Credentials:
- Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Diverse Learning Communities, Molloy University, Rockville Centre, New York
- Master of Science, Adapted Physical Activity, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Bachelor of Science, Physical Education K-12, Adapted Physical Education, Manhattan College, Riverdale, New York
- DIR/Floortime Certificate of Proficiency
- NYS Certified Physical Education K-12 Teacher
- Member of American Education Research Association
- Member of Council for Exceptional Children
- Member Profound Autism Alliance
Professional:
Dr. Caitlin Sweetapple has been working with autistic students for more than a decade in several capacities. She was one of the founding teachers at Shrub Oak International School and is currently heading the Center for Autism Education Research at Shrub Oak which was created to explore, analyze, and call attention to a wide range of salient topics pertaining to quality education of autistic students. In addition to research, she manages the design and implementation of a robust training program at Shrub Oak that enables staff to provide a regulating and engaged learning environment for students.
Dr. Sweetapple has taught students aged 3-21 years old in various special education settings. She also has taught undergraduate courses at her alma mater, Manhattan College. Dr. Sweetapple received her master’s degree in Belgium from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, where she had extensive training from some of the top leaders in the field of special education and adapted physical education. She received her doctorate degree from Molloy University majoring in Educational Leadership in Diverse Learning Communities. Her dissertation topic focused on celebrating neurodiversity and combatting oppressive normativity in special education classrooms.
Personal:
Caitlin will find any excuse to be near a body of water, especially her happiest place, Montauk, New York. She is a firm believer that saltwater can fix any problem. In her spare time, she can be found paddle boarding, hiking, and best of all, playing and laughing with her toddler son and husband at playgrounds, parks, and splashpads all over Westchester County.
Working in Education since 2013
Working at Shrub Oak International School since 2018
