College Living Experience

Name: Wendy Byrnes

Position at CLE:

Outreach Coordinator

Education/ Degree:

Background in fine art

Years at CLE:

1 (March 2007)

Area of specialty:

Outreach to the community, admissions and marketing

Why did you go into teaching/tutoring?

Out of a growing desire to see more students with learning challenges access post-secondary programs with appropriate supports in order to be able to succeed.

Why did you choose special education?

After working for the last 13 years as an advocate and activist for children with disabilities, this was a natural transition.

What keeps you motivated?

I feel fortunate to be among the first to meet students and their families when they come to us. I get to hear their personal stories and then watch those students who become enrolled make such incredible progress. It is amazing to see students as they recognize their own strengths then spread their wings and experience independence and success in the CLE program.

What is your favorite thing about working at CLE?

There is tremendous drive, spirit and dedication by this organization to do whatever it takes to help the students move ahead.