds a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Theater, a Bachelor's of Science degree in Education, a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Doctorate  in Educational Leadership.  Throughout his more than 20 years in education, he has taught primary and middle grades as well as graduate level courses.  Currently, he is the Director of Gifted Programs, for the Bloomington Public Schools.   His areas of expertise are in brain-based learning, differentiated instruction and gifted education.  Dr. Cash is a highly sought-after professional developer who has worked with schools throughout the United States and internationally on developing educational environments where student learning is encouraged through engaging, enriching and enhancing experiences.  Richard’s forthcoming book Advancing Differentiation through 21st Century Thinking Skills, will be published by Free Spirit (freespirit.com), with an expected release date of August 2010.

Barbara Dullaghan
Elementary Gifted Coordinator
bdullagh@bloomington.k12.mn.us

Barbara is the Elementary Gifted and Talented Coordinator for Bloomington Public Schools.  Serving ten elementary schools as part of her collaboration /consultation role, she is also the Curriculum Coordinator for the Elements and Dimensions Programs for highly/profoundly gifted children in grades 2-5.  She has worked in the field of gifted ed for over 25 years and has worked closely with twice exceptional students in Michigan and North Carolina.

Julie  has served as Middle School Gifted Coordinator for Bloomington Public Schools since 2002.  Prior to that position, she spent ten years teaching high school English.  She earned her Master's Degree in Gifted Education, but it was her experience teaching Honors English that first introduced her to the concept of the twice-exceptional learner.  Vivid memories of bright students in her Honors English classes who struggled, due to profound learning disabilities, spur her to action and advocacy on behalf of these unique learners today.

Peggy Locke
Lead Autism Specialist
plocke@bloomington.k12.mn.us
952-681-6510

Peggy is currently an educational consultant, adjunct faculty at two Universities and the lead autism specialist in Bloomington, Minnesota. Prior to that Peggy was the Director of Technology at Courage Center, which is a national rehabilitation and resource center for people with physical disabilities, brain injuries, speech or vision impairments, and hearing loss.  Peggy has both a business background and extensive experience working with and for persons with disabilities. Prior to Courage Center, Peggy was the Director of Educational Research and Development at AbleNet Inc, a Minneapolis-based company that designed and manufactured simple technology for people with severe disabilities.  Peggy earned a Ph.D. in special education with an emphasis in autism and augmentative and alternative communication.  She spent more than 12 of her 30-year career as a special education teacher of K-12 grade pupils with severe disabilities and autism. She focused many years on the inclusion of children and adults with severe/profound disabilities through the use of simple-to-use technology.  In addition, Peggy has provided training and support to thousands of educators and families throughout the world who are interested in expanding the capabilities of their students and children through shared experiences that are accessible and enjoyable for all.  Through Peggy’s involvement in international organizations she advocates for people with disabilities to gain independence, participation and have opportunities for inclusion.

Kate Emmons
Special Education Director
kemmons@bloomington.k12.mn.us
952-681-6515