My name is Monica Braat and I currently work as a divisional inclusive learning consultant for the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education. I have worked at all school levels from k-12 and have direct experience with general, special, experiential, and inclusive education as a teacher and educational consultant. I believe strongly in inclusive education and that it benefits students without diagnosed disabilities as much as it benefits those with. When we strive to create the environments that ensure all students are present, represented, engaged, empowered, and learning, we optimize the learning of every student. 

I am a single adoptive mother to a now 23 year old son who has both Down syndrome and autism whose educational and life experiences have driven my passion for, and understanding of, inclusive education. A quest to make education and life better for him and other students with disabilities drove both my masters and doctoral research through the University of Lethbridge and the University of Western Ontario respectively. 

I believe our education system is ripe and ready for inclusive change but also that there are deep rooted systemic issues that must be examined and addressed to realize this change. Additionally, I believe that inclusive education is not an end goal but rather a mindset and process to be engaged in collaboratively. Little step by little step we can move forward in creating more authentically inclusive approaches to education and life. Thus, I have created space on this website for explorations related to both inclusive education and the collective leadership required to engage in the processes of becoming more inclusive. 

I appreciate that you have taken the time to explore this website and to join in my continued inclusive education learning journey.