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JiliannDeVilliers.jpgMeet Our Program Director

Dr. Jiliann De Villiers, affectionately known to her students and families as "Dr. Gigi", is a veteran of the Miami-Dade County Public School system. Dr. De Villiers began her career in 1988 as an Exceptional Student Education teacher working with children diagnosed with Autism, Down's Syndrome, multiple physical impairments, and Specific Learning Disabilities. She was among the pioneers who began implementing an Inclusion model for servicing children with special needs in the general classroom.

     In 1994, she left the classroom to become a Staffing Specialist. In that role, she was responsible for assisting in the diagnosis and placement of students with learning problems as well as designing educational programs to meet their individual needs. During this time, Dr. De Villiers helped to establish support programs for children with disabilities and their families across several schools in the county.


     In 1997, she worked as an elementary school administrator. Never losing sight of her love for helping children who face learning challenges, Dr. DeVilliers developed special intervention programs at her school that targeted children whose educational needs were not being met by the school system.


     In 2003, Dr. De Villiers began the ESE program at Highpoint Academy under the leadership, support and vision of the school's principal, Alicia A. Casanova. She has used her years of experience and training in order to design the program and services offered at the school. She personally does a complete evaluation of each student entering the program, designs an intervention program to meet their specific needs, and monitors their progress. She works directly with each family to provide support and answer any concerns they may have.

PA190022.JPGDr. Gigi plays the harp for her students during Hispanic Heritage celebration.




Dr. Gigi and Ms. Alicia gigialicia.jpggigialicia.jpg

                  Dr. Gigi's Credentials Include:

•    Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Special Education- University of Miami

•    Master of Science in Diagnostic Assessment - Florida International University


•    Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership - Nova Southeastern University

•    Doctor of Education - Nova Southeastern University
Dissertation consisted of a 4 year study aimed at helping elementary age students with reading disabilities close their achievement gap through the use of specific teaching techniques and programs.
       
Dr. De Villiers is certified through the Florida Department of Education in these areas:

•    Specific Learning Disabilities
•    Mental Retardation
•    Behavioral Disorders
•    Educational Leadership


Awards/Recognitions

1988        Golden Key National Honor Society – Life Member

1989        Outstanding College Student of America

1990        Beginning Teacher of the Year – Kensington Park Elementary (MDCPS)

1995        Outstanding Staffing Specialist – Region IV

2002        Assistant Principal of the Year – Greenglade Elementary (MDCPS)


Extra Curricular

1988      President,  Council for Exceptional Students – Univeristy of Miami Student Chapter

1993      Vice Chairperson, EH/SED Committee – Region IV

1999    ESE Chairperson, Region V Academic Excellence Committee – (MDCPS)

2000   Chairperson, Region V Administrative Committee – (MDCPS)

2008        Team Leader, walk Now For Autism

       2009    President - Florida Association for Special Education Facilities

Special Appearances and Interviews

       2007     Various Guest appearances on Genesis – WQBA AM Radio show on Autism     

       2008      Pinecrest Tribune – Interview

       2008      Guest appearance on “Hoy En Nuestra Comunidad” – Univision Television

       2009      Speaker at DAANS Educational Leadership Series – Presentation on Autism


Community Service

1989       Vice Chairperson, Special Olympics – (MDCPS)

       1991       Women’s Prison Ministry – Archdiocese of Miami

       1993       Word of Life Ministry - Archdiocese of Miami