Employee Testimonials - Director of CARE and Autism Outreach

Connie Coulter

Hear news radio talk show host Jack Rice from WCCO News/Talk 830 in Minneapolis, Minnesota interview Connie Coulter.

Connie Coulter is the Director of CARE and Autism Outreach at Heartspring. Coulter, a graduate of Fort Hays State University, with graduate work through the University of Kansas, and the University of North Carolina, has more than 20 years of experience in special education. This includes 10 years experience in supervision of special education staff and students throughout the Wichita public school system as the Autism Behavioral Consultant. From individual and family consultations to opening new programs for students with autism and Asperger syndrome, Coulter has presented on various topics related to Autism Spectrum Disorders throughout the state, as well as nationally. Her training and certifications in various areas of autism research include extensive, up to date work with the structured teaching model through the University of North Carolina Division TEACCH, training in functional behavior analysis, assessment, and behavior intervention plans covering all aspects of developmental disabilities through the University of Florida, completion of training with the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based Approach floor time model under Stanley Greenspan and Serena Weider, training in the area of Applied Behavior Analysis, and participation in over 100 conferences, workshops, and symposiums throughout the United States. As a member of the Kansas Governor’s Commission on Autism, Coulter hopes to be a responsible advocate for parents across the state.

Coulter brings an increased level of resources to parents that follow the research literature regarding the elements of professional interventions that are important for parents, specifically: teaching parents to understand the characteristics and nature of autism spectrum disorders; providing both individualized strategies and general interventions for skill development and behavior management; providing hands-on training in identifying and facilitating individualized interventions for each family; providing opportunities for parents to be a part of a supportive, welcoming network of professionals and other parents who understand and appreciate autism spectrum disorders and the struggles families often face; establishing a parent resource and education program at Heartspring. The focus of this program will be to provide parents with a foundation with which to build appropriate resources and interventions for their child and family as well.

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