With today’s tip, we want to introduce you to Michelle Oja, the new education specialist at the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) within the Office of Special Education. Michelle will be overseeing transition-related services across the state. She’ll be out and about, meeting many of you, as she gets to know Indiana, our Cadres of Transition Leaders, and the amazing things we are doing for transition-aged students.

In addition to overseeing transition planning (Indicator 13), Michelle will be involved with the Certificate of Completion, career technical education, and Choice Schools.

A little background: She graduated from Nazareth College of Rochester with her bachelor’s degree in English and Inclusive Education and her master’s degree in Adolescent Education. Michelle recently moved from Virginia to Indiana. Before coming to the IDOE, she was a special education teacher, working with high school and middle school students for the past ten years. Michelle is excited to begin working with Indiana teachers and administrators to support students with IEPs as they transition from school to adult life.

You can reach Michelle at 317-232-9065 or moja@doe.in.gov